Fact-Check: Did Asha Bhosle "Go Mad" in Old Age?
Fact-Check: Did Asha Bhosle "Go Mad" in Old Age?
The claim that legendary singer Asha Bhosle has "gone mad in old age" is false and baseless.
her son Anand Bhosle has publicly refuted these rumors, confirming that she is alive, mentally sound, and continues to make public appearances
At 91, Bhosle performed at a Dubai concert in January 2025
Claim Overview:
Viral YouTube videos and social media posts (mostly from late 2024 and early 2025) suggest that legendary Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle (born September 8, 1933; age 92 as of 2025) suffered a mental breakdown or "went mad" in her old age, often framed as "punishment for her deeds" tied to her personal life, such as her elopement, sibling rivalry with Lata Mangeshkar, or family tragedies.
These videos use sensational titles like "Why Did Asha Bhosle Go Mad In Old Age?" but provide no evidence, relying on unverified anecdotes or fiction.
Key Evidence Against the Claim:
Active and Performing in 2025: At 91, Bhosle performed at a Dubai concert in January 2025, singing and attempting dance moves to the viral hit "Tauba Tauba" from Bad Newz. She defied age stereotypes, showcasing energy and engagement with modern trends. Experts in the article praised her as an inspiration for mental and physical fitness in seniors, recommending activities like hers (e.g., hobbies, social interaction) to maintain cognitive health.
No Health Declines Reported:
Her Wikipedia page (updated through 2025) details personal struggles—
abusive first marriage (elopement at 16, separation in 1960),
rivalry with sister Lata (resolved later),
daughter's suicide (2012),
son's death from cancer (2015),
second husband's passing (1994)—
but notes no mental health issues for Bhosle herself.
She channeled grief into work, including acting in Mai (2013), where she portrayed an Alzheimer's patient (a role, not reality).
Positive Mental Health Focus:
In a 2022 interview, Bhosle credited hobbies like cooking for her emotional well-being, stating she'd have been a professional chef if not a singer.
This aligns with mental health advice: Pursuits like hers reduce stress and boost resilience, countering any "decline" narrative.
Rumor Origins:
The claims trace to low-credibility YouTube channels (e.g., videos from December 2024–January 2025) blending her real biography with unsubstantiated drama.
Similar to debunked death hoaxes in July 2025 (falsely claiming she passed away, refuted by son Anand Bhosle), these exploit her icon status for views.
Fact-checks on those hoaxes found zero evidence, and the "madness" trope echoes outdated Bollywood stereotypes of mental illness as "punishment."
Bhosle has sung over 12,000 songs in 20+ languages, holds Guinness records, and remains a Padma Vibhushan recipient.
At 92, she's cooking, performing, and inspiring—far from any "madness."
If rumors stem from grief, it's worth noting:
Family losses impacted her deeply, but she sought solace in music and routines, modeling healthy coping.
Verdict: FALSE.
This is a baseless rumor, likely clickbait exploiting her age, past hardships, and cultural stigma around mental health in Bollywood narratives.
No credible news outlets, biographies, or official statements support it. Instead, recent reports highlight her continued vitality and mental sharpness.
Such fake news not only disrespects a cultural icon but also highlights the urgent need for responsible reporting and fact-checking on social platforms.
Watch Video -
At 91, Asha Bhosle stunned Dubai audience with "Tauba Tauba"
