Singer Asha Bhosle has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts by the University of Salford.

The 86-year-old from Goar, India, attended the Greater Manchester Indian partnership meet in Mumbai, India, this morning and was presented with the award by the University.

Speaking after accepting the doctorate, Bhosle said:

“This is my first PhD from a major UK university and I feel overjoyed that my contribution to music has been recognised by an international educational institution. I hope it inspires musicians all over the globe.”

Asha Bhosle has recorded over 22,000 songs in more than 20 different languages, she has also received a number of awards throughout her illustrious career which began in 1947.

In 2002 she was awarded the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award which was presented by former Prime Minister Tony Blair, and in 2011 she was named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most recorded artist in the history of music. The record certificate was presented to Asha Bhosle by Lord Sebastian Coe.

The Government of India have also recognised Asha’s achievements and awarded her the Padma Vibhushan which is the second highest civilian award of the Republic of India.

Asha is also a recipient of The Freddie Mercury Award, which she was given for her Outstanding Achievement in Arts.

Jo Purves, Pro Vice Chancellor at The University of Salford was there to present the award, she said: “Asha’s achievements as a musician cannot be understated.

“Throughout her career, Asha has left a lasting impression in the industry by transforming traditional Hindustani music to inspire future generations across all nations to get involved in arts and the media.

“We’re truly delighted to be honouring Asha for her accomplishments whilst celebrating her influence on modern British culture.”

Bhosle is well known internationally, in 1997 she became the first Indian singer to be nominated for a Grammy Award.

During the same year, British rock band Cornershop, released a song titled ‘Brimful of Asha’ dedicated to the Indian singer.

The song topped the UK charts in February 1998 and was remixed by Fatboy Slim.

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