Restaurant's tribute to 'down-to-earth' founder

Owners of a UK restaurant founded by cultural icon Asha Bhosle have paid tribute to the "down to earth and passionate" star, after she died aged 92.

The unrivalled queen of Indian playback singing died in Mumbai on Sunday, after suffering a heart attack.

Bhosle started Asha's restaurants in 2002, opening her first in Dubai before expanding across the Middle East.

Birmingham was chosen for the first Asha's in the UK in 2006 and it soon became a favourite hangout for celebrities like Tom Cruise, Pink and Ed Sheeran. Manager Noumann Farooqi paid tribute to Bhosle as "more than an icon to us, she was like a family member".

"She was a very down to earth person despite her high status, always caring and asking about the team and our families," he said.

He recalled her visits to the Birmingham branch of the chain and how she was always passionate about how to elevate the brand.

"She was very involved, it wasn't just about her using her name or not that she didn't trust us, she just wanted to make sure that whatever she was cooking in her kitchen was done the same way in the restaurant," he said.

Farooqi said the late singer was dedicated to maintaining the quality of her dishes, often traveling to gather new ideas on how to improve the menu or dining experience.

"She always said, 'All of these restaurants are my home, and all the people dining are my guests'. She wanted us to understand that."

The two-time Grammy nominee was cremated at the city's Shivaji Park on Monday with full state honours.

The ceremony was attended by celebrities and politicians, with scenes at the venue showing large crowds gathered outside to bid her farewell.

Paul Bassi CBE, co-owner of Asha's Indian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar on Newhall Street, said the team was mourning "an immense loss".

He said: "Asha Bhosle was not only the voice that inspired generations, she was also our beloved founder.

"We fondly remember her many visits to Asha's Birmingham and are so grateful for the vision she shared with us.

"Asha is like Bollywood royalty and when she visited us, her coming to our restaurant was a bit like having Madonna and Beyonce all wrapped up in one.

"While we mourn this immense loss, myself and all our staff at Asha's remain dedicated to honouring her memory by continuing the culinary journey she so dearly loved."

Despite her passing, the restaurant will continue to honour her legacy by playing her music and maintaining her standards.

"She always told us the show must go on, so we will be open as usual and take her brand to the next level," Bassi said.

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