Athiya Shetty posts Lata Mangeshkar for Asha Bhosle, netizens ask ‘how clueless can you be?’

The passing of legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle on April 12, 2026, triggered a wave of grief across India, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, film stars, and music lovers.

However, amid the nationwide mourning, actor Athiya Shetty found herself at the centre of a social media controversy after an apparent error in her tribute post.

Athiya, the daughter of veteran actor Suniel Shetty, shared a condolence message on Instagram shortly after news of Bhosle’s demise broke.

While the message expressed grief, users quickly pointed out a glaring mistake: the image accompanying her tribute was not of Asha Bhosle but of her elder sister, the late Lata Mangeshkar, who had passed away in February 2022.

The post was deleted within minutes, but by then, screenshots had already been widely circulated across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

 

The incident quickly snowballed into a larger online debate, with many users criticising the actor for what they described as a “careless” and “insensitive” error.

Social media reactions ranged from disappointment to sharp criticism. Several users questioned how such a mix-up could occur, especially given the stature of both singers.

“This is not a small mistake; these are two of India’s greatest musical icons,” one user wrote. Another post that gained traction accused the actor of lacking awareness, echoing a familiar criticism often directed at star kids in the industry.

However, the backlash also sparked a counter-discussion, with some users urging restraint and calling out the intensity of online trolling.

A section of netizens argued that while the mistake was unfortunate, it did not warrant personal attacks. “It’s an error, not a crime. The focus should be on remembering Asha Bhosle’s legacy,” one user commented.

Neither Athiya Shetty nor her team has issued an official statement on the incident so far. 

The controversy comes at a time when the country is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic voices.

Bhosle’s career spanned over seven decades, during which she recorded thousands of songs across multiple languages and genres.

Known for her versatility, she lent her voice to everything from classical compositions to cabaret numbers, carving a unique identity distinct from her sister Mangeshkar.

As tributes continue to pour in, many in the industry have emphasised the need to celebrate Bhosle’s unparalleled contribution to Indian music.

The brief social media storm surrounding Athiya Shetty has, in some ways, highlighted the pitfalls of instant digital reactions, where even a minor misstep can overshadow larger moments of national remembrance.

While the outrage may fade with time, the incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny public figures face in the age of social media, and the importance of accuracy, especially when paying tribute to cultural icons.