Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty is facing heavy criticism online after a mistake on Instagram. On April 12, 2026, just hours after legendary singer Asha Bhosle passed away, Athiya shared a tribute. However, instead of Asha Bhosle’s photo, she accidentally posted a picture of Lata Mangeshkar. She quickly deleted the post, but screenshots had already spread across social media. This led to strong reactions and criticism from many people online.
This mistake upset people because both singers are legends. Mixing them up during such an emotional moment felt disrespectful to fans who were mourning Asha Bhosle’s loss. Here’s a simple breakdown of what happened and why people reacted so strongly.
Asha Bhosle’s Passing Marks the End of an Era
Asha Bhosle passed away at the age of 96. She was one of India’s greatest singers, known for recording more than 12,000 songs in different languages.
Her songs ranged from energetic hits like Piya Tu Ab To Aaja to emotional melodies that became part of Indian cinema history.
Fans and celebrities shared tributes on social media. Stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan posted heartfelt messages along with her photos.
Her passing felt even more emotional because her sister Lata Mangeshkar had passed away earlier in 2022. This made the situation more sensitive for fans.
Athiya Shetty’s Tribute Post That Went Wrong
Athiya Shetty tried to share a tribute like many others. She posted an Instagram Story with a black-and-white photo. The problem was that the photo was of Lata Mangeshkar, while the caption was about Asha Bhosle. People noticed the mistake immediately. She deleted the story within minutes and uploaded a new one with the correct image. But by then, screenshots had already gone viral on platforms like Instagram and X (Twitter). Some people believe it was just a rushed mistake. Since both sisters often performed together, their photos can sometimes get confused. Still, many felt that such an error should not happen, especially from a public figure with millions of followers.
Social Media Backlash Grows Rapidly
Many people online were upset and called the mistake careless. Some comments were harsh and critical.
A few users mocked her, while others questioned her awareness. Some also brought up the topic of “nepotism,” saying celebrities from film families often get attention without effort.
At the same time, not everyone reacted negatively. Some people defended her, saying it was an honest mistake and that such things can happen, especially during emotional moments.
However, the negative reactions were stronger and spread quickly.
Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle and Their Musical Journey
Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle were sisters and two of the biggest names in Indian music.
Lata Mangeshkar was known for her soulful songs and was called the “Nightingale of India.” Asha Bhosle was famous for her versatility and sang many different styles of music.
They also sang beautiful duets together, which are still loved today.
Because of their strong connection and legacy, fans feel very emotional about both of them. That is why mixing them up, especially in a tribute, felt wrong to many people.
What This Means for Athiya Shetty
This controversy may not have a long-term impact on Athiya Shetty’s career. Social media trends often move quickly, and people may soon focus on something else. However, such moments can affect public image in the short term. Some believe that a simple apology could help calm the situation. Others feel it’s better to let the issue fade naturally. For now, the focus remains on remembering Asha Bhosle and her incredible contribution to music. Her voice and songs will continue to live on, even as fans say their final goodbye.
