Music composer and singer Bappi Lahiri has passed away at the age of 69, PTI reported. He breathed his last in a Mumbai hospital.
Lahiri, who popularised disco music in Indian cinema in the 80s and 90s, died following multiple health issues on Tuesday night at the CritiCare Hospital in Juhu.
The 69-year-old had been admitted to the hospital for a month and was discharged on Monday.
"But his health deteriorated on Tuesday and his family called for a doctor to visit their home. He was brought to the hospital. He had multiple health issues. He died due to OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) shortly before midnight," Dr Deepak Namjoshi, director of the hospital, told PTI.
Lahiri was primarily known for his contribution in popularising the sound of disco music in India. Known for his success with Bengali films like Amar Prem, Mandira, Badnam, Aamar Tumi among others, Lahiri also contributed significantly to the soundtrack of Bollywood movies in the 80s and 90s (read Disco Dancer, Namak Halaal, Dance Dance, Sharaabi and more).
Born Alokesh Lahiri, the music composer is credited as a pioneer of synthesised disco music in Indian cinema during 1970s to 1990s with songs like I am a disco dancer, Jimmy Jimmy, Intehaan ho gayi, Tamma Tamma Loge,
Yaar bina chain kahan re, and Aaj rapat jaaye to, among others.
In the 2000s, Lahiri was also one of the singers who sang Tune Maari Entriyaan from 2014's Gunday. The lyrics for the Bengali version of the song were penned by Lahiri and Gautam Susmit.
The singer is survived by his wife Chitrani, two children -- daughter Reema, who is also a singer, and music composer, son Bappa Lahiri.
The last rites will be held on Thursday upon Bappa Lahiri's return from Los Angeles, US.
The reactions started pouring in as people woke up to the news of Bollywood music legend Bappi Lahiri’s death.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to the music legend. "Shri Bappi Lahiri Ji’s music was all encompassing, beautifully expressing diverse emotions. People across generations could relate to his works. His lively nature will be missed by everyone. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," Modi tweeted.
Lahiri had unsuccessfully contested elections on a BJP ticket in Bengal.
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shared a post on Twitter, "Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of legendary singer and music composer Bappi Lahiri. A boy from our North Bengal, he rose to all-India fame and success by the dint of his sheer talent and hard work, and made us proud by his musical contributions."
"Received the sad news of the demise of famous singer and composer Shri Bappi Lahiri ji. Bappi Da's passing is a great loss to the music world. May God give place to the departed soul at his feet and give strength to the family members and their loved ones to bear this loss," Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar mourned the loss of Lahiri through a post on Twitter. "Today we lost another gem from the music industry… Bappi Da,your voice was the reason for millions to dance, including me. Thank you for all the happiness you brought through your music. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Om Shanti."
Ajay Devgn shared via Twitter, "Bappi Da was so endearing in person. But, his music had an edge. He introduced a more contemporary style to Hindi film music with Chalte Chalte, Suraksha & Disco Dancer. 🕉 Shanti Dada🙏 You will be missed."
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit also followed suit, writing: “Shocked to hear about the demise of rockstar #BappiLahiri ji.”
Director Kunal Kohli added: “#KingOfDisco RIP #BappiLahiri #Bappida started the disco revolution in India. One of my fav albums & songs of his is Chalte Chalte by Kishore Kumar. All songs of the film/album blockbuster hits.”
"Grew up listening your music , Bappi da, you had your own style and always a smiling face . Your music shall play on forever .. OmShanti, Shanti, Shanti. 🙏🏻🕉🙏🏻" tweeted Tandon.
AR Rahman remembers the music giant. "#RIPbappida …..Bappi Lahiri, the Disco King of Hindi cinema!" Rahman tweeted.
Vishal Dadlani also shared a post on twitter, "Just heard about #BappiDa's demise. I'm stunned. He will forever be a legend, but more than that, he was a friend. We shared a mutual love & respect, & I'm grateful that VS were the first composers he sang for outside of his own songs. This was at Zee #SRGMP on 8 Nov 2021."
