Singer-composer Bappi Lahiri dies at 69
He popularised disco music in Indian films during the 1970s-80s
Indian music composer, singer, and record producer Bappi Lahiri passed away at Mumbai's CritiCare Hospital.
The 69-year old had been suffering from multiple health issues, reports the NDTV.
"Lahiri 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 the Press Trust of India (PTI) on Wednesday (16 February).
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Bappi Lahiri was born on 27 November, 1952 in Jalpaiguri; his real name was Alokesh Lahiri.
Bappi Lahiri popularised disco music in Indian films during the late 1970s, 80s and 90s. "Bappi Da" as he was fondly known, was a prominent figure in Bengali music also.
He was known for his love for gold jewellery. In an old interview, the legendary singer-composer had said that for him, "gold is lucky."
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep condolences over the demise of Bappi Lehri during a statement on Wednesday.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief and said people across generations could relate to Bappi Lahiri's works and that his lively nature would be missed by all.
Taking to Twitter, Modi wrote: "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."
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recalled the musician as a boy from north Bengal who gained nationwide fame due to sheer talent and hard work
Lahiri also had a brief career as a politician as well, joining the BJP in 2014. He lost the Lok Sabha election that year to a Trinamool candidate.
The singer's last appearance on the screen was with actor Salman Khan on the reality show Bigg Boss 15, where he was promoting his grandson Swastik's new song "Baccha Party". His last Bollywood song titled Bhankas was for the 2020 film Baaghi 3.
In April last year, the singer had been admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital after testing positive for Covid. He recovered after a few days.
Bappi Lahiri is survived by his son Bappa and daughter Rema.
