Days after India’s nightingale Lata Mangeshkar passed away, today the music world suffered another big casualty as Bappi Lahiri, the Disco King of Bollywood, left this world.
The singer was in a Mumbai hospital for a month and died of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) shortly before midnight.
As per the doctors of the hospital, the singer was admitted to the hospital about a month ago. He was discharged on Monday, February 14. However, his health deteriorated due to multiple health issues, and was brought back to the hospital. The doctors at the CritiCare Hospital told PTI, “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.”
He was 69 years old and has been survived by his wife Chitrani and two children Bappa and Rema.
Born on November 27, 1952, Bappi Lahiri’s real name was Alokesh Lahiri. His parents were well-known Bengali singers and his maternal uncle was legendary Kishore Kumar. He was initially trained by his parents who ere also in close contact with Lata Mangeshkar.
Tributes from Bollywood to Bappi Lahiri flooded in this morning. Akshay Kumar tweeted: “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 Devgan tweeted: “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 and Disco Dancer. Shanti Dada. You will be missed.”
Bappi Lahiri, one of the most influential figures in Indian film music, was a pioneer of disco in the Bollywood of the 80s and 90s, composing superhit soundtracks for films such as Disco Dancer, Dance Dance, Chalte Chalte and Namak Halaal. He also had extensive music credits in the world of Bengali cinema. He sang several of his own compositions, among them Koi Yaha Naache Naache from Disco Dancer and Pyar Bina Chain Kaha from Saheb. Bappi da, as he was known fondly, cut a dashing figure with his trademark gold chains and sunglasses.
