Iconic singer-composer Bappi Lahiri, who introduced synthesised disco beats to Bollywood, died at a hospital in the western city of Mumbai around midnight on Tuesday. He was 69.
Lahiri, who had Covid last year, was rushed to Mumbai’s CritiCare Hospital at 11.30pm on Tuesday by his family members after he complained of discomfort. He was declared dead by the hospital doctors a little later.
Hospital director Deepak Namjoshi told the media on Wednesday morning that Lahiri had, in fact, been admitted to the hospital for a month for various health issues and was discharged only on Monday.
“But his health deteriorated on Tuesday again. When the family got him to the hospital, his blood pressure was low and the pulse couldn’t be felt. We tried to revive him but it was too late,” Dr Namjoshi said.
“Lahiri died due to obstructive sleep apnea shortly before Tuesday midnight,” he added.
Originally from Bengal, Lahiri shot to fame in Bollywood in the 1980s and 1990s for his music in blockbusters like ‘Wardat’, ‘Disco Dancer’, ‘Namak Halaal’ and ‘Sharaabi’. His last Bollywood song was for ‘Baaghi 3’ in 2020.
Lahiri’s last public appearance though was on reality TV show ‘Big Boss 15’, where he had appeared with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan to promote his grandson Swasti’s new song Baccha Party.
From Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to Bollywood celebrities like Akshay Kumar and music maestro AR Rahman, all took to social media to pay their tributes to the departed soul.
“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,” Modi tweeted.
Mamata wrote: “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.”
Akshay also took to Twitter to express his condolences. “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.”
Rahman also wrote, “#RIPBappida… Bappi Lahiri, the Disco King of Hindi cinema!”
In 2014, Lahiri joined Prime Minister Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and was made its candidate from Srerampur parliamentary constituency in Bengal. He, however, failed to make it to the Indian Parliament.
Source: United News of Bangladesh