MUMBAI, Feb 16:
Singer-composer Bappi Lahiri, famous for his disco beats in Hindi films of the 70s and 80s and also some soulful crooning, has died following multiple health issues. He was 69.
Lahiri died on Tuesday night at the CritiCare Hospital in Juhu.
“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, said on Wednesday.
The singer-composer, a familiar figure for many with his trademark gold chains that he wore for luck and his sunglasses, was known for his songs in films such as “Chalte Chalte”, “Disco Dancer”, and “Sharaabi”.
Lahiri, who also ventured into politics when he joined the BJP in 2014, is survived by his wife Chitrani and two children — daughter Reema, also a singer, and composer Bappa Lahiri.
He contested from the Lok Sabha seat of Srerampur in West Bengal but lost to Kalyan Banerjee of the All India Trinamool Congress.
In September last year, Bappi Lahiri, who is believed to have ushered in the golden age of disco music in India, dismissed reports that he had lost his voice and said such rumours were disheartening. Click here to watch video
His last rites will be held tomorrow at Juhu’s Pawan Hans crematorium on his musician-son Bappa Lahiri’s arrival from Los Angeles, US, Lahiri’s son-in-law Govind Bansal said.
“It’s a deeply sad moment for us. Our beloved Bappi Da has left for heavenly abode last midnight… We are seeking love and blessings for his soul,” the family said in a statement.
For many fans and colleagues, it is too early to bid ‘alvida’ to the music composer who scored the memorable “Chalte chalte mere geet yaad rakhna”, penned by Amit Khanna.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those who mourned his death, saying Lahiri’s lively nature will be missed by everyone.
“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,” the Prime Minister tweeted with a picture. (PTI)
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