In a shocking piece of news, singer and composer Bappi Lahiri, known for bringing disco to the masses in India and creating a cult in the ’80s and ’90s with his racy music has passed away. Born Alokesh Lahiri, Bappi Da, as he was famously known, popularised the use of synthesized disco music in Indian cinema. Bappi Lahiri age was 69 at the time of his death.
After delivering successful music in Bengali films Amar Sangee, Asha O Bhalobasha, Aamar Tumi, Amar Prem, Mandira among others, he cemented his place in Bollywood during the 1980s and 1990s with film soundtracks such as Wardat, Disco Dancer, Namak Halaal, Sharaabi, Dance Dance. His songs for Mithun Chakraborty were well received and have remained in the collective consciousness till now.
Early on February 16, news agency PTI tweeted, “Veteran singer and music composer #BappiLahiri dies in Mumbai hospital, says doctor.” As per reports, Bappi Lahiri died in Criticare hospital in Juhu at 3am.
The veteran singer-composer had tested positive for COVID-19 in April last year and was confined to full bed rest. He was also being treated for multiple illnesses. He 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, following which he was brought to the hospital. Lahiri had multiple health issues and died due to OSA (obstructive sleep apnea).
Following the death of the legend, Criticare Hospital shared a statement which reads, “Bappi Lahiri was suffering from OSA- Obstructive Sleep Apnea and recurrent chest infection. He was treated by Dr.Deepak Namjoshi.He was hospitalised in Criticare Hospital, Juhu for 29 days with this. He recovered well and was discharged home on 15 February. However, after a day at home his health again deteriorated and he was brought back to Criticare hospital Juhu in a critical state and succumbed to his illness at about 11.45pm. He suffered from Covid infection last year. He had OSA since last 1 year. He was admitted on multiple occasions in Criticare Hospital under treatment of Dr.Deepak Namjoshi and recovered on all occasions.”
The family issued a statement following the demise of the legend, writing, “It’s a deeply sad moment for us. The cremation will take on arrival of Bappa From LA tomorrow mid morning ,We are seeking love and blessings for his soul.” As per reports,the funeral will be held tomorrow at Pawanhans.
His last onscreen appearance was with Salman Khan on Bigg Boss 15, where he had come to promote the launch of his grandson Swastik’s new song, Baccha Party.
Following the singer’s death, condolence messages started pouring in on social media with Gautam Chintamani, the author of Dark Star: The Loneliness of Being Rajesh Khanna, being one of the first to tweet, “Saddened to hear about #BappiLahiri’s demise. A icon and a legend, Bappi da struck an impeccable balance of mood, melody and arrangement when it came songs. An integral part of growing up, Bappi da will remain forever. Kabhi alvida na kehana… Om Shanti.”
The legendary singer’s demise comes days after the death of legend Lata Mangeshkar’s demise and hours after the death of Bengali singing legend Sandhya Mukherjee.
