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Popular singer-composer Bappi Lahiri passes away at 69: PM Modi and leaders pay tribute!

By alagu, 16 February, 2022
Bappi Lahiri, Mumbai, Narendra Modi, A R Rahman

Popular singer and composer Bappi Lahiri has passed away at the age of 69 in late hours on Tuesday -February 15 in Mumbai due to health complications. As a renowned face in the Indian art industry, Lahiri had a vital role in pioneering disco music in India in the 80s and 90s. After learning about his demise, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several leaders had paid tribute to the departed soul and expressed condolences to Lahiri's family. 

Lahiri was suffering from health ailments for the past few weeks and his demise was announced by the treating doctors on Wednesday. He was getting treated at the Criticare Hospital in Juhu and speaking to PTI, Dr Deepak Namjoshi, the director of the hospital said, "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", Namjoshi added. For music lovers, Lahiri's songs would be perennial so would be his contribution to the art industry. He had delivered popular songs in several films of the late 1970s-80s like 'Chalte Chalte', 'Disco Dancer', and 'Sharaabi'. 

He had predominantly worked in the Hindi industry and his last Bollywood song was 'Bhankas' for the 2020 film 'Baaghi 3'. Lahiri's last appearance on the screen was with Salman Khan on the reality show Bigg Boss 15, where he was promoting his grandson Swastik's new song 'Baccha Party'. His attire of wearing gold chains and sunglasses had poured him more prominence. 

He has attained global fame with 'Disco Dancer' and the song Jimmy Jimmy, Aaja Aaja and through composing music for the movies 'Zakhmee' and 'Lahu Ke Do Rang'. Fondly called Bappi Da in the industry, Lahiri was born in Kolkata in 1952 as Alokesh Lahiri and he got inspired in music through his parents - his father Aparesh Lahiri and his mother Bansari Lahiri, who were musicians. He had begun to play the tabla at the age of three and he married Chitrani Lahiri in 1977 and the couple had two children - Bappa Lahiri and Rema Lahiri. 

In 1985, Lahiri had won Filmfare Awards for Best Music Director for the movie 'Sharaabi' and he also had won Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. He was conferred with the Mirchi Music Awards in 2012 for the song 'Ooh La La' from the movie 'The Dirty Picture'. After learning about his demise, several leaders and celebrities have been paying condolences. 

President Ram Nath Kovind wrote, "Shri Bappi Lahiri was a matchless singer-composer. His songs found popularity not only in India but abroad. His diverse range included youthful as well as soulful melodies. His memorable songs will continue to delight listeners for a long time. Condolences to his family and fans." Vice President Venkaiah Naidu wrote, "In the demise of Shri Bappi Lahiri, India has lost yet another veteran singer and composer. Bappi Da will always be remembered for his foot-tapping numbers. My deepest condolences to his family and followers. Om Shanti!" 

In his tribute note, Prime Minister Narendra 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." Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar took to Twitter and wrote, "I really enjoyed Bappi Da's music, especially “yaad aa raha hai” - heard it several times in the dressing room. The range of his talent was truly amazing." 

Veteran actress Vidya Balan said, "I wish you joy wherever you go Bappi da because that's what you brought to the world through your music and your being. Love Always." Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman wrote, "#RIPbappida...Bappi Lahiri, the Disco King of Hindi cinema!." Popular author and poet Amit Khanna wrote, "Shocked to learn my friend and collaborator Bappi Lahiri is no more. We had created dozens of songs together. My heart reaches out to Chitrani, Rema, and Bappa." Lahiri's family has confirmed that Bappi Lahiri's funeral would take place on February 17. 

 

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