Bappi Lahiri: India’s legendary singer-composer dies at 69
After Lata Mangeshkar’s death, the Indian music industry has suffered another traumatic loss as the legendary singer-composer Bappi Lahiri died at 69.
After Lata Mangeshkar’s death, Indian music industry has suffered another traumatic loss as the legendary singer-composer Bappi Lahiri died at 69 from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) at a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday.
Bappi Lahiri was known as Bollywood’s disco legend who popularised the genre of dance music in the Indian cinema in the 80s and 90s.
CritiCare Hospital’s director Deepak Namjoshi said Lahiri “had been admitted to the hospital for a month and was discharged on Monday (14 February).”
However, “his health deteriorated on Tuesday (15 February) and his family called for a doctor to visit their home. He was brought to the hospital,” according to Independent UK.
The family has released an official statement. According to it, the funeral will take place after the arrival of his son Bappa from the US on Thursday (tomorrow), according to Times of India.
The official statement read, ‘It’s a deeply sad moment for us. Our beloved Bappi Da has left for heavenly abode last midnight. The cremation will take place on arrival of Bappa From LA tomorrow mid morning. We are seeking love and blessings for his soul. We will keep you updated. – Mrs .Lahiri, Mr.Gobind Bansal, Bappa Lahiri, Rema Lahiri.’
“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,” Dr Deepak Namjoshi told PTI.
Bengali films including Amar Sangee, Asha O Bhalobasha, Aamar Tumi, Amar Prem, Mandira, Badnam, Raktelekha, and Priya were amongst the major box office successes of Bappi Lahiri’s career.
One of his most popular tunes, still widely listened to today, has been “I Am A Disco Dancer” for the 1982 Bollywood movie Disco Dancer, starring actor Mithun Chakraborty, who is from Lahiri’s home state of West Bengal.
The singer-composer had also contested the national elections in 2014 on the ticket of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from his home state after joining politics, however, he had lost.
Lahiri’s death comes after the death of Lata Mangeshkar, one of the country’s most popular and beloved singers. She had died aged 92, having tested positive for Covid last month. Legendary Bengali singer Sandhya Mukherjee also passed away on Tuesday at the age of 90.
