Legendary singer-composer Bappi Lahiri, who popularised disco music in India in the 80s and 90s, has passed away following multiple health issues, a doctor treating him said on Wednesday, February 16. 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, told PTI.
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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 popular songs in several films of the late 70s-80s. 'I Am a Disco Dancer', 'Raat Baaki Baat Baaki', 'Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost', 'Naino Main Sapna', 'Taaki O Taaki', 'Humko Aaj Kal Hain Intezaar', 'Yaar Bina Chain Kahan Re', Yaad Aa Raha Hai', and 'Tamma Tamma Loge' are some of the most famous tracks composed by the Disco king. For several years, Bappi Lahiri commanded the music industry.
Bappi Da, as he was fondly called in the Hindi film industry, was born as Alokesh Lahiri in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal to Bengali singers and musicians Aparesh Lahiri and Bansuri Lahiri in 1952. Legendary playback singer-actor Kishore Kumar was his maternal uncle, with whom he delivered successful songs such as 'De De Pyar De', 'Inteha Ho Gayi', and 'Pag Ghunghroo Bandh'.
The veteran even won the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director in 1985 for composing the 'Sharaabi' soundtrack. His last Bollywood song was 'Bhankas' for the 2020 film 'Baaghi 3', which he himself recreated from his own hit 'Ek Aankh Maru To' picturised on Jeetendra and Sridevi in the 1984 film 'Tohfa'.
