Bappi Lahiri dies at 69: India remembers the disco king

Bappi Lahiri dies: Bappi Lahiri popularised disco music in India in the 1980s and 1990s.

Iconic Bollywood singer-composer Bappi Lahiri, also known as "Disco King", died in a Mumbai hospital today following multiple health issues, news agency PTI reported. He was 69.

His death comes less than a fortnight after music icon Lata Mangeshkar died at the age of 92.

Moments after the news broke, social media was filled with tributes to Lahiri. People from all walks of life, including expressed their shock and grief. His trademark look, with gold chains that he wore for luck and his sunglasses, endeared him further to his fans.

“A legend rests in peace. Deeply saddened by the demise of popular music composer & singer Sh Bappi Lahiri Ji. My condolences to his family, fans & admirers. Om Shanti,” Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted.

A legend rests in peace.
Deeply saddened by the demise of popular music composer & singer Sh Bappi Lahiri Ji.
My condolences to his family, fans & admirers.
Om Shanti! pic.twitter.com/UYSNvMVZIZ

— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) February 16, 2022

“Saddened by the passing away of singer, composer and musician Bappi Lahiri ji. In a short span we have lost two legends in music #LataDi and #BappiDa, May their soulful voice and compositions reverberate in Heaven for eternity,” the BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla said on Twitter.

Actor Ajay Devgn said on Twitter, “Bappi Da was so endearing in person. But, his music had an edge. He introduced a more contemporary style to Hindi film music with Chalte Chalte, Suraksha and Disco Dancer.”

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta recalled the time he worked closely with Lahiri for for an ad film. “Man of incredible melody and talent,” he tweeted.

Another legend gone. #BappiLahiri. Had the good fortune of working closely with him when I shot an ad for p&g and then when I worked with White Feather Films for @_SanjayGupta. Man of incredible melody and talent. pic.twitter.com/FlQUiPm9yl

— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) February 16, 2022

Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh said Lahiri will be "fondly remembered for his mesmerising musical compositions which are loved by people of all ages."

Sad news of the passing away of legendary musician #BappiLahiri ji he will be fondly remembered for his mesmerising musical compositions which are loved by people of all ages. My condolences to the family. RIP #BappiDa ॐ शान्ति

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) February 16, 2022

After Lata tai, Bappi da. Looks like the heavens are in for a musical treat. pic.twitter.com/BcEAQF6BJ6

— Ashok Lalla (@ashoklalla) February 16, 2022

Bappi Lahiri is best known for his works in "Wardat", "Disco Dancer", "Namak Halaal", "Dance Dance", "Commando", "Saheb", "Gang Leader", "Sailaab" and "Sharaabi".  He popularised disco music in India in the 1980s and 1990s.

His last Bollywood song "Bankas" was for "Baaghi 3" in 2020. His last onscreen appearance was with Salman Khan on Big Boss 15, where he promoted grandson Swasti's new song Baccha Party.

Lahiri's neighbour and fellow Bollywood veteran, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit was among the first to condole the death, tweeting: "Shocked to hear about the demise of rockstar Bappi Lahiriji. Can’t believe my next door neighbour is no more. Your music will always remain in our hearts. Om Shanti!"