Bollywood composer-singer Bappi Lahiri, known for his synthesised disco beats, died in a hospital in Mumbai on Tuesday night at the age of 69.
He had been in hospital for a month being treated for multiple health issues and died of sleep apnea, reports news agency PTI.
Bappi Da, as he was known fondly, will be cremated on Thursday after the arrival of son Bappa from the US.
A statement from his family reads: “It’s a deeply sad moment for us. Our beloved Bappi Da has left for heavenly abode last midnight. The cremation will take on arrival of Bappa from LA tomorrow mid-morning. We are seeking love and blessings for his soul.”
He is survived by his wife, son Bappa and daughter Rema.
“Bappi 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 CritiCare hospital, told PTI.
Bappi, one of the most influential figures in Indian film music, was a pioneer of disco in the Bollywood of the 80s and 90s, composing superhit soundtracks for films such as Disco Dancer, Dance Dance, Chalte Chalte and Namak Halaal. He also had extensive music credits in the world of Bengali cinema. He sang several of his own compositions, among them Koi Yaha Naache Naache from Disco Dancer and Pyar Bina Chain Kaha from Saheb.
Bappi da cut a dashing figure with his trademark gold chains and sunglasses.
Bappi Lahiri, real name Alokesh, had a brief career as a politician as well, joining the BJP in 2014. He lost the Lok Sabha election that year to a Trinamool candidate.
His last Bollywood song was Bhankas for the 2020 film Baaghi 3.
