Rest in peace Bappi Lahiri: Bollywood pays tribute to the veteran singer-composer

Music composer and singer Bappi Lahiri, who popularised disco music in India in the 80s and 90s, died at Mumbai's CritiCare Hospital today. He was 69.

'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 the hospital, told PTI.

Fondly known as Bappi da, he was as much known for his hit numbers as he was for his fascination for gold. Bollywood celebs took to their social media handles to pay tribute to the veteran singer.

Ajay Devgn took to Twitter to mourn the demise of Bappi Lahiri. Ajay tweeted, “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. You will be missed.”

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has thanked Bappi Lahiri for “all the happiness you brought through your music”. Akshay tweeted, “Today we lost another gem from the music industry… Bappi Da, your voice was the reason for millions to dance, including me. Thank you for all the happiness you brought through your music. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Om Shanti.”

Music maestro AR Rahman mourned the demise of legendary composer and singer Bappi Lahiri. Rahman tweeted, “#RIPBappida… Bappi Lahiri, the Disco King of Hindi cinema!”

Bollywood actress Kajol paid an emotional tribute to Bappi Lahiri on her Instagram. Sharing a throwback of Lahiri, Kajol wrote, “Today we lost the disco king, Bappi Da you were not only an amazing music composer and singer but also a beautiful and happy soul. End of an Era. May your soul rest in peace. #RIP #BappiLahiri.”

Vishal Dadlani expressed his shock on hearing the news and wrote, "I'm stunned. He will forever be a legend, but more than that, he was a friend."

We shared a mutual love & respect, & I'm grateful that VS were the first composers he sang for outside of his own songs.

Hansal Mehta wrote, "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."

Also Watch: 'Bachcha Party' song out: Saregama launches Bappi Lahiri's grandson in new peppy number

Bappi Lahiri delivered popular songs in several films of the late 1970s-80s like 'Chalte Chalte', 'Disco Dancer', and 'Sharaabi'. His last Bollywood song titled Bhankas was for the 2020 film 'Baaghi 3'. The singer's last appearance on the screen was with Salman Khan on reality show Bigg Boss 15, where he was promoting his grandson Swastik's new song 'Baccha Party'.