Chennai: The Disco King of Indian film music Bappi Lahiri passed away due to health issues today in Mumbai. He was 69. He popularised use of synthesized disco music in cinema.
Inspired by Elvis Pressley, he wore huge jewellery. Rendered many hits in Hindi & Bengali films. He worked in Tamil cinema too.
Some of his blockbusters in the 1980s and 1990s included soundtracks such as Disco Dancer, Sharaabi, Namak Halaal, Dance Dance, Commando, Sailaab, Saheb, among others. Lahiri also sang some of his own compositions. the first Hindi film for which he composed music was Nanha Shikari (1973) while his last Bollywood song was ‘Bhankas’ for the 2020 film ‘Baaghi 3’.
Lahiri was born into a Bengali family in Jalpaiguri, to Aparesh Lahiri and Bansuri Lahiri. His parents were both Bengali classical musicians. He had delivered major box office successes in Bengali films, the most iconic being Amar Sangee, Asha O Bhalobasha, Aamar Tumi, Amar Prem, among others.
Lahiri got his first opportunity to score music in a Bengali film, Daadu (1972)
In his long illustrious career, Lahiri had worked with singers across generations, including Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Alisha Chinai and Usha Uthup. He continued working through the 1990s when he provided music for the Prakash Mehra produced ‘Dalal’ which starred Mithun Chakraborty.
Bappi Lahiri also tried his luck in politics. He was a BJP candidate from Srerampur (Lok Sabha constituency) in 2014.
PM pays tributes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the demise of Bappi Lahiri. He said that his lively nature will be missed by everyone.
Shri Bappi Lahiri Ji’s music was all encompassing, beautifully expressing diverse emotions. People across generations could relate to his works. His lively nature will be missed by everyone. Saddened by his demise.
Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti, Modi said in a tweet. Many popular film personalities have also expressed condolences.