Mumbai: The pop king of the Bollywood music industry, Bappi Lahiri, passed away in Criticare Hospital of Juhu, Mumbai, on February 15, 2022. He was 69 years old.
“Bappi Lahiri died a little before midnight. His blood pressure was low and his pulse couldn’t be felt when he was taken to the hospital by his relatives. We tried to resuscitate him, but it was too late,” Dr. Deepak Namjoshi, Lahiri’s physician, cardiologist , and pulmonologist said.
The hospital also released an official statement confirming that Lahiri had died from OSA- Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Lahiri was born into a Bengali Brahmin family in the Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, to parents Aparesh and Bansuri Lahiri. His parents were Bengali vocalists and performers in classical music. The only child in the family, Lahiri began playing the tabla at the age of three. He arrived in Mumbai at the age of 19.
He composed his debut score in the 1973 Hindi film, Ninha Shikari, and made his Bollywood debut in Kishor Kumar’s Badhi Ka Naam Dadhi. Kumar was one of his maternal relatives. He got a break in the Bengali cinema with the 1974 film, Daadu, where he made Lata Mangeshkar perform his composition.
Bappi Lahiri became famous for his soundtracks in the 80s-90s era of Bollywood. The late singer is known for his soundtracks in films like Aangan Ki Kali, Naya Kadam, Wardat, Disco Dancer, Hathkadi, Namak Halal, Masterji, Dance Dance, Himmatwala, Justice Chaudhary, Tohfa, Maqsad, Commando, Gang Leader, Sailaab, and Sharaabi.
His last Bollywood song was Bhankas from film, Baaghi 3 in 2020 and he was last seen promoting his grandson Swastik’s new song, Baccha Party, on Bigg Boss 15.
Several fans and celebrities paid tribute to Bappi Lahiri on hearing about his demise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and wrote, “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.”