Bappi Lahiri is no more. The legendary singer, who popularised disco music in Indian cinema, passed away following multiple health issues. Lahiri was 69.

“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, Juhu, told PTI.

The last rites for the singer will be held on Thursday, as the family is waiting for Bappa Lahiri, his son, to return from Los Angeles, US. “The last rites will be held at Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu,” Lahiri’s son-in-law, Govind Bansal told PTI.

Back in September 2021, reports had surfaced online that Bappi da had lost his voice. Lahiri was quick enough to dismiss the rumours by calling them disheartening. He continued to sing for his fans whenever possible. He last worked on “Ganpati Bappa Morya” in September 2021.

The singer-composer, with his trademark gold chains that he wore for luck, and his sunglasses, could make anyone dance to his tunes. Bappi Lahiri was known for foot-tapping numbers that were an essential part of movies in the late ’70s-’80, including Chalte Chalte, Disco Dancer, and Sharaabi. The music composer is considered to be the pioneer of synthesised disco music in Bollywood. While his discography is expansive, some of his songs, such as “I Am A Disco Dancer,” “Jimmy Jimmy,” “Pag Ghunghroo,” and “Tamma Tamma Loge,” remain iconic and still draw people to the dance floor. RIP, legend.

This is the second tragic news to hit music lovers and the industry in 10 days, with the passing of Lata Mangeshkar on February 6th, 2022. Having heard about her demise, Bappi da had said “In her going, I’ve lost my mother all over again.”

(Featured Image Credits: Instagram @bappilahiri)