Bollywood's disco king Bappi Lahiri passes away; celebs mourn his demise

New Delhi: Singer-composer Bappi Lahiri, who is known for popularising disco music in India in the 80s and 90s, has died in a hospital in Mumbai on Tuesday night.

He was 69. As per a PTI report, Bappi Lahiri had been in hospital for a month while being treated on for multiple health issues.

"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 Lahiri's last rites will be held at Pawan Hans Crematorium on Thursday after his son Bappa arrives from the USA, reports PTI.

Tributes from Bollywood to Bappi Lahiri flooded in this morning.

Shreya Ghoshal, who sang Ooh La La with Bappi Lahiri for the 2011 film The Dirty Picture, shared a throwback picture with him and paid homage to the great musician.

Describing Bappi Lahiri as "the most iconic personality, a true rockstar of our country," she said, "Have been so fortunate to have had your blessings through my career, got several opportunities to sing with you. Bappi da, you have gone too soon. Will miss you terribly. Rest in peace. Om Shanti."

"The most iconic personality, a true rock star of our country. Have been so fortunate to have had your blessings through my career, got several opportunities to sing with you. Bappi da, you have gone too soon. Will miss you terribly. Rest in peace. Om Shanti."

Akshay Kumar 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."

Ajay Devgan 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. Shanti Dada. You will be missed."

Bappi Lahiri, 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.

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.

Bappi Lahiri's last Bollywood song was Bhankas for the 2020 film Baaghi 3. He is survived by his son Bappa and daughter Rema.