PM Modi, President Kovind, celebrities mourn Bappi Lahiri's untimely death
Indian music composer and playback singer Bappi Lahiri died on Tuesday night, leaving behind a pall of gloom. Suffering from multiple health issues, Lahiri (69) died due to OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) at the CritiCare Asia Multispeciality Hospital, Mumbai. He had been undergoing treatment at the facility for the past month. Various leaders and actors came together to mourn Lahiri's passing.
Lahiri's music was all-encompassing: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to share a picture with Lahiri, calling his music to be "all-encompassing, beautifully expressing diverse emotions." "People across generations could relate to his works. His lively nature will be missed by everyone," he added. "Pained to learn about the passing away of...Bappi Lahiri ji," wrote Home Minister Amit Shah, calling his absence "a big void."
Read PM Modi's message here
President Kovind, ministers pay respects
"Shri Bappi Lahiri was a matchless singer-composer," tweeted President Ramnath Kovind. The composer's songs "found popularity not only in India but abroad," he wrote. "His diverse range included youthful as well as soulful melodies. His memorable songs will continue to delight listeners for (a) long time." Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Arunachal CM Pema Khandu, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also condoled his death.
'He made us proud,' tweets West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
Hindi, Bengali film actors left heartbroken
Known for his work in the Hindi and Bengali film industries, the Bengali singer-composer was also remembered by actors. "Grew up listening [to] your music, Bappi da...Your music shall play on forever," wrote Raveena Tandon. Similar prayers came from Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Vidya Balan, and Bhumi Pednekar. Tollywood actors like Prosenjit Chatterjee, Rituparna Sengupta, and Mimi Chakraborty also shared heart-rending messages.
Lahiri's last song came out in 2020
Credited widely for bringing a new wave of disco music to Indian celluloid, Lahiri not only composed songs but also lent his voice to some. His work in films like Disco Dancer, Dance Dance, Namak Halaal, Sharaabi, are especially noteworthy. His first Hindi film was Nanha Shikari in 1973, while his last Bollywood song is known to be Bhankas from Baaghi 3 (2020).