One of the Indian music industry pillars, legendary Bappi Lahiri passed away late on Tuesday at the age of 69. He was a singer, composer, politician, and record producer. His real name was Alokesh Lahiri. He was fondly known as Bappi Lahiri. The singer also known as ‘Disco King’ was famous for his inimitable dressing style, overwhelmed by gold chains all the time.
Early Life, parents, and relatives
He was born on November 27, 1952, into a Bengali Brahmin family in Jalpaiguri. Paresh Lahiri and Bansuri Lahiri were his parents. Both of them were Bengali singers and musicians in classical music and Shyama Sangeet. Bappi Lahiri was their only child. His relatives include personalities such as Kishore Kumar. Kishore kumar was his maternal uncle.
The singer had been facing health issues for some time and died of Obstructive Sleep Apnea at CritiCare Hospital in Juhu, Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, actors Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar, and musician AR Rahman were among those who paid respect to Lahiri.
The announcement in regards to the funeral
His family made an official statement about his demise. They announced that his funeral will be held on Thursday. The statement said that It was a deeply sad moment for all of them. They mentioned that the cremation will take place on the arrival of Bappa (his son) from Los Angeles. His wife Chitrani Lahiri, Gobind Bansal, children Bappa Lahiri and Rema Lahiri signed the statement.
Health Condition and treatment
Bappi Lahiri had to admit to CritiCare Hospital on January 22nd for a chest infection and obstructive sleep apnea, according to hospital director Dr. Deepak Namjoshi. He remained admitted to CritiCare Hospital for 29 days. It also includes 18 days that he spent in the intensive care unit. He recovered well and his parameters were stable as he was undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation. The hospital released him on 14th Feb’22 and he spent one and half days at home. After that, his health started to fail again, prompting his family to seek medical help. They had to re-admit him to the hospital on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. His health condition was critical. Doctors attempted to resuscitate him, but he passed away about 11:40 -11:45 p.m. the same day.
The singer was very popular during 1980s and 1990s for his music in bollywood movies such as Wardat, Disco Dancer, Namak Halaal, Sharaabi, Naya Kadam, Masterji, Bewafai, Maqsad, Suraag, Insaaf Main Karoongaa, Dance Dance, Commando, Saaheb, Gang Leader, Sailaab.
Statement by hospital
Bappi Lahiri suffered from OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) and repeated chest infections, according to a hospital statement. He was treated by Dr. Deepak Namjoshi. He remained hospitalized in Criticare Hospital, Juhu for 29 days. He made a decent recovery from his illness and the hospital discharged him on February 14th. But after spending a day at home, his health started to fail again. He was admitted to Criticare hospital in a critical state. And he passed away from his sickness on Tuesday, February 14th, at about 11:45 p.m. He had suffered from Covid infection last year. He also had been suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea since last year. Since then, he had to admit to Criticare Hospital several times. Dr. Deepak Namjoshi treated him and he recovered on all occasions except this time.
PM Modi sent condolences on his demise saying that Shri Bappi Lahiri Ji’s music was all-encompassing, beautifully expressing diverse emotions. Individuals over eras could relate to his works and everyone will miss his exuberant nature.
Few memories
Bappi Lahiri was affectionately known as Bappi da. People know him best for making disco music prevalent within the Indian mainstream cinema. Singer experienced tremendous success within the 1980s and 90s and earned the title ‘Disco King’ because of his work in movies such as Disco Dancer, Namak Halaal, Dance Dance, and Commando.
In 2019, the singer expressed his gratitude and told PTI after completing 50 years in the industry that he felt so proud for his journey and to have worked with all extremely talented people in the film industry. He further said that in simple words, his life was from Dilip Kumar to Ranveer Singh. From Dharm Adhikari to Gunday, he did it all.
Political Career
Bappi Lahiri also joined politics in 2014. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on 31 January 2014. He became a BJP candidate from Srerampur in 2014. However, he lost to Kalyan Banerjee of All India Trinamool Congress.
Covid Infection
The singer had to admit to Breach Candy hospital ICU department in 2021 as a precautionary measure after testing positive for the Coronavirus. Few reports later that year said that the singer had lost his voice due to infection. However, the singer denied these reports through a post on Instagram. He wrote that it was disheartening that some of the media outlets were spreading false news about him and his health. He was completely healthy by the grace of the fans and well-wishers.
Bappi Lahiri has left two children behind. A son Bappa Lahiri and a daughter Rema Lahiri. His son Bappa Lahiri is married to Taneesha Lahiri and has a son Krishh Lahiri.
Bappi Da has left his mark in mainstream cinema and he will live in our hearts through his work forever. May he rest in peace.
