MUMBAI (AFP) – Indian singer-composer and “Disco King” Bappi Lahiri, who collaborated with the likes of Snoop Dogg and Samantha Fox, has died aged 69, his household stated on Wednesday (Feb 16), prompting tributes from the world of politics and Bollywood.
Born in West Bengal to a musical household, the larger-than-life Lahiri was famend for his trademark gold chain and sun shades and was credited with popularising disco music in India.
He had a number of collaborations with worldwide stars, together with English mannequin and singer Fox within the 1995 Hindi movie Rock Dancer and with Snoop Dogg on Punjabi tune Patiala Peg in 2015.
Lahiri’s household stated in an announcement that his demise was a “deeply unhappy second” for us.
“We’re in search of love and blessings for his soul,” his spouse and two kids stated.
Lahiri had “a number of well being points” and died within the movie trade capital Mumbai late on Tuesday, stated Dr Deepak Namjoshi, director of CritiCare Hospital.
He had simply been discharged from a month-long hospital keep on Monday, Dr Namjoshi informed the Press Belief of India, however was readmitted on Tuesday after his situation deteriorated.
“He died on account of OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) shortly earlier than midnight,” he stated.
Lahiri had followers dancing to hit songs in Seventies and ’80s Bollywood movies equivalent to Chalte Chalte, Disco Dancer and Sharaabi.
He additionally voiced a number of characters for Hindi-language variations of Hollywood movies.
Within the early 2000s, he received a copyright case towards US rapper-producer Dr Dre for utilizing components of certainly one of his songs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that Lahiri’s music was “all-encompassing, fantastically expressing numerous feelings” and that “individuals throughout generations might relate to his works”.
“His energetic nature will probably be missed by everybody. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his household and admirers. Om Shanti,” the Indian chief added.