Bappi Lahiri: Life and times of the Bollywood singer and composer

Flamboyant Bollywood singer and music composer Bappi Lahiri , who was known for his trademark gold chains and heaps of statement necklaces, died in Mumbai on February 15 after his battle with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. He was 69.

The sudden death of the bling-loving musician has plunged Bollywood industry into a state of shock and grief. Credited as the ultimate ‘Disco King’ in India — a moniker he earned for introducing vibrant disco beats to his compositions in the ’80s — the singer and music composer with a colourful personality leaves a void in his wake.

If his wardrobe and heavy yellow-metal accessories weren't a hint, here's a man who loved dipping himself in gold. And he never let us forget it. 'Gold is my God' is one of his favourite phrases. His wardrobe would put the legendary Liberace to shame.

Lahiri is survived by his wife Chitranai Lahiri. Despite his outlandish tastes for clothes, the 'Tamma Tamma Loge' hit maker seems to be a wholesome family man. In his official Instagram account, he often gave a nod to his better half for being the proverbial wind beneath his wings.

Lahiri was born in Kolkata to a family of singers, and music folklore has it that he began playing the tabla at the age of three. His father, Aparesh Lahiri, was a famous Bengali singer and his mother, Bansari Lahiri was a singer trained in classical music. But Lahiri had bigger ambitions and wanted to create sounds that were new and novel. And he succeeded with gusto. He created music that was ‘perfect blend of East and West’.

Bappi Lahiri, who plunged into the world of music composition and direction with the 1972 film ‘Daadu’, enjoyed immense goodwill among the stars who lip-synced to his peppy compositions. In the picture above, we see Lahiri with legendary actor Jeetendra whom he shares a close bond with. His jolly personality and his zest for life made him a popular musician among actors. He was famously close to all the actors who ruled the 1980s and 1990s.

Let's all agree that Bappi Lahiri had an inimitably quirky personality. While he basked in the shine of his accessories and sunglasses, he was serious about his work. His work in the film ‘Disco Dancer’ catapulted him into the big league. He reigned large in the 80s and early 1990s. Who can forget the song ‘Gutur Gutur’ from Mithun Chakraborty-starrer ‘Dalal’ or ‘Gori Hai Kalaiyan’ or ‘Jimmy Jimmy’? One of the defining factors of Lahiri's sounds is that his songs are fun, peppy, and vibrant.

How many singers and music composers in Bollywood can boas that they heralded a style evolution. Here's a picture that underlines Lahiri's popularity with his singer set. Shaan plays along as he channels his inner-Bappi Lahiri in this picture. This feel good image was posted on the singer's official Instagram account.

Bappi Lahiri didn't limit himself to just composing and singing a string of brassy hit numbers such as 'Raat Baaki Baat Baaki', 'Ooh La La', 'Yaar Bina China Kahan Re'. He also routinely judged reality shows and shepherded young music hopefuls to follow their dream.

Interestingly, Bappi Lahiri was a huge fan of the late actress Sridevi and considered her an actor par excellence.

Bappi Lahiri has left an indelible mark in the Indian music scene. His funeral will be held in Mumbai on February 17. According to reports, they are waiting for his son to arrive from the United States for the last rites. His death has triggered an outpouring of grief. Actors, musicians, cricketers, and politicians have taken to their social media to pay their last respects. Lahiri was a trend-setter not just in clothes and chains, but bolstered the fabric of Indian music scene with a richness that cannot be denied. His music and songs were always vibrant and vivacious and we dare you not to hit the dance floor.