It has been announced that Indian music composer Bappi Lahiri, who was known for his groovy disco tunes and eye-catching fashion style, has died. Having recovered from Covid-19 last year, Lahiri, was in hospital for the past month before passing.
His funky, foot-stomping music had Indians fall in love with disco and had an entire country dancing to his tunes.
Politicians, cricketers and Bollywood stars have mourned his death, with many remembering their favourite songs.
Saddened by Lahiri's death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "His demise leaves a big void in the world of Indian music. Bappi Da will be remembered for his versatile singing and lively nature."
Fondly known as "Bappi Da", Lahiri is credited for getting the disco ball spinning in India. His music from the movie Disco Dancer introduced a new form of freeform dancing in Bollywood which also turned actors like Mithun Chakraborty into icons.
Lahiri composed songs for several other hit Bollywood flicks such as Himmatwala, Sharaabi, Adventures of Tarzan, Dance Dance, Satyamev Jayate, Shola Aur Shabnam, among others. But often, the most striking characteristic about Lahiri was his casual, ornamental bling.
Always seen sporting gleaming gold chains and bracelets, he was a style icon for many. His flashy velvet jackets and sequinned robes were also a trademark style. In 2016, the musician explained that his love for gold was connected to his fondness for American rock star Elvis Presley.
He was 69.
