Bappi Lahiri Dead At 69: Bollywood Music Pillar Cause of Death Revealed

Bollywood singer, composer, and politician Bappi Lahiri passed away at 69.

The 69-year-old Bollywood music pillar died in Criticare in Mumbai, India.

Lahiri suffers from various health issues, including sleep apnea before passing away, contributing to his timely death.

With his music used in films such as "Namak Halal," "Disco Dancer," and "Commando," Lahiri's music promoted disco in India in the 1980s and 1990s, long after it had left the West.

Lahiri was an easily identifiable presence in Mumbai, dressed in his signature gold chains and spectacles.

Alokesh Lahiri was born in West Bengal to a family of classical music singers and moved to Mumbai after writing music for Bengali films.

Kishore Kumar, his maternal uncle, was a well-known Bollywood singer, and Lahiri came to Bombay, as it was then known, in the 1970s with some prior Hindi cinema ties.

After writing music for Tahir Hussain's "Nanha Shikari" in 1973, Lahiri made his breakthrough in 1975 with Tahir Hussain's "Zakhmee."

"Chalte Chalte," a smash song from 1976, catapulted him into the national scene.

Truth Hurt's 2002 single "Addictive" sampled "Thoda Resham Lagta Hai," prompting a copyright action by his label Saregama against Interscope Records.

A judge decided that "no copies of the CD may be sold" without Lahiri's name on it.

When Disney's "Moana" was dubbed in Hindi in 2016, Lahiri provided the vocal for Tamatoa.

He also entered politics as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Dal (Indian People's Party) and stood for election in Srerampur, but his campaign ended in defeat.

Homage to the late Bappi Lahiri circulated online from various influential people.

Tributes include Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, reminiscing, "Shri Bappi Lahiri Ji's music was all-encompassing, beautifully expressing diverse emotions."

The prime minister explained that people across generations could relate to his works as his lively nature "will be missed" by everyone.

"Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," he ended.

Slumdog Millionaire's Anil Kapoor also paid tribute to the Bollywood Disco legend. "the song pyaar bina hain kahan re will remain iconic. Will miss his warm , humble, and child-like innocence always," Kapoor continued.

The last rites for Lahiri will be reportedly held until Thursday as the musician's family is waiting for his musician-son Bappa Lahiri to return from Los Angeles, United States.