Bappi Lahiri's funeral to be held tomorrow

"It is a deeply sad moment for us. Our beloved Bappi Da has left for heavenly abode last midnight. The cremation will take place on arrival of Bappa (his son) From LA tomorrow mid-morning. We are seeking love and blessings for his soul. We will keep you updated," the family said in a statement.

Lahiri died in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday.

Lahiri, who was suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) for the past one year and recurrent chest infection, was hospitalized in Criticare Hospital, Juhu, for 29 days, the hospital said in a statement.

He was discharged on Feb 15 but later his health deteriorated and was re-admitted in a critical state.

At 11:45 pm on Tuesday, the 69-year-old singer-composer succumbed to his illness, the hospital added.

He was also hospitalized last year after he tested positive for coronavirus.

Born as Alokesh Lahiri, he was popularly known as Bappi Lahiri and Bappi Da among his fans.

He had delivered major box office successes in Bengali films like Amar Sangee, Asha O Bhalobasha, Aamar Tumi, Amar Prem, Mandira, Badnam, Raktelekha, Priya and so on.

He was popular in the 1980s and 1990s with filmi soundtracks such as Wardat, Disco Dancer, Namak Halaal, Sharaabi, Dance Dance, Commando, Saaheb, Gang Leader, Sailaab.

Bappi Lahiri joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Jan 31, 2014 to contest the 2014 Lok Sabha election.

He was made a BJP candidate from Srerampur (Lok Sabha constituency) in 2014, but lost to Kalyan Banerjee of All India Trinamool Congress.

(With UNI inputs)