Bappi Lahiri dies - Akshay Kumar, Dia Mirza, Vidya Balan & others pay tribute: '"I am a disco dancer because of you"

Popular singer Bappi Lahiri who was also known as the ‘Disco King’ of Bollywood is no more. The singer breathed his last in a Mumbai based hospital. The singer and composer who was 69 died due to obstructive sleep apnea confirmed the hospital.

The news of Bappi Lahiri’s death has left Bollywood in shock and mourning. His lively music and personality were remembered by several celebrities on social media who woke up to the devastating news of losing another Bollywood gem days after the demise singing legend Lata Mangeshkar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a photo with the deceased and wrote in tribute, “Shri Bappi Lahiri Ji’s music was all encompassing, beautifully expressing diverse emotions. People across generations could relate to his works. His lively nature will be missed by everyone. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

Bappi Lahiri, whose music gained prominence in 70’s had been busy working till last year. Actress Neena Gupta who met him only sometime ago, in fact revealed that they were shooting together some time ago. Sharing a picture with him she wrote, “ Abhi kuch din pehle hi toh saath mein shoot kar rahe the.”

Actor Akshay Kumar took to Twitter to express his remorse and extended condolences to the family of Bappi Lahiri. “Today we lost another gem from the music industry… Bappi Da,your voice was the reason for millions to dance, including me. Thank you for all the happiness you brought through your music. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Om Shanti.”

“Bappi Da was so endearing in person. But, his music had an edge. He introduced a more contemporary style to Hindi film music with Chalte Chalte , Suraksha & Disco Dancer. Shanti Dada . You will be missed,” worte actor Ajay Devgn condoling Bappi Lahiri’s death.

Cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli also mourned Bappi Lahiri’s sudden demise. Sachin wrote, “I really enjoyed Bappi Da's music, especially “yaad aa raha hai” - heard it several times in the dressing room. The range of his talent was truly amazing. आप हमेशा हमें याद रहोगे बप्पी दा!”

“A icon of the Indian music industry. Bappi Lahiri you will be missed. May you RIP,” read Virat Kohli’s tweet.

Vir Das reminded the hip-hop generation of today about how they will never be anyone cooler than the late singer, “Dear Hip Hop fans, Bappi Da created music edgier than the times, created an in your face recognisable visual for a performer, wore heaps of bling, sunglasses indoors, and played with percussion and samples…..waaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy before that artist we now love.”

Vidya Balan mourned Bappi Da’s demise writing, “I wish you joy wherever you go Bappi da because thats what you brought to the world through your music and your being. Love always, Bidda (as you’d so endearingly call me ).”

“You will get the dance floors grooving anywhere you go Bappi Da❤️🙏🏻✨ I am a disco dancer because of you. And so many more will be, because your music will live on. Om Shanti” wrote actress Di Mirza

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar while sharing photo with the singer wrote, “Shocked to hear of the sad demise of Veteran Music director Bappida, was fortunate to have him sing a track in my film #InduSarkar, an unsurmountable loss to his fans & the music industry. Heartfelt condolences to his family members. #OmShanti”

Actress Raveena Tandon who recently lost her father Ravi Tandon took to Twitter to write on Bappi lahiri’s death, “Grew up listening your music , Bappi da, you had your own style and always a smiling face . Your music shall play on forever .. OmShanti, Shanti, Shanti.”

Late Bappi Lahiri was in the hospital for a month before he was discharged and sent home on Monday. On Tuesday his health deteriorated and was admitted to the hospital again. The last rites of Bappi Lahiri will be held on Thursday as the family awaits his son Bappa Lahiri's return from the U.S.A.