India: Singer-composer Bappi Lahiri dies in Mumbai hospital at 69

Popular Indian singer and composer Bappi Lahiri, who won millions of fans with his penchant for feet-tapping disco music in the 1980s and 1990s, has died in a Mumbai hospital, according to a hospital statement. He was 69.

Lahiri was suffering from obstructive sleep apnea and a recurrent chest infection, the statement by Criticare hospital said. Lahiri died on Tuesday night.

He composed music for dozens of movies featuring top stars, including Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgun and Mithun Chakraborty. His big Bollywood hits included “Chalte Chalte,” “Disco Dancer” and “Sharaabi.” He also had a run of major box office successes in Bengali films.

He was also known for his love of gold chains, which he often wore around his neck for luck.

The singer was admitted to the hospital last year after he was tested positive for coronavirus. However, Bappi Lahiri recovered soon from the infection and was discharged from the hospital in a few days.

Bappi Lahiri is known for delivering iconic songs in several films of the late 1970s-80s like Chalte Chalte, Disco Dancer, and Sharaabi.

His last Bollywood song was Bhankas for the 2020 film Baaghi 3.

The singer-composer, a familiar figure for many with his trademark gold chains that he wore for luck and his sunglasses.

In his last social media post, the singer had shared an old photograph of himself on Instagram, captioning, 'Old is Gold'.

He had also paid an emotional tribute and shared a picture of himself sitting on the lap of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar when she passed away on February 6.

On Sunday, Lahiri shared a black and white picture with the iconic singer, and he wrote, "Maa!"

• India