Amitabh Bachchan’s tribute to Bappi Lahiri: ‘Music director extraordinaire’

Bollywood mega-star Amitabh Bachchan in his tribute to Bappi Lahiri said he was ‘shocked and surprised’ on the singer-composer’s demise. The ‘Bhoothnath’ actor further added that the songs Lahiri gave for his films shall remain eternal. 

Bappi Lahiri died late on Tuesday from Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common but serious sleep-related breathing disorder. He was 69. The composer, referred to as the ‘Disco Pioneer’ in the 1980s and 1990s delivered several hits for Bachchan in films like “Namak Halaal” (1982) and “Sharaabi” (1984). 

Also read: Bappi Lahiri: Timeline of the Disco pioneer’s golden career

“Bappi Lahiri .. music director extraordinaire passes away .. shocked and surprised and in the misery of these tragic events of ‘passing’ in the rapid succession of times .. “His songs of films with me are and shall I believe remain eternal .. they are played hummed sung along in these modern generation times with alacrity and rejoice,” Amitabh Bachchan wrote in his blog.

Also read: Bappi Lahiri dies: Legendary singer’s top songs

The Bollywood actor further recalled a conversation with Lahiri at London’s Heathrow airport on their way back to Mumbai. 

“‘Your this film is going to be very successful and the song I just gave, shall be remembered for ages’. He was right… and learning the graphs of some, at his modest home, in rehearsal, an even greater experience. Slowly they all leave us,” he added.

Also read: Bappi Lahiri death: Grieving fans pay tribute to India’s own disco man

Bachchan and Lahiri worked together in hit film tracks like “Pag Ghungroo Bandh”, “Thodi Si Jo Pee Li Hai”, “Aaj Rapat Jaye To”, “Jahan Chaar Yaar”, “De De Pyar De”, “Inteha Ho Gayi Intezar Ki” and “Raat Baaki, Baat Baaki”. Their last collaboration was in1990 crime drama “Aaj Ka Arjun”, which featured the chartbuster “Gori Hai Kalaiyaan, Tu Laade Mujhe Hari Hari Choodiyaan”.