Veteran singer-composer Bappi Lahiri died on Tuesday due to obstructive sleep apnea at the age of 69. The icon popularised disco music in India in the 80s and 90s, releasing several hit numbers like ‘Disco Dancer’, ‘Chalte Chalte’ and ‘Sharaabi’. 

His impact on the music industry created ripples far west. Last year, American rapper Cardi B uploaded a video announcing her track ‘Up’, with Bappi Lahiri’s ‘Kaliyon Ka Chaman’ playing in the background. 

According to a News18 report, Bappi Lahiri said, “This is a proud and happy moment. It shows that I have created music which is timeless and can go beyond boundaries. I have always liked Cardi B and I feel she is one of the best rappers in the world. 

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“Back in 1981, the song was a huge hit. Lata Mangeshakarji had given her beautiful voice and Anand Bakshi had written the lyrics. In 2002, the song was remixed by Indian composer Harry Anand. A year later I filed a lawsuit against Dr. Dre for the song ‘Addictive’, sung by Truth Hurts as they had plagiarised the song, and we won the case.

“The song has gone viral once again across the globe and I feel that I have made my nation proud again. This shows that Bappi Lahiri’s music can never die. The credit for it goes to the fans. I am really thankful to all of them who have kept my music alive and have showered their love all the time. I have been in the industry for more than five decades and it has been an amazing and a fruitful journey and this is big news for us,” he added in an old interview.

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Bappi Lahiri’s classic track ‘Jhoom Jhoom Jhoom Baba’ was also featured in the Hindi promotional clip of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2’. The veteran musician collaborated with pop figures like Akon and Lady Gaga. Bappi Lahiri also composed music for the animated 2016 film ‘Moana’.