Mourning the loss of the veteran singer, Sona Mohapatra extended condolences for the late singer’s family through ETimes. She called Bappi Da the ‘life of music who created a musical visual identity, a first for India. “He released independent pop albums like ‘Habibi’ that charted on the Billboard charts. He was the Disco King, and had the gall to sue and win a copyright case in the USA for a song he himself had copied earlier – ‘Jimmy Jimmy’,” she added.
Recalling some of his best soundtracks, Sona said, “He (Bappi Lahiri) had a lot of ambition and borrowed music too but nevertheless also a great number of genius songs like the soundtrack of ‘Namak Halal’ and songs like ‘Inteha Ho Gayi Intezar Ki’. A showman till the end.”
Sona had met Bappi da on the sets of ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’, a singing reality show she judged. “He was a guest judge. He was switched on and how! He was also very affectionate and told me that my ‘Bolo Na’ was his favourite! He had a sharp memory for lyrics and shayari. He was a very front foot ka Khiladi with full-on 100% hustle at all times. Om Shanti,” she shared.
Bappi Lahiri breathed his last on Tuesday night due to Obstructive Sleep Apnea. He was cremated today at Mumbai’s Vile Parle crematorium in the presence of his family and friends.
