Odia film industry recalls Disco King Bappi Lahiri

BHUBANESWAR: Many in Odia film industry fondly remembered their association with singer-composer Bappi Lahiri, who passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 69.
He had sung and composed more than a dozen songs in Odia films. People from various walks of life expressed grief over his death.
He had lent his voice for a title song of Odia film ‘Mo Duniya Tu Hi Tu’ starring Anubhav Mohanty and Barsha Priyadarshini in lead roles.This film was released in January 2013. Besides, he has composed songs for two Odia films — Akuha Katha (1994) and Michha Maya Sansar (bi-lingual film), released in 1989.
Malay Mishra, music director of ‘Mo Duniya Tu Hi Tu’, said Lahiri was a fine gentleman and a great musician.
“I had recorded the title song of the film in December 2012 at his music studio in Mumbai. We had spent around six hours recording of the song. He took care of all technicalities to make the song attractive. Loved his temperament and love for music,” Mishra said.
Mishra said he had interacted with Lahiri in Bhubaneswar once. “His death is a personal loss for me. My condolences to his family members,” he added.
Singer Subas Das said he had sung a song composed by Lahiri for ‘Akuha Katha’ starring Uttam Mohanty and Mahasweta Ray in lead roles.
“The song, ‘Mo Naati Para Ananda’, was recorded at Kalinga Studio in Bhubaneswar. Lahiri had some work, that’s why he was not present during the recording. I had lent my voice for five characters in the song apart from singing the song,” Das reminisced.
Das said he had discussed with Lahiri about the song over phone. “He was a very good music director. It is a loss for the music industry,” he added.
Odisha governor Ganeshi Lal expressed grief over the sudden demise of the veteran singer and music composer. He conveyed his condolences to Lahiri’s family and fans. “Popularly known as the Disco King of India, he will always be remembered for his unique compositions,” the governor said.
Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan paid condolences to Lahiri’s family, friends and fans. “Bappi Lahiri will be remembered for his unique voice and catchy dance numbers. A legend who was also known as the king of disco, his music struck a chord with people across generations. Saddened by his demise today,” the minister tweeted.
His death comes just days after the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar’s demise.