'Brought joy to the world through your music': Tributes pour in for Bappi Lahiri

India's 'Disco King' Bappi Lahiri, who passed away on Tuesday night, is being remembered by celebrities and politicians for his music that was “all encompassing”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to say that his lively nature will be missed by everyone.

“Today we lost another gem from the music industry... Bappi Da, your voice was the reason for millions to dance, including me. Thank you for all the happiness you brought through your music. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Om Shanti," wrote Akshay Kumar.

Actor Ajay Devgn said the composer had introduced 'a more contemporary style' to Hindi film music. "Bappi Da was so endearing in person. But, his music had an edge. He introduced a more contemporary style to Hindi film music with Chalte Chalte, Suraksha and Disco Dancer. Shanti Dada. You will be missed."

Actress Vidya Balan wrote: “I wish you joy wherever you go Bappi da because thats what you brought to the world through your music and your being.” Lahiri had sung the nit number 'Ooh La La' from Vidya's The Dirty Picture.

Singer Anuradha Juju Palakurthi said with Lahiri's death, she had lost a mentor.

"I lost a mentor, the industry lost a giant whose work will always shine, the world lost a 'saatwik' human of uncommon goodness and kindness and the family lost a devoted husband, loving father and in-law and a doting grandfather.

"Working with Bappi da was like seeing a magician at work- he could bring out tunes in a jiffy-both intricate and easy, classical and light, western and eastern. Every minute that I spent with him was education. I'm one of many singers that was given a chance by the legend,"Palakurthi, who last collaborated with Lahiri, said.

Born Alokesh Lahiri, the music composer is credited as a pioneer of synthesised disco music in Indian cinema during 1970s to 1990s with songs like 'I am a disco dancer', 'Jimmy Jimmy', 'Pag ghunghroo', 'Intehan ho gayi', 'Tamma Tamma Loge', 'Yaar bina chain kahan re', 'aaj rapat jaaye to' and 'Chalte Chalte', among others.

In the 2000s, Lahiri lent his voice to hit songs like 'Bambai Nagariya' from Taxi No 9211' (2006), and 'Ooh La La' from 'The Dirty Picture' (2011). He also was one of the singers who sang 'Tune Maari Entriyaan' from 2014's 'Gunday'. The lyrics for the Bengali version of the song were penned by Lahiri and Gautam Susmit.

He also gave music to films in Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Gujarati cinema.

-with PTI inputs