The ashes of Babi Lahiri, who was christened by many as the “King of Disco” of Bollywood, sank on Thursday in the Hughley River, the distributor of the Ganges.
Baba Lahiri’s son, Tsitrani’s wife and daughter Rima Lahiri took the ashes of the famous music director and singer on his last boat trip from the Outram Ghat of Calcutta and scattered them in the waters of the mighty river, 16 days after The icon of Bollywood pop music has died.
The family flew from Mumbai earlier in the day and performed religious rites amid a “Mantra” chant (prayers) by a priest.
West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose was present on behalf of the state to provide assistance to the family.
The ashes of Bappi’s father, Aparesh Lahiri, had also sunk into the river, which was considered sacred by devout Hindus.
Babi Lahiri, born November 27, 1952 to Bengali classical music singers Aparesh and Bansuri Lahiri, had died on February 15 in Mumbai. He died of obstructive sleep apnea.
Babi “da”, as most of his colleagues in Bollywood called him, entered the world of Hindi film music in the 1980s, with disco numbers signed by him, gaining millions of fans among the teen Indians of the time. His music also gained an audience in the former Soviet Union and in many Asian countries.
The song titled “I am a Disco Dancer” for the hit 1982 film “Disco Dancer” which featured former Naxalite film hero Mithun Chakraborty in a new “Avatar” has firmly placed him in Bollywood’s commercial success stories.
However, more entertaining Bollywood issues were also released (including “Inteha Ho Gayee” and “Manzilen apni jagah”). His Bengali numbers which include “Aaj Ei Dintake” (Today), “Bolchi Tomar Kane, Kane” (I will tell you in your ears) belonged to the popular genre called “Modern Bengali Music”.
[With Input From PTI]
