On Wednesday, India woke up to the tragic news of the passing away of Bappi Lahiri. The iconic singer-composer breathed his last on Wednesday morning at the age of 69.
He was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai for over a month due to health-related issues and was discharged on Monday. However, his health deteriorated again on Tuesday and his family rushed him to the hospital where he died due to OSA (obstructive sleep apnea).
The news of his death has left many in a state of shock and his fans are mourning the irreparable loss. Several Bollywood and Tollywood celebrities and personalities from the music industry have paid tribute to the “Disco King”.
Superstar Akshay Kumar said that Lahiri’s music was the reason for many to smile and dance. “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!” he wrote.
Tollywood superstar Chiranjeevi took to Twitter to share a throwback photo with Bappi Lahiri and wrote, “Rest in Peace Bappi Da!” In a note, he wrote, “Deeply anguished at the demise of legendary music director & singer Bappi Lahiri. I had a great association with Bappi Da. He gave numerous chartbusters for me which contributed immensely to my popularity. He will always be remembered for his unique style & his great enthusiasm for life which reflected in his music. My heartfelt condolences to all his near and dear (sic).”
Remembering the legendary, trialblazing musician and singer, Ajay Devgn wrote, “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 & Disco Dancer. ? Shanti Dada? You will be missed.”
Veteran actress Hema Malini wrote that Lahiri will be sorely missed by the industry and his many fans. “Bappi Lahiri or Bappi Da as he was affectionately called, passed away around midnight. He will be remembered for his new disco music and fast numbers which he introduced in films, something no one had done earlier. He will be sorely missed by the industry & by all his many fans. Condolences,” she wrote.
Actress Kajol said that India lost the “Disco King”. “You were not only an amazing music composer and singer but also a beautiful and happy soul. End of an era,” she wrote.
Calling Lahiri the most-iconic personality, singer Shreya Ghoshal wrote, “The most iconic personality, a true rock star of our country. Have been so fortunate to have had your blessings through my career, got several opportunities to sing with you. Bappi da, you have gone too soon. Will miss you terribly. Rest in peace. Om Shanti??#BappiLahiri.”
Talking about his fond memories with Lahiri, singer Kumar Sanu said, “Bappi Da was a music director who used to never teach the song to me. He would sing it once and tell me, “Now you sing”. He used to make it so easy for the singers. He used to give singers space to experiment and be creative. The world is going to miss him a lot.”
In an official statement, Lahiri’s family said that the funeral of the legendary musician will take place after the arrival of his son Bappa Lahiri from the US tomorrow.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.