A young Bappi Lahiri with Lata Mangeshkar.

Think of the world's greatest Disco artistes – Donna Summer had 17 studio albums, while Gloria Gaynor had 18.

In 1986 alone, Bappi Lahiri recorded 180 songs for 33 albums, entering the Guinness Book of World Records.

The man responsible for bringing the iconic sound of disco to the subcontinent passed away on Tuesday night at 11:45 pm, at a hospital in Mumbai. He was 69 years old at the time of passing, and had had been ailing for many weeks, suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

"Shri Bappi Lahiri Ji's music was all encompassing, beautifully expressing diverse emotions. People across generations could relate to his works," wrote India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter. "His lively nature will be missed by everyone."

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also prayed for the salvation of the departed soul, in her condolence message.

When you think of Bappi Lahiri, chances are that you think of his unusual demeanour – a musical legend who modelled himself after the outlandish pop-culture of the 80s, adorning gold chains and a striking choice of clothing and apparels.  To those close to him, however, his heart of gold far outshined his exterior glitz.

Bappi Lahiri was born as Alokesh Lahiri on November 27, 1952, to father Aparesh Lahiri and mother Bansuri Lahiri. His father, who was also a well-known music director, and his maternal uncle, the legendary Kishore Kumar, inspired him to pursue music. 

From the age of 3, Bappi Lahiri started playing the tabla, eventually picking up many eastern classical instruments.

When he finally entered the music industry in the early 70's he had to compete with the juggernauts of the industry, including the likes of Laxmikant-Pyarelal and R D Burman. 

'Bappi da', as he was endearingly known, attributes his first success to the 'Saraswati' of Indian music, Lata Mangheshkar. Lata had previously worked with his father in some projects. "She sang my first composition in a Bengali film, 'Daadu'. If she hadn't sung for me, I'd have been swept away by the competition", Lahiri had said in multiple interviews.

The music director had found success in films like "Zakhmee" (1975), "Chalte Chalte" (1976), and "Suraksha" (1979). However, his breakout success came in 1982' blockbuster "Disco Dancer", which sent an entire subcontinent into frenzy over his disco tracks like "I am a Disco Dancer", "Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaje" and "Koi Yahaan Nache Nache" were chartbusters, turning Bappi Lahiri into one of the most sought-after music directors of the 80's.

Bappi Lahiri (middle) with Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar.

Throughout the years, Lahiri sang in many languages, often reinventing his style of music without straying too far from his signature, flamboyant style.

He often infused tunes from folk songs and made modern renditions, as evident in songs like "Yaar Bina Chain Kaha Re", which was inspired from "She Jon Shona Chine Na".

Besides his illustrious film career, Bappi Lahiri also collaborated with international icons like Samantha Fox, Boy George, Snoop Dogg, MC Hammer and Akon, among others.

Bappi Lahiri and Mithun Chakroborty revolutionised the Indian film industry with “Disco Dancer”.

"Raat Baaqi", "Chirodini Tumi Je Amar", "Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost", "Oo Laa Laa", "Chalte Chalte Meri Yeh Geet Yaad Rakhna", "Yaad Aa Raha Hain" are only a few of his notable songs, among hundreds of super-hits.

Bappi Lahiri is survived by his wife Chitrani Lahiri, son Bappa Lahiri, and his daughter Rema Lahiri.

His passing is not only the end of an era, but an entire genre in India– as no one could truly recreate his Disco 'magic' in Bollywood. However, following the maestro's own lines "Chalte Chalte Meri Ye Geet Yaad Rakhna", we shall never truly say goodbye to him – he is omnipresent every time we listen to his groovy masterpieces.

•       Bappi Lahiri was born as Alokesh Lahiri in 1952.
•       He started playing the tabla from the age of 3.
•       In 1986 alone, Bappi Lahiri recorded 180 songs for 33 albums, entering the Guinness Book of World Records.
•       Kishore Kumar was his maternal uncle. The duo later recorded 200 songs together.
•       Bappi Lahiri sued the US band Truth Hurts in 2002 for lifting riff from his song 'Kaliyon Ka Chaman'. He won credit in an LA court.
•        He once stated that he wanted Ranveer Singh to portray him in a biopic
•        2006 was the first time he sang for another composer, in film "Taki No 9211".
•        In a season of Indian Idol, he revealed that Elvis Presley was his styling information.