Kumar Sanu: Bappi Da was an exemplary human being

Bappi Lahiri's untimely death has left a gaping hole in the Indian music business that will never be filled. This morning, Bollywood's tributes to Bappi Da poured in.  Kumar Sanu, who has worked extensively with the iconic singer-composer, spoke with ETimes.

Talking about his fond memories with Bappi Da, he said, 

Bappi Da was a music director who used to never teach the song to me. He would sing it once and tell me, ‘Abhi tu gaa’. 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.

- Kumar Sanu

He further elaborated,

Bappi Da was an exemplary human being. He used to laugh a lot and he loved feeding people. He had a big heart. His entire family was like him. For me, he stood out from the rest because his music had simplicity and newness. He introduced a lot of new musical instruments. He gave opportunities to a lot of new singers as a music director. The fact that he gave us so many musical gems speaks volumes about him and his work.

- Kumar Sanu

Kumar Sanu also remembered his time working with the legendary artist. "Working with Bappi Da was always fun. Be it in the studio or in front of the microphone, there was never a time when we would not be laughing over something”, he said.

When asked about his favourite Bappi Lahiri song, he said

There is no song of Bappi Da that I can say I do not love. All his songs have a special place in my heart. But there is one of his songs that I have sung that is closest to my heart. It was called, ‘Thehre Hue Paani Mein Kankar Na Maar’.

- Kumar Sanu

Bappi Lahiri passed away on Tuesday night at Mumbai's CritiCare Hospital in Juhu due to Obstructive Sleep Apnea.