Lalit Pandit: I had met Bappi Da at his home last November

Lalit Pandit and Bappi Lahiri

Music composer Lalit Pandit was among the first to reach Bappi Lahiri's home after hearing of his passing away. Speaking to mid-day.com, Lalit says, "It's been a long association with Bappi da, I admired him not just as a musician where he was fantastic no doubt but even as a person. Always smiling and happy. He used to always be excited about creating music and songs for entire films himself, even younger musicians could not compete with his pace. He has had so many hit songs with Sulakshana (sister) so the relationship was always like family."

Sharing his favourite songs Lalit says, "There are so many right from 'Chalte Chalte', 'Aaj Rapat Jaaye' and 'Pag Ghungroo' ('Namak Halal') even the 'Tofha' album."

Recalling time spent with him the composer adds, "I used to feel great whenever he praised my work because it was coming from a legend. He had organised a get together at his home in November (2021) but he could not stand so he kept sitting but it was wonderful spending time with him. Today, I went to pay my last respects, his daughter (Rema Lahiri) is devastated and kept asking him to come back. It's truly sad and he will deeply be missed."