Bappi Lahiri was a legendary singer, composer, and record producer who popularised the use of synthesised disco music in Indian cinema. Fondly called the “Disco King” of India, Lahiri’s legacy as a versatile and talented composer will continue to inspire generations to come.
Early Life
Bappi Lahiri was born Alokesh Aparesh Lahiri on November 27, 1952, in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. Lahir was born into a Bengali family with a rich musical heritage. His parents, Aparesh Lahiri and Bansuri Lahiri, were both singers and musicians in classical music and Shyama Sangeet. Lahiri’s maternal uncle was the legendary singer Kishore Kumar, which further influenced his musical journey. From a young age, Lahiri showed a keen interest in music. He started playing the tabla at the age of three. He received his initial training from his parents and later studied with Samta Prasad on the advice of Lata Mangeshkar.
Lahiri idolized American musician Elvis Presley. He was geatly inspired by him to wear multiple gold chains and jewelry. He believed that gold brought him luck and created his signature “golden jewellery” look, which became synonymous with his persona.
Bappi Lahiri in Mumbai
Bappi Lahiri came to Mumbai when he was 19. He got his first break in a Bengali film, “Daadu,” released in 1974, where he composed music for Lata Mangeshkar. His first Hindi film was “Nanha Shikari (1973),” which was also his first release. Bappi’s first Hindi song was “Tu Hi Mera Chanda,” sung by Mukesh.”
He rose to fame with his music for Zakhmee (1975), where he also sang a duet with Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi. The film’s soundtrack, including songs like “Jalta Hai Jiya Mera” and “Aao Tumhe Chand Pe Le Jaaye,” became popular and gave Lahiri recognition in the industry. Following the success of “Zakhmee,” Bappi Lahiri continued to deliver hit soundtracks for various films. His unique style of incorporating synthesised disco music into Indian film soundtracks set him apart from other composers.
He composed music for over 600 films in Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Kannada, and other languages. He also sang some of his own compositions and collaborated with international artists like Boy George, Samantha Fox, and Apache Indian.
Bappi Changed The Music Scene
Bappi Lahiri developed his distinctive style of music that blended Indian melodies with Western beats and instruments. He introduced the use of synthesizers, guitars, saxophones, bongos, and drums in Indian film music. He created many hit songs that became anthems of the disco era, such as “I Am A Disco Dancer,” “Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Aaja,” “Yaad Aa Raha Hai,” “Pyaar Ka Tohfa Tera,” and many more. His song “Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja” from the film “Disco Dancer” became a global hit. The song even featured in the Hollywood film “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan” (2008).
He also composed music for various genres such as romantic, ghazal, qawwali, devotional, and patriotic. He received many awards and accolades for his contribution to Indian music, including a Guinness World Record for recording more than 180 songs in one year in 1986.
Bappi Lahiri passed away on 15 February 2022 at the age of 69 due to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a sleeping disorder that causes breathing difficulties. He had also suffered from the COVID-19 infection last year.
He is survived by his wife, Chitrani Lahiri, and two children, Bappa Lahiri and Rema Lahiri, who are also singers and composers.
Bappi Lahiri on IMDB
