Updated on: 26 July, 2021 11:32 AM IST |
Bappi Da-The Disco King
Reality show judgeBesides being an ace music director and singer, Bappi added another feather to his hat by turning a judge on reality television shows.In 2006, he co-judged Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs with singers Alka Yagnik and Abhijeet. He was also a judge for the 2007 edition of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and K For Kishore reality show that aimed to find the heir apparent to Kishore Kumar.Anyway we know TRPs soar up only when the television show is packaged with oodles of drama and controversies. It started off when Abhijeet was asked what he thought about singers judging reality shows and his target was Bappi Lahiri. Bappi das reply to all of Abhijeets nasty comments was "Only a frustrated singer who dosent have any work can comment like this.
International CollaborationsHaving contributed to some of the biggest films in Hindi cinema, Bappi Lahiri has also been sought after to do several prestigious international projects that includes an Indo-American film titled Will to Live. He has created quite an eclectic mix of songs for the film, including a track with Asha Bhosle singing in English and he also has teamed up with MC Hammer for one of the songs in the film.Thats not all. After having collaborated with some of the biggest names, Bappi da synced notes with American jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright. He had sent his album World Peace and Harmony with Gerald, for the Grammys this year, and although it made it to top 50, it didnt get selected in the top 5 nominations.
Bappi Lahiri and his inspirationsTheres one thing that Bappi Lahiri has been hounded with throughout his career to be accused of plagiarizing music produced by other composers without giving them any credit or royalties. Bappi in his defense has maintained getting inspired by tunes from the west but never having lifted them.Conversely, in one instance, portions of his song Thoda Resham Lagta Hai from Kaliyon ka chaman were included in a 2002 single Addictive by American R&B Singer Truth Hurts. A Los Angeles federal judge subsequently barred further sales of the CD unless and until Lahiri was listed on the songs creditsLahiri had more reason to be happy. His composition Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja Aaja from the Mithun Chakraborty starrer Disco Dancer was featured in the Adam Sandler film You Dont Mess with the Zohan. And they have credited his name along with Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson.More recently, Bappi Lahiri claimed credit for Jennifer Lopezs new Pitbull-featuring, Lambada-sampling single On The Floor stating that its tune is similar to his song Sochana Kya from the 1990 blockbuster Ghayal and that he brought Lambada to India 19 years ago and JLo has done it now.. Funny thing is Mr Lahiri himself borrowed the tune from Bolivian band Los Kjarkass 1981 number Llorando se fue, or possibly its 1989 adaptation by French group Kaoma.
BappiwoodHaving scored in over 450 Bollywood movies, Bappi Lahiri has established an incredible body of work in the Indian film industry. In 1988 alone, Bappi set a record of over 180 songs recorded for 35 films, which were released in a single year and has been documented in the Guinness Book of World Records -2003.His prodigious output of film scores has also earned him a place in the Limca Book of World Records 1987 Edition for the most number of film compositions by an individual in a single year.
The Bappi-Kishore bondBappi Lahiri and Kishore Kumar proved to be one of the friendliest combos in Bollywood music. Bappi fondly called Kishore as Kishoremama. Although Bappis mother and Kishore Kumar were not related, they considered each other as brother and sister.Bappis Bollywood debut Nanha Shikari -1973 had Kishore Kumar sing for him for the first time. Their association lasted till the death of Kishore Kumar in the year 1987. The popular hits of Bappi from the movie Namak Halal, Chalte Chalte, Pag Ghunghroo, Aaj Rapat Jaayein and Sharabi- were the contributions of the Bappi Lahiri-Kishore Kumar duo.Bappi Lahiri credits Kishore Kumars encouragement as the reason for his own playback singing career which started with Zakhmee in 1975.
The golden manAs much as Bappi Lahiri is renowned for being the pioneer of Disco music, hes equally famous for his signature dark glasses and opulent jewelry. Gold ornaments and dark glasses are a Bappi Lahiri trademark in India.Bappi da has his own unmatched personal style. His wardrobe ranges from the traditional Indian kurtas and sherwanis to the western sweatshirts, blazers and jumpsuits. He is fond of wearing pieces of jewelry that represent significant symbols in his life.No prizes for guessing what hes gifting himself this birthday!
The Official Disco King Although Bappi Lahiri was blessed to be born in a family dedicated to classical music, he is regarded as the pioneer of disco beats in India. Refreshing, vibrant, and rhythmic music combined with Bappi das gusto and youve got the entire nation dancing for decades.The most popular music director in the 1980s with famous compositions for films such as Disco Dancer, crooning I am a Disco Dancer in Golmaal -2010 and most recently the disco-themed razzle-dazzle of Honeymoon ki raat in The Dirty Picture -2011, have all re emphasized Bappi Lahiri as the official Disco King of India.
Bappi da - The Disco KingEvery five years you need to re invent yourself, says the Disco King of India, Bappi Lahiri, who completes 42years in the industry next year -2014 and has some 463 odd films and 6,000 songs to his credit as a music director and singer. Bappi da definitely seems to be in his re-invention phase. The super infectious retro track Ooh La La from The Dirty Picture is a testimony to that. Other than that, hes looking forward to playing the Disco King in Its Rocking Dard-e-Disco -co-starring Rituparno Sengupta, Sneha Ullal, Mithun Chakraborty, Akshay Kapoor, which will see him composing music as well. Post Dard-e-Disco, hes got Spaghetti -co-starring Mithun and Mahaakshay Chakroborty for which hes already composed a super hit number with Vishal Dadlani.Hes also celebrating the success of his jazz album Walking On Love Street on the US charts.As the Golden man or should we say the man with the golden voice, turns a year older on November 27, 2014; we take you through whats stood out in the many years of bappiness aka Bappi Lahiris musical journey so far...