look news india
Mumbai Whenever the word ‘disco’ is mentioned in the history of Indian cinema, an image appears before the eyes which is adorned with glitter, thick gold chains and dark glasses. We are talking about the only ‘Disco King’ of the music world, Bappi Lahiri. Bappi Da was not just a musician or a singer, but he was an institution in itself and a unique style statement. Today, if we look into the corridors of his memories, we can understand how a Bengali Babu had forced the entire Bollywood to dance to his tune.
Suron’s journey started at the age of three
Born on 27 November 1952 in a prestigious musical family of Bengal, Alokesh Lahiri (Bappi Da) inherited music. Both his father Aparesh Lahiri and mother Bansari Lahiri were veterans of the music world. Music ran so much in Bappi da’s veins that he started playing the tabla at the age of just three years. He learned the nuances of playing tabla from the famous guru Pandit Shantaprasad and by the age of 11, he had started moving his fingers on the piano. It was due to his hard work and dedication that later he gave music in more than 500 films and sang more than 5000 songs.
The journey started from a small hunter and got recognition from ‘Jakhmi’
Bappi Lahiri started his journey in Bollywood in the year 1973 with the film ‘Nanha Shikari’. However, he got household recognition from the 1975 film ‘Jakhmi’. In this film, he not only spread the magic of his tunes, but also showcased his powerful voice as a playback singer. After this, there was a flurry of hit songs. In the 80s and 90s, Bappi Da’s music became the first choice of every party and every celebration. The fusion of pop and disco that he created was completely new and exciting for the youth of that era.
Name recorded in Guinness Book of World Records
Bappi Da’s passion for work was such that he created a record which seems impossible for today’s musicians to break. In the year 1986, Bappi Lahiri recorded more than 180 songs for 33 films in a single year. This historic achievement of his got a place in ‘Guinness World Records’. At that time the entire film industry was stunned to see his speed and energy. For him, music was not just a profession but a passion in his heart.
Love of gold and the connection of Elvis Presley
Bappi Lahiri’s identity is incomplete without her lots of gold jewellery. American rock star Elvis Presley was behind this unique hobby of his. Bappi da was a big fan of Elvis Presley and was often seen wearing a gold chain. It was then that he decided that when he would be successful, he would create a distinct identity for himself. He kept his promise and wearing gold became a ‘lucky charm’ for him. It was even discussed that Bappi da liked to drink tea in a gold cup and he considered gold to be a blessing from God.
The legacy of ‘Disco King’ will remain evergreen
Bappi Lahiri gave the Indian music world countless evergreen songs like ‘I am a Disco Dancer’, ‘Yaad Aa Raha Hai’, ‘Tamma Tamma’ and ‘Yaar Bina Chain Kaha Re’. His music influenced people not only in India but also internationally. Even though Bappi Da is not among us today, his melodious tunes, his ‘golden’ style and that innocent smile on his face will always be alive in the hearts of music lovers. Bappi Lahiri’s name will always be written in golden letters in the history of Indian music.
