Mumbai (Maharashtra): Just when India was reeling from the loss of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, it woke up to the loss of another pillar of the music industry, the evergreen Disco King, Bappi Lahiri. The composer-singer passed away on Tuesday night after battling Obstructive Sleep Apnea. He was 69.
Born as Alokesh Lahiri, music ran in his blood as both his parents, Aparesh Lahiri and Bansuri Lahiri, were Bengali singers and musicians in classical music and Shyama Sangeet.
Singer Kishore Kumar, who crooned a lot of melodies for him, was his maternal uncle. Even though there was a plethora of talented singers and musicians, Bappi Da had made a distinct identity for himself with his unique voice and melodious compositions. His career spanned over four decades, starting with the 1973 film, Nanha Shikari and his first Hindi composition was Tu Hi Mera Chanda sung by Mukesh.
He had made a record by composing for 12 super-hit silver jubilee movies starring Jeetendra as the lead hero in the period 1983-1985. He entered the Guinness Book of World Records for recording over 180 songs for 33 films in 1986. His last song was for Baaghi 3 in 2020. Bappi Da was vividly remembered for his out-there persona, adorned with gold jewellery and black goggles.
Although it is impossible to pick and choose from the plethora of hit songs composed and sung by the legend, here are some of his best songs, which have the magical power of not just invoking emotions, but also staying with us long after the song finishes. That was the power of the genius, Bappi Da.
READ |RIP Bappi Lahiri: The man who brought disco tunes to India
I am a Disco Dancer (Disco Dancer):Who can ever forget the iconic Mithun Chakraborty and his signature moves in a shining silver costume in this song from the film Disco Dancer? Mithun Da tasted success with this trendsetting song, composed by Bappi Lahiri and sung by Vijay Benedict. The song became a raging hit and is still one of the most standout compositions from the 80s. Bappi Da used ample synthesizers and popularised the use of synthesized disco music in Indian cinema. He changed the game in the music industry with a single composition. The song is still extremely popular.
Yaar Bina Chain Kahan Re (Saheb): Another gem in his discography is undoubtedly this foot-tapping number from the 1985 film, Saheb, starring Anil Kapoor and Amrita Singh. Crooned by the composer himself and S Janaki, this song was a monstrous hit. From its costume to its set design, to its instrumentation, this song has '80s' written all over it. It is one of the most popular tracks sung by Bappi Da.
Raat Baaki Baat Baaki (Namak Halal): This raging hit from 'Namak Halal' (1982), voiced by the legendary Asha Bhonsale was not just composed but also co-sung by Bappi Da. It was picturised on the mesmerising beauty, Parveen Babi, Shashi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan. The iconic black shining dress of Parveen and her sensual moves elevated the song to another level. Bappi Da's soft and subtle voice showed that sensuality did not need loudness to it. The film was a box office blockbuster and Bappi Da's music was the talk of the town again. All his songs from the film were super-duper hits.
Pyaar Manga Hai Tumhise (College Girl): Bappi Da was not just a disco-themed composer, but also an extremely versatile one. This heart-warming song, sung by Kishore Kumar was from the 1978 film College Girl. The song shows actor Bindiya Goswami looking at actor Sachin on television, with him performing with a band and singing (as if to her), "pyaar manga hai tumhise, na inkaar karo" (I have asked only love from you, please don't say no). The voice of Kishore Da has the power to melt the listeners and this song had an extremely dreamy feeling to it. It is truly one of Bappi Da's gems.