Remembering Bappi Lahiri(1952-2022): The man who brought disco to India
Bappi Lahiri
In an old interview- during his prime- Bappi Lahiri was asked to dissect his style of music. Lahiri, dressed in his flashy gold chains and sunglasses had said that a song becomes a hit if the tempo is fast and upbeat. "Melody is also important, but the beats should be good should be fast." He remained true to his words throughout his career. The man who passed away on February 15 can be credited for bringing western tunes to India.
Through his songs, he played the perfect bridge between the East and the West. While he brought western tunes to India, his hit songs were also played or included in western songs, and Hollywood films.
Born as Alokesh Lahiri to Aparesh and Bansuri Lahiri in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal in November 1952, music was in his DNA since his parents were both classical singers. Having learnt music from a young age, Bappi Lahiri could play the Tabla from the age of 3.
Bappi Lahiri: Lesser-known facts about the man who shined as bright as his gold chains
At 11, he was already composing tunes on his own and had mastered the art of playing multiple instruments.
His first break in films came at the age of 21 when he composed music for a Hindi film called 'Naha Shikari' which was released in 1973. The following year he made his debut as a composer for a Bengali film called 'Daadu'(1974). By then he had already moved to Mumbai to make a career in music with the help of his maternal uncle, legendary singer Kishore Kumar.
Lahiri's career took a turn for the better the following year - in 1975 when the film 'Zakhmee' was released. The music by Lahiri struck a chord with one and all and almost all the songs from the film became super hits. Songs like 'Jalta Hai Jiya Mera', 'Phir Janam Lengey Hum' were instant hits. The film also had a rare duet of Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi - the two stalwarts of Indian playback.
The following year, he composed music for the film 'Chalte Chalte' and its title track is still considered one of the most iconic songs of Hindi films.
We won't ever say an Alvida to you or your songs, Bappi Da.
