Bappi Lahiri (born Alokesh Aparesh Lahiri; 27 November 1952 – 15 February 2022), also known as Bappi Da, was an Indian singer, composer and record producer. He popularised the use of synthesised disco music in Indian music industry and sang some of his own compositions. He was popular in the 1980s and 1990s with filmi soundtracks. He delivered major box office successes primarily in Hindi, Telugu, and Bengali films. His music was well received into the 21st century.
In 1986, he was recognised by Guinness World Records for recording more than 180 songs in one year.
Early life Alokesh Aparesh Lahiri was born on 27 November 1952 in Siliguri, West Bengal. His parents, Aparesh and Bansuri Lahiri, both were Bengali singers and musicians in classical music and Shyama Sangeet. He belonged to the Bengali Hindu Lahiri-Mohan family of Mohanpur, Sirajganj (in present-day Bangladesh). The family migrated to West Bengal after the Partition of Bengal in 1947. His parents met while performing for All India Radio. He was their only child. His relatives include singer Kishore Kumar, his maternal uncle.
Bappi Lahiri began to play tabla at the age of 3. Initially, he was trained by his parents. Bappi showed talent as a child playing the tabla and studied with Samta Prasad on the advice of Lata Mangeshkar.
Since childhood, he idolised American musician Elvis Presley, and was inspired by him to wear multiple gold chains and gold jewellery. He thought of creating his own signature appearance when he becomes successful. Upon becoming successful later, he created his signature "golden jewellery" look inspired by that of Presley. He considered gold to be "lucky" for him.
Career
Lahiri came to Mumbai when he was 19. He received his first opportunity in a Bengali film, Daadu (1972), where Lata Mangeshkar sang his composition. The first Hindi film for which he composed music was Nanha Shikari (1973) and his first Hindi composition was Tu Hi Mera Chanda sung by Mukesh. The turning point of his career was Tahir Husain's Hindi film, Zakhmee (1975), for which he composed music and doubled as a playback singer. He composed a duet with Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi named "Nothing Is Impossible", for the same film. His compositions Jalta Hai Jiya Mera (Kishore Asha duet) and Lata Mangeshkar solos like Abhi Abhi Thi Dushmani and Aao Tumhe Chand from the same film became popular and gave him recognition. The duet "Phir Janam Lenge Hum" sung by Kishore Lata became famous from the film Phir Janam Lenge Hum/Janam Janam Na Saathi. All songs from the film Chalte Chalte (1976), became hits, thus bringing him recognition as a music director at the national level. He sang duet with Sulakshana Pandit named Jana Kahan Hai which gave him recognition as singer. Songs from the films like Aap Ki Khatir, Dil Se Mile Dil, Patita, Lahu Ke Do Rang, Hatya and Ravikant Nagaichs Surakksha 1979 had soft music.
He also composed music for some ghazals, namely "Kisi Nazar Ko Tera Intezaar Aaj Bhi Hai" and "Aawaz Di Hai" for the 1985 film Aitbaar. He also composed melodious songs sung by Kishore Kumar either as duets with Lata Mangeshkar or Asha Bhosle in the films starring Rajesh Khanna in the 80's in hit films like Naya Kadam, Masterji, Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar, Bewafai, Maqsad, Suraag, Insaaf Main Karoonga and Adhikar. After success of the film Himmatwala, Bappi regularly composed duets sung by Kishore Kumar for films starring Jeetendra like in Justice Chowdhry, Jaani Dost, Mawali, Haisiyat, Tohfa, Balidaan, Qaidi, Hoshiyaar, Sinhasan, Suhaagan, Majaal, Tamasha, Sone Pe Suhaga and Dharm Adhikari.Bappi Lahiri made a record by composing for 12 super-hit silver jubilee movies starring Jetendra 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.
Apart from his popular disco-electronic music, Bappi Lahiri was also known for his signature look of his sartorial style that consisted gold chains, golden embellishments, velvety cardigans and sunglasses.
Portions of Lahiri's song "Thoda Resham Lagta Hai" were included in the 2002 song "Addictive" by American R&B singer Truth Hurts. Copyright holders Saregama India, Ltd. sued Interscope Records and its parent company, Universal Music Group for more than $500 million. A Los Angeles federal judge subsequently barred further sales of the CD unless and until Lahiri was listed on the song's credits.
In 2012, his album World Peace, Love & Harmony was among the top five albums being considered for a Grammy nomination but lost. But, he was selected to be a jury member in the Grammy Awards.
In late 2016, Lahiri voiced the character of Tamatoa in the Hindi-dubbed version of Disney's animated fantasy adventure film Moana; he also composed and sang "Shona" (Gold), the Hindi version of "Shiny". This was his first time dubbing for an animated character, and he also appeared in Ramratan song "Yeh Hai Dance Bar". He won Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award at 63rd Filmfare Awards.
In 2021, he appeared as a guest judge in musical TV shows such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, and Indian Idol.
Political ambitions Bappi Lahiri joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on 31 January 2014 in the presence of Rajnath Singh, the then-national President of Bharatiya Janata Party, to contest the 2014 Lok Sabha election. He was made a BJP candidate from Srerampur (Lok Sabha constituency) in 2014, but lost to Kalyan Banerjee.
Other work
Acting +YearFilmRoleNotes1974Badhti Ka Naam DadhiBhopu2009Main Aurr Mrs KhannaVictor Sir2012It's Rocking: Dard-E-Disco2022Masaba Masaba Season 2
Dubbing Film title Actor Character Dub language Original language Original year release Dub year release NotesMoanaJemaine ClementTamatoaHindiEnglish20162016 Kingsman: The Golden Circle Elton John Himself Hindi English 2017 2017 live-action
Death Bappi Lahiri died of obstructive sleep apnea and post COVID-19 complications in Mumbai, on 15 February 2022 at the age of 69.
Discography
Bappi Lahiri became popular in the late 1970s-80s and early 1990s for the film soundtracks composed by him such as Naya Kadam, Aangan Ki Kali, Wardat, Disco Dancer, Haathkadi, Namak Halaal, Masterji, Dance Dance, Himmatwala, Justice Chaudhury, Tohfa, Maqsad, Commando, Naukar Biwi Ka, Adhikar and Sharaabi.
He was known for disco-style songs where he brought orchestration and fusion of Indian music with international sounds and youthful upbeat rhythms. Although most of his songs were written for discotheques and dance numbers, there are several melodious songs as well from a list of movies like Chalte Chalte, Zakhmee, Aangan Ki Kali, Patita, Adhikar, Aaj Ka M.L.A Ram Avatar, Laalchi, Aitbaar, Naya Kadam.
Denotes films that have not yet been released
Hindi Year Film Songs Notes 1973 Nanha Shikari "All Songs" 1973 Charitra "All Songs" 1974 Bazar Band Karo "All Songs" 1974 Ek Ladki Badnaam Si "All Songs" 1975 Zakhmee "All Songs" 1976 Chalte Chalte "All Songs" 1977 Aap Ki Khatir "All Songs" 1978 Toote Khilone "All Songs" 1979 Aur Kaun? "All Songs" 1979 Surakksha "All Songs" Also Singer 1979 Aangan Ki Kali "All Songs" 1979 Lahu Ke Do Rang "All Songs" 1980 Manokamna "All Songs" Also Singer 1981KarwatAll Songs 1981 Wardat "All Songs" Also Singer 1981 Laparwah "All Songs" 1981 "All Songs" 1982 Disco Dancer "All Songs" Also Singer 1982 Namak Halaal "All Songs" Also Singer 1982Suraag"All Songs"Also Singer1982Haathkadi"All Songs" 1982 Kisise Na Kehna All Songs 1983 Himmatwala "All Songs" 1983 Mawaali "All Songs" 1983Naukar Biwi Ka"All Songs"Also Singer1983Love In Goa"All Songs" except "Come On Sing" 1983 Pasand Apni Apni All Songs 1984Maqsad"All Songs" 1984 Sharaabi "All Songs" 1984 Tohfa "All Songs" 1984Naya Kadam"All Songs"1984Teri Baahon Mein"All Songs" 1984 Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki All Songs Also Singer 1984Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram AvtarAll SongsAlso Singer 1984 Gangvaa All Songs 1985 Aitbaar "All Songs" 1985Masterji"All Songs" 1985 Pataal Bhairavi "All Songs" 1985Bewafai"All Songs" 1985 Saaheb "All Songs" Also Singer 1985 Geraftaar "All Songs" Also Singer 1985Insaaf Main Karoongaa"All Songs"Also Singer 1985 Adventures of Tarzan "All Songs" 1985Adhikar"All Songs" 1986 Main Balwaan "All Songs" Also Singer 1986 Muddat "All Songs" 1986 Ilzaam "All Songs" 1986 Dilwala "All Songs" 1986 Sheesha "All Songs" 1986 Shart "All Songs" 1986 Dharma Adhikari "All Songs" 1986 Main Balwan "All Songs" 1986 Suhagan "All Songs" 1986 Kismatwala "All Songs" 1986 Locket "All Songs" 1986 Shart "All Songs" 1986 Insaaf Ki Awaaz "All Songs" 1986 Singhasan "All Songs" 1986 Mera Dharam "All Songs" 1987 Sheela "All Songs" Also Singer 1987 Dance Dance "All Songs" Also Singer 1987 Aag Hi Aag "All Songs" 1987 Satyamev Jayate "All Songs" Also Singer 1988 Commando "All Songs" 1988 Mera Shikar "All Songs" Also Singer 1989 Guru "All Songs" Also Singer 1989 Prem Pratigyaa "All Songs" Also Singer 1990 Naakabandi "All Songs" Also Singer 1990 Ghayal "All Songs" 1990 "All Songs" 1990 "All Songs" 1990 Sailaab "All Songs" Along with Aadesh Shrivastava 1990 Thanedaar "All Songs" Also Singer 1991 Vishkanya "All Songs" 1991 Farishtay "All Songs" 1991 Dushman Devta "All Songs" 1991 Swarg Jaisaa Ghar "All Songs" 1991 Afsana Pyar Ka "All Songs" 1991 Pratikar "All Songs" Also Singer 1991 Numbri Aadmi "All Songs" 1991 Sau Crore "All Songs" 1991 First Love Letter "All Songs" 1992 Shola Aur Shabnam "All Songs" 1992 Zindagi Ek Juaa "All Songs" 1992 Police Aur Mujrim "All Songs" 1992 Geet "All Songs" 1992 Tyagi "All Songs" Also Singer 1992 Touhean "All Songs" 1993 Dalaal "All Songs" Also Singer 1993 Aankhen "All Songs" Also Singer 1993 Geetanjali "All Songs" 1994 Amaanat "All Songs" 1995 Rock Dancer "All Songs" Also Singer 1995 Diya Aur Toofan "All Songs" 1996 Dil Ke Jharoke Main "All Songs" 1996 Rangbaaz "All Songs" Also Singer 1996 Bal Bramhachari "All Songs" 1996 Hum Sab Chor Hain "All Songs" 1997 Nirnayak "All Songs" Also Singer 1997 Dharma Karma "All Songs" Also Singer 1998 Military Raaj "All Songs" Also Singer 1999 Aaya Toofan "All Songs" Also Singer 1999 Benaam "All Songs" 2000 Justice Chowdhary "All Songs" 2006 Taxi No. 9211"Bumbai Nagariya" Singer 2008 Mudrank "All Songs" Also Singer 2008 C Kkompany "Khokha", "Jaane Kya Ho Gaya Mujhko" 2008 Chandni Chowk to China "India Se Aaya Tera Dost (Aap Ki Khatir)" 2009 Jai Veeru "All Songs" 2010 Love.com "Rabba Tu Pyar Dede" 2011 The Dirty Picture "Ooh La La" As Singer 2013 Jolly LLB "Mere Toh L Lag Gaye" and "L Lag Gaye 2" As Singer 2013 Himmatwala "Thank God It's Friday" Uncredited 2014 Gunday "Tune Maari Entriyaan", "Assalaam-E-Ishqum" As Singer 2014 Main Aur Mr. Riight "All Songs" 2015 Hunterrr "Hunterrr 303" As Singer 2017 Badrinath Ki Dulhania "Tamma Tamma Song" Singer & Original Composer 2017Ittefaq"Ittefaq Se (Raat Baaki)"Original Composer 2018 3rd Eye 2018 Mausam Ikrar Ke Do Pal Pyaar Ke All Songs Music Director 2019 Why Cheat India "Dil Mein Ho Tum" Original Music Director 2020 Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan "Areey Pyar Kar Le" Singer and original music director 2020 Baaghi 3 "Bhankas" Singer and original music director 2022 Dhokha: Round D Corner "Mere Dil Gaaye Ja" (Zooby Zooby) Singer and original music director 2026 Dhurandhar: The Revenge "Tamma Tamma Song" Singer & Original Composer
Telugu Year Film Notes1986Simhasanam1987Thene Manasulu TrimurtuluSankharavam Samrat1988Collector VijayaManmadha Saamrajyam1989State Rowdy1990ChinnaChinna Kodalu1991Indra BhavanamGang LeaderRowdy Gaari PellamRowdy Alludu1992Donga PoliceRaktha TharpanamRowdy InspectorBrahma1993Nippu RavvaRowdy Rajakeeyam1995Big Boss Muddayi Muddugumma Khaidi Inspector Punya Bhoomi Naa Desam2013Action 3DCo-composed with his son Bappa Lahiri2019 Namaste Nestama 2020Disco RajaSinger
Bengali