# Bappi Lahiri

Bappi Aparesh 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 into a Bengali Brahmin family in Siliguri, West Bengal, India. His parents, Aparesh Lahiri and Bansuri Lahiri, both were Bengali singers and musicians in classical music and Shyama Sangeet who belong to Lahiri Mohan Family of Sirajganj of East Pakistan (Now Bangladesh). His parents, were both singers who 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, and later upon becoming successful, 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 (1974), 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

| Year | Film | Language |
| 1974 | Badhti Ka Naam Dadhi | Hindi |
| 2009 | Main Aurr Mrs Khanna | Hindi |
| 2012 | It's Rocking: Dard-E-Disco | Hindi |
| 2022 | Masaba Masaba Season 2 | Hindi |

### Dubbing

| Film title | Actor | Character | Dub language | Original language | Original year release | Dub year release | Notes |
| Moana | Jemaine Clement | Tamatoa | Hindi | English | 2016 | 2016 | |
| 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 and Bengali

| Year | Film | Songs | Notes | Language |
| 1973 | Nanha Shikari | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1973 | Charitra | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1974 | Bazar Band Karo | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1974 | Ek Ladki Badnaam Si | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1975 | Zakhmee | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1976 | Chalte Chalte | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1977 | Aap Ki Khatir | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1978 | Toote Khilone | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1979 | Aur Kaun? | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1979 | Surakksha | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1979 | Aangan Ki Kali | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1979 | Lahu Ke Do Rang | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1980 | Manokamna | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1981 | Wardat | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1981 | Laparwah | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1981 | Ogo Bodhu Shundori | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Bengali |
| 1981 | Jyoti | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1982 | Disco Dancer | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1982 | Namak Halaal | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1982 | Suraag | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1982 | Haathkadi | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1982 | Shaukeen | All Songs | | Hindi |
| 1981 | Karwat | All Songs | | Hindi |
| 1983 | Himmatwala | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1982 | Kisise Na Kehna | All Songs | | Hindi |
| 1983 | Mawali (1983 film) | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1983 | Naukar Biwi Ka | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1983 | Love In Goa | "All Songs" except "Come On Sing" | | Hindi |
| 1983 | Pasand Apni Apni | All Songs | | Hindi |
| 1984 | Maqsad | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1984 | Sharaabi | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1984 | Naya Kadam | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1984 | Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki | All Songs | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1984 | Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar | All Songs | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1984 | Gangvaa | All Songs | | Hindi |
| 1985 | Aitbaar | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1985 | Masterji | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1985 | Pataal Bhairavi | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1985 | Bewafai | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1985 | Saaheb | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1985 | Geraftaar | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1985 | Insaaf Main Karoongaa | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1985 | Adventures of Tarzan | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1985 | Adhikar | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1986 | Main Balwaan | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1987 | Dance Dance | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1987 | Aag Hi Aag | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1987 | Satyamev Jayate | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1987 | Guru Dakshina | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Bengali |
| 1987 | Amar Sangi | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Bengali |
| 1988 | Commando | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1988 | Mera Shikar | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1989 | Guru | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1989 | Aamar Tumi | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Bengali |
| 1989 | Amar Prem | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Bengali |
| 1989 | Asha O Bhalobasha | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Bengali |
| 1989 | Prem Pratigyaa | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1989 | Pronomi Tomay | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Bengali |
| 1990 | Naakabandi | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1990 | Ghayal | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1990 | Aaj Ka Arjun | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1990 | Bolidan | "All Songs" | Features popular song by Usha Uthup, "Uri Uri Baba" | Bengali |
| 1990 | Mandira | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Bengali |
| 1990 | Badnam | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Bengali |
| 1990 | Aaj Ke Shahenshah | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1990 | Sailaab | "All Songs" | Along with Aadesh Shrivastava | Hindi |
| 1990 | Thanedaar | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1991 | Vishkanya | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1991 | Farishtay | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1991 | Dushman Devta | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1991 | Swarg Jaisaa Ghar | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1991 | Afsana Pyar Ka | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1991 | Pratikar | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1991 | Numbri Aadmi | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1991 | Sau Crore | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1991 | First Love Letter | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1992 | Shola Aur Shabnam | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1992 | Zindagi Ek Juaa | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1992 | Police Aur Mujrim | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1992 | Priya | "All Songs" | | Bengali |
| 1992 | Raktelekha | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Bengali |
| 1992 | Tomar Naam Likhe Debo | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Bengali |
| 1992 | Geet | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1992 | Tyagi | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1992 | Touhean | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1993 | Dalaal | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1993 | Aankhen | "All Songs" | Highest-grossing Bollywood film of 1993 | Hindi |
| 1993 | Geetanjali | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1994 | Neelanjana | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Bengali |
| 1994 | Amaanat | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1995 | Rock Dancer | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1995 | Diya Aur Toofan | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1996 | Dil Ke Jharoke Main | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1996 | Rangbaaz | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1996 | Bal Bramhachari | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1996 | Hum Sab Chor Hain | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 1997 | Nirnayak | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1997 | Dharma Karma | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1998 | Military Raaj | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1999 | Aaya Toofan | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 1999 | Benaam | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 2000 | Justice Chowdhary | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 2006 | Taxi No. 9211 | "Bumbai Nagariya" | Singer | Hindi |
| 2008 | Mudrank | "All Songs" | Also Singer | Hindi |
| 2008 | C Kkompany | "Khokha", "Jaane Kya Ho Gaya Mujhko" | | Hindi |
| 2008 | Chandni Chowk to China | "India Se Aaya Tera Dost (Aap Ki Khatir)" | | Hindi |
| 2009 | Jai Veeru | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 2010 | Love.com | "Rabba Tu Pyar Dede" | | Hindi |
| 2011 | The Dirty Picture | "Ooh La La" | As Singer | Hindi |
| 2013 | Jolly LLB | "Mere Toh L Lag Gaye" and "L Lag Gaye 2" | As Singer | Hindi |
| 2013 | Himmatwala | "Thank God It's Friday" | Uncredited | Hindi |
| 2014 | Gunday | "Tune Maari Entriyaan", "Assalaam-E-Ishqum" | As Singer | Hindi |
| 2014 | Main Aur Mr. Riight | "All Songs" | | Hindi |
| 2015 | Hunterrr | "Hunterrr 303" | As Singer | Hindi |
| 2017 | Badrinath Ki Dulhania | "Tamma Tamma Song" | Singer & Original Composer | Hindi |
| 2017 | Ittefaq | "Ittefaq Se (Raat Baaki)" | Original Composer | Hindi |
| 2018 | 3rd Eye | | | Hindi |
| 2018 | Mausam Ikrar Ke Do Pal Pyaar Ke | All Songs | Music Director | Hindi |
| 2019 | Why Cheat India | "Dil Mein Ho Tum" | Original Music Director | Hindi |
| 2020 | Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan | "Areey Pyar Kar Le" | Singer and original music director | Hindi |
| 2020 | Baaghi 3 | "Bhankas" | Singer and original music director | Hindi |
| 2022 | Dhokha: Round D Corner | "Mere Dil Gaaye Ja" (Zooby Zooby) | Singer and original music director | Hindi |

### Telugu

| Year | Film | Notes |
| 1986 | Simhasanam | |
| 1987 | Thene Manasulu | |
| 1987 | Trimurtulu | |
| 1987 | Sankharavam | |
| 1987 | Samrat | |
| 1988 | Collector Vijaya | |
| 1988 | Manmadha Saamrajyam | |
| 1989 | State Rowdy | |
| 1990 | Chinna | |
| 1990 | Chinna Kodalu | |
| 1991 | Indra Bhavanam | |
| 1991 | Gang Leader | |
| 1991 | Rowdy Gaari Pellam | |
| 1991 | Rowdy Alludu | |
| 1992 | Donga Police | |
| 1992 | Raktha Tharpanam | |
| 1992 | Rowdy Inspector | |
| 1992 | Brahma | |
| 1993 | Nippu Ravva | |
| 1993 | Rowdy Rajakeeyam | |
| 1995 | Big Boss | |
| 1995 | Muddayi Muddugumma | |
| 1995 | Khaidi Inspector | |
| 1995 | Punya Bhoomi Naa Desam | |
| 2013 | Action 3D | Co-composed with his son Bappa Lahiri |
| 2019 | Namaste Nestama | |
| 2020 | Disco Raja | Singer |

### Tamil

* Apoorva Sahodarigal (1983)
* Paadum Vaanampadi (1985)
* Kizhakku Africavil Sheela (1987)
* Rocky: The Revenge (2019)

### Kannada

* Africadalli Sheela (1986)
* Krishna Nee Begane Baro (1986)
* Guru (1989)
* Police Matthu Dada (1991)
* Love in Mandya (2014) – singer, "Current Hodha Timealli"

### Other languages

* Phir Janam Lenge Hum/Janam Janam Na Saathi (1977) – Hindi-Gujarati
* Michha Maya Sansara (1989)--Odia
* Dokyala Taap Nahi (1990) – Marathi
* The Good Boys (1997) – Malayalam
* Luckee (2019) – Marathi, singer

## Awards

| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
| 1982 | Filmfare Awards | Best Music Director | Armaan | Nominated |
| 1983 | Filmfare Awards | Best Music Director | Namak Halaal | Nominated |
| 1985 | Filmfare Awards | Best Music Director | Sharaabi | Won |
| 1985 | Filmfare Awards | Best Music Director | Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki | Nominated |
| 1985 | Filmfare Awards | Best Music Director | Tohfa | Nominated |
| 1991 | Filmfare Awards | Best Music Director | Aaj Ka Arjun | Nominated |
| 2018 | Filmfare Awards | Lifetime Achievement Award | Lifetime Achievement Award | Won |
| 2012 | Mirchi Music Awards | Best Item Song of the Year | "Ooh La La" (From The Dirty Picture) | Won |

### Honours

* 2017 – Banga Bhushan Civilian Honour by Government of West Bengal

## Legacy

Composer Bappi Lahiri's discarded disco track Zindagi Meri Dance Dance was left out of the Babbar Subhash film Dance Dance although it featured on the vinyl album release at the time. It was re-discovered and had a second lease of life in director Ashim Ahluwalia's 2017 gangster film Daddy starring Arjun Rampal. The re-release of the song was a huge success, becoming one of the top tracks of the year.
Ahluwalia wanted an authentic 80s Bappi Lahiri sound and not an overproduced remix. Norwegian producer Olefonken reworked the song to be more dynamic for contemporary sound systems but kept many of the original elements including the original vocals of Alisha Chinai and Vijay Benedict as well as the original synth and drum machines. The choreographer of Ahluwalia's first film Miss Lovely, was the same Kamal Nath who had also worked on B. Subhash's disco film Dance Dance and Commando starring Mithun Chakraborty, both of which feature Bappi Lahiri soundtracks.