Bappi Lahiri

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.

• Name — Bappi Lahiri • Birth Name — Alokesh Aparesh Lahiri • Born — 27 November 1952 • Birthplace — Siliguri, West Bengal, India • Died — 15 February 2022 • Place of death — Mumbai, Maharashtra, India • Education — Chetla Boys' High School • Political Party — Bharatiya Janata Party • Occupation — * Singer • composer • record producer • Years Active — 1972–2022 • Website — bappilahiri.com

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.

• Illustration — Lahiri (right), with Babbar Subhash and Parvati Khan during the record of "Jimmy Jimmy" for Disco Dancer (1981). 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. • Illustration — Lahiri at the recording of a song in 2005 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. • Illustration — Lahiri performing in 2016 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.

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.

• Year — Film — Role — Notes • 1974 — Badhti Ka Naam Dadhi — Bhopu • 2009 — Main Aurr Mrs Khanna — Victor Sir • 2012 — It's Rocking: Dard-E-Disco • 2022 — Masaba Masaba Season 2

• 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

Bappi Lahiri died of obstructive sleep apnea and post COVID-19 complications in Mumbai, on 15 February 2022 at the age of 69.

• 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 • 1981 — Karwat — All Songs • 1981 — Wardat — "All Songs" — Also Singer • 1981 — Laparwah — "All Songs" • 1981 — Jyoti — "All Songs" • 1982 — Disco Dancer — "All Songs" — Also Singer • 1982 — Namak Halaal — "All Songs" — Also Singer • 1982 — Suraag — "All Songs" — Also Singer • 1982 — Haathkadi — "All Songs" • 1982 — Kisise Na Kehna — All Songs • 1983 — Himmatwala — "All Songs" • 1983 — Mawaali — "All Songs" • 1983 — Naukar Biwi Ka — "All Songs" — Also Singer • 1983 — Love In Goa — "All Songs" except "Come On Sing" • 1983 — Pasand Apni Apni — All Songs • 1984 — Maqsad — "All Songs" • 1984 — Sharaabi — "All Songs" • 1984 — Tohfa — "All Songs" • 1984 — Naya Kadam — "All Songs" • 1984 — Teri Baahon Mein — "All Songs" • 1984 — Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki — All Songs — Also Singer • 1984 — Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar — All Songs — Also Singer • 1984 — Gangvaa — All Songs • 1985 — Aitbaar — "All Songs" • 1985 — Masterji — "All Songs" • 1985 — Pataal Bhairavi — "All Songs" • 1985 — Bewafai — "All Songs" • 1985 — Saaheb — "All Songs" — Also Singer • 1985 — Geraftaar — "All Songs" — Also Singer • 1985 — Insaaf Main Karoongaa — "All Songs" — Also Singer • 1985 — Adventures of Tarzan — "All Songs" • 1985 — Adhikar — "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 — Aaj Ka Arjun — "All Songs" • 1990 — Aaj Ke Shahenshah — "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 • 2017 — Ittefaq — "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

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

• Year — Film — Notes • 1969 — Daadu — Only for the song "Ami Pradip Er Niche" • 1972 — Janatar Adalat • 1981 — Ogo Bodhu Shundori — Also Singer • 1987 — Guru Dakshina — Also Singer • 1987 — Amar Sangi — Also Singer • 1989 — Aamar Tumi — Also Singer • 1989 — Amar Prem — Also Singer • 1989 — Asha O Bhalobasha — Also Singer • 1989 — Pronomi Tomay — Also Singer • 1989 — Chokher Aloye — Also Singer • 1990 — Bolidan — Features popular song by Usha Uthup, "Uri Uri Baba" • 1990 — Mandira — Also Singer • 1990 — Badnam — Also Singer • 1992 — Priya • 1992 — Raktelekha — Also Singer • 1992 — Tomar Naam Likhe Debo — Also Singer • 1994 — Neelanjana — Also Singer

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

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

• 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

Bappi Lahiri is recorded as having received Filmfare Award for Best Music Director and Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.

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

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