- Basic Information:
- Full Name: Alokesh “Bappi” Lahiri
- Date of Birth: November 27, 1952
- Place of Birth: Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India
- Date of Death: February 15, 2022
- Place of Death: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Music Director, Composer, Singer, Record Producer
- Genres: Disco, Pop, Indian Classical, Bollywood Music
- Years Active: 1972–2022
- Nicknames: Disco King of Bollywood
Early Life & Musical Beginnings
Bappi Lahiri was born into a musical Bengali family. His parents, Aparesh Lahiri and Bansari Lahiri, were well-known singers of classical and Shyama Sangeet (devotional songs).
From a young age, he was trained in music, learning tabla at age 3 under the guidance of Pt. Samta Prasad. Inspired by Elvis Presley and Western disco music, he dreamed of creating a unique style in Indian music.
In the early 1970s, he moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in Bollywood music.
Musical Career
Filmography – 1980s
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Agreement | Hindi | — |
| 1980 | Apne Paraye | Hindi | — |
| 1980 | Beqasoor | Hindi | — |
| 1980 | Ek Baar Kaho | Hindi | — |
| 1980 | Guest House | Hindi | — |
| 1980 | Humkadam | Hindi | — |
| 1980 | Kismet | Hindi | — |
| 1980 | Manokamna | Hindi | Also Singer |
| 1980 | Morcha | Hindi | — |
| 1980 | Patiala | Hindi | — |
| 1980 | Pyara Dushman | Hindi | — |
| 1980 | Saboot | Hindi | — |
| 1980 | Taxi Chor | Hindi | — |
| 1981 | Armaan | Hindi | — |
| 1981 | Bhula Na Dena | Hindi | — |
| 1981 | Dahshat | Hindi | — |
| 1981 | Jeene Ki Aarzoo | Hindi | — |
| 1981 | Josh | Hindi | — |
| 1981 | Jyoti | Hindi | — |
| 1981 | Laparwah | Hindi | — |
| 1981 | Nayi Imarat | Hindi | — |
| 1981 | Paanch Qaidi | Hindi | — |
| 1981 | Sahhas | Hindi | — |
| 1981 | Ogo Bodhu Shundori | Bengali | Also Singer |
| 1981 | Wardat | Hindi | Also Singer |
| 1982 | Dial 100 | Hindi | — |
| 1982 | Disco Dancer | Hindi | Also Singer |
| 1982 | Do Ustad | Hindi | — |
| 1982 | Dulha Bikta Hai | Hindi | — |
| 1982 | Gumsoom | Hindi | — |
| 1982 | Haathkadi | Hindi | — |
| 1982 | Kehdo Pyaar Hai | Hindi | — |
| 1982 | Maut Ka Saaya | Hindi | — |
| 1982 | Namak Halaal | Hindi | Also Singer |
| 1982 | Shiv Charan | Hindi | — |
| 1982 | Sugandh | Hindi | — |
| 1982 | Sumbandh | Hindi | — |
| 1982 | Suraag | Hindi | Also Singer |
| 1982 | Taqdeer Ka Badshah | Hindi | — |
Filmography – 1983
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Ab Meri Baari | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Bura Aadmi | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Do Gulaab | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Doosri Dulhan | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Apoorva Sahodarigal | Tamil | Dubbed from Telugu |
| 1983 | Ek Din Bahu Ka | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Film Hi Film | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Himmatwala | Hindi | Blockbuster soundtrack |
| 1983 | Humse Na Jeeta Koi | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Jaani Dost | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Jeet Hamaari | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Justice Chaudhury | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Karate | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Kissi Se Na Kehna | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Laalach | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Love in Goa | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Maawali | Hindi | Major hit songs |
| 1983 | Naukar Biwi Ka | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Pasand Apni Apni | Hindi | — |
| 1983 | Protidan | Bengali | — |
| 1983 | Pyaas | Hindi | — |
🎵 1984
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Bhavna | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Chakma | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Dujone | Bengali | — |
| 1984 | Gangvaa | Hindi / Kannada | Dual version |
| 1984 | Haisiyat | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Hum Rahe Na Hum | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Kaamyab | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Kamla | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki | Hindi | Big musical success |
| 1984 | Maqsad | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Meri Adalat | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Naya Kadam | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Pet Pyaar Aur Paap | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Qaidi | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Raja Aur Rana | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Shapath | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Sharaabi | Hindi | Legendary soundtrack |
| 1984 | Sheeshey Ka Ghar | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Shravan Kumar | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Tarkeeb | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Teri Bahon Mein | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Tohfa | Hindi | Major musical hit |
| 1984 | Wanted | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Waqt Ki Pukar | Hindi | — |
| 1984 | Yaadgar | Hindi | — |
🎵 1985
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 3D Saamri | Hindi | Horror film |
| 1985 | Aaj Ka Daur | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Aandhi Toofan | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Adventures of Tarzan | Hindi | Bold songs, big hit |
| 1985 | Aitbaar | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Antarale | Bengali | — |
| 1985 | Baadal | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Balidaan | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Bandhan Anjana | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Bewafai | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Bhavani Junction | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Geraftaar | Hindi | Amitabh cameo, Bappi songs |
| 1985 | Haqeeqat | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Haveli | Hindi | Horror genre |
| 1985 | Hoshiyar | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Insaaf Main Karoongaa | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Jhoothi | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Kaala Sooraj | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Karmyudh | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Lover Boy | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Maa Kasam | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Maha Shaktimaan | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Mahaguru | Hindi | — |
| 1985 | Maharudra | Hindi | — |
1986
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Aakhree Raasta | Hindi | Rajinikanth & Amitabh film |
| 1986 | Aandhiyan | Hindi | — |
| 1986 | Bhagwan Dada | Hindi | Also Singer |
| 1986 | Dance Dance | Hindi | Huge disco hit |
| 1986 | Ghar Sansar | Hindi | — |
| 1986 | Ilzaam | Hindi | Govinda’s debut |
| 1986 | Insaaf Ki Awaaz | Hindi | — |
| 1986 | Jeeva | Hindi | Hit song “Roz Roz Aankhon Tale” |
| 1986 | Karishma Kudrat Ka | Hindi | — |
| 1986 | Love 86 | Hindi | — |
| 1986 | Muddat | Hindi | — |
| 1986 | Naya Kanoon | Hindi | — |
| 1986 | Pratighaat | Hindi | — |
| 1986 | Sadaa Suhagan | Hindi | — |
| 1986 | Swati | Hindi | — |
🎵 1987
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Aag Hi Aag | Hindi | Mithun film |
| 1987 | Amrit | Hindi | Family drama |
| 1987 | Dadagiri | Hindi | — |
| 1987 | Dacait | Hindi | Sunny Deol film |
| 1987 | Hawalaat | Hindi | — |
| 1987 | Himmat Aur Mehanat | Hindi | — |
| 1987 | Jalwa | Hindi | Naseeruddin Shah |
| 1987 | Kaash | Hindi | Art film |
| 1987 | Kaun Jeeta Kaun Haara | Hindi | — |
| 1987 | Mard Ki Zabaan | Hindi | — |
| 1987 | Mera Suhaag | Hindi | — |
| 1987 | Pahlaj | Hindi | — |
| 1987 | Parivaar | Hindi | — |
| 1987 | Sansar | Hindi | — |
| 1987 | Sitapur Ki Geeta | Hindi | — |
🎵 1988
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Agnee | Hindi | — |
| 1988 | Apne Apne | Hindi | — |
| 1988 | Bhayaanak | Hindi | Horror genre |
| 1988 | Commando | Hindi | Action film |
| 1988 | Ek Hi Maqsad | Hindi | — |
| 1988 | Ghar Ka Chiraag | Hindi | — |
| 1988 | Gunahon Ka Faisla | Hindi | — |
| 1988 | Halaal Ki Kamaai | Hindi | — |
| 1988 | Hum Intezaar Karenge | Hindi | — |
| 1988 | Izzatdaar | Hindi | — |
| 1988 | Kamla Ki Maut | Hindi | Critically acclaimed |
| 1988 | Maar Dhaad | Hindi | — |
| 1988 | Mera Shikaar | Hindi | — |
🎵 1989
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Amba | Hindi | — |
| 1989 | Asmaan Se Ooncha | Hindi | — |
| 1989 | ChaalBaaz | Hindi | Hit soundtrack |
| 1989 | Clerk | Hindi | Manoj Kumar film |
| 1989 | Guru | Kannada | — |
| 1989 | Ladaai | Hindi | — |
| 1989 | Mera Naseeb | Hindi | — |
| 1989 | Mohre | Hindi | Parallel cinema |
| 1989 | Mitti Aur Sona | Hindi | — |
| 1989 | Nafrat Ki Aandhi | Hindi | — |
| 1989 | Pyaar Ka Mandir | Hindi | Emotional drama |
| 1989 | Rakhwala | Hindi | — |
| 1989 | Sherni | Hindi | Sridevi starrer |
1990
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Aaj Ka Arjun | Hindi | Hit songs, starring Amitabh Bachchan |
| 1990 | Aandhiyan | Hindi | Directed by David Dhawan |
| 1990 | Baharon Ke Manzil | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri | Hindi | Govinda comedy; hit music |
| 1990 | Baat Hai Pyaar Ki | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Chor Aur Chand | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Doodh Ka Karz | Hindi | Starring Jackie Shroff |
| 1990 | Durga | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Farz Ki Jung | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Ghar Ho To Aisa | Hindi | Jitendra & Anil Kapoor |
| 1990 | Gunahon Ka Devta | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Jaan Pe Khel Kar | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Jeevan Daata | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Jungle Queen | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Kroadh | Hindi | Starring Sunny Deol |
| 1990 | Mast Kalandar | Hindi | Dharmendra starrer |
| 1990 | Meera Ka Mohan | Hindi | Devotional love story |
| 1990 | Meri Lalkaar | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Naya Zalzala | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Nyay Anyay | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Pyar Ka Devta | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Qurbani Rang Layegi | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Radha Ka Sangam | Hindi | Mythological theme |
| 1990 | Sailaab | Hindi | Madhuri Dixit hit song “Humko Aaj Kal” |
| 1990 | Sher Dil | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Shera Shamshera | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Thanedaar | Hindi | Smash hit “Tamma Tamma” |
| 1990 | Teri Talash Mein | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Ujala | Hindi | — |
| 1990 | Zahreelay | Hindi | Jeetendra & Sanjay Dutt |
1991
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Adharm | Hindi | Starring Shatrughan Sinha |
| 1991 | Ajooba Kudrat Ka | Hindi | Fantasy/horror genre |
| 1991 | Amiri Garibi | Hindi | — |
| 1991 | Bhabhi | Hindi | Family drama |
| 1991 | Bhookamp | Hindi | — |
| 1991 | Dancer | Hindi | Mithun Chakraborty starrer |
| 1991 | Do Matwale | Hindi | Starring Sanjay Dutt & Chunky Pandey |
| 1991 | Do Pal | Hindi | Romantic musical |
| 1991 | Farishtay | Hindi | Dharmendra & Vinod Khanna |
| 1991 | Indrajeet | Hindi | Amitabh Bachchan film |
| 1991 | Jeevan Daata | Hindi | — |
| 1991 | Kaise Kaise Rishte | Hindi | Family drama |
| 1991 | Krantiveer Sangram | Hindi | — |
| 1991 | Meera Ka Mohan | Hindi | Known for devotional tracks |
| 1991 | Numbri Aadmi | Hindi | — |
| 1991 | Police Matthu Dada | Kannada | Also released in Hindi |
| 1991 | Pyar Ka Devta | Hindi | — |
| 1991 | Rakhwala | Hindi | Action drama |
| 1991 | Ranbhoomi | Hindi | — |
| 1991 | Sadak Chhap | Hindi | — |
| 1991 | Sanam Bewafa | Hindi | Big hit; he only composed one song (“Kaisa Lagta Hai”) |
| 1991 | Shikari: The Hunter | Hindi | — |
| 1991 | Shubha Kamana | Bengali | Regional release |
| 1991 | Swarg Yahan Narak Yahan | Hindi | Family-oriented drama |
| 1991 | Thaanedaar (Dubbed) | Telugu | Remake of 1990 Hindi hit |
| 1991 | Time Bomb | Hindi | — |
| 1991 | Trinetra | Hindi | — |
1992
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Aadmi | Hindi | — |
| 1992 | Aankh Micholi | Hindi | Family drama |
| 1992 | Apradhi | Hindi | Action thriller |
| 1992 | Balwaan | Hindi | Suniel Shetty’s debut |
| 1992 | Bhabhi | Hindi | Remake of earlier family drama |
| 1992 | Chor Aur Chand | Hindi | Romantic-action |
| 1992 | Deewana Mujh Sa Nahin | Hindi | Light romance |
| 1992 | Ghar Jamai | Hindi | Comedy |
| 1992 | Humlaa | Hindi | Mithun Chakraborty starrer |
| 1992 | Karmyoddha | Hindi | — |
| 1992 | Khule Aam | Hindi | — |
| 1992 | Mere Sajana Saath Nibhana | Hindi | Popular music |
| 1992 | Pyar Bhara Dil | Hindi | — |
| 1992 | Ramgarh Ke Sholay | Hindi | Spoof/parody of Sholay |
| 1992 | Rupaye Dus Karod | Hindi | Govinda & Chunky Pandey |
| 1992 | Sadak Chhap | Hindi | Action |
| 1992 | Tehelka | Hindi | Multi-starrer patriotic film |
| 1992 | Yaad Rakhegi Duniya | Hindi | Emotional romantic film |
| 1992 | Zulm Ki Hukumat | Hindi | Inspired by The Godfather |
1993
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Aankhen | Hindi | Govinda starrer, blockbuster; Bappi sang “Lal Dupattewali” |
| 1993 | Aadmi | Hindi | Drama |
| 1993 | Bhagyawan | Hindi | Mithun starrer |
| 1993 | Ek Hi Raasta | Hindi | Action film |
| 1993 | Gardish | Hindi | Background score by Bappi Lahiri |
| 1993 | Insaniyat Ke Devta | Hindi | Dharmendra & Rajinikanth |
| 1993 | Lootere | Hindi | Big musical hit |
| 1993 | Meherbaan | Hindi | Family drama |
| 1993 | Phool Aur Angaar | Hindi | Action film |
| 1993 | Rang | Hindi | Romantic drama; Bappi sang a song |
| 1993 | Sainik | Hindi | Akshay Kumar film |
| 1993 | Shaktimaan | Hindi | Mithun starrer |
| 1993 | Tadipaar | Hindi | Mithun & Pooja Bhatt |
| 1993 | Tirangaa | Hindi | Patriotic action film; big hit |
| 1993 | Zulm Ki Hukumat | Hindi | Underworld theme |
| 1993 | Zakhmo Ka Hisaab | Hindi | — |
1994
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Army | Hindi | Sridevi starrer |
| 1994 | Bhagyawan | Hindi | Mithun, family drama |
| 1994 | Cheetah | Hindi | Action movie |
| 1994 | Ghar Ki Izzat | Hindi | Jeetendra, Kader Khan |
| 1994 | Insaan Bana Shaitan | Hindi | Horror-themed film |
| 1994 | Kranti Kshetra | Hindi | Mithun action film |
| 1994 | Lahu Ke Do Rang | Hindi | Action-revenge drama |
| 1994 | Phool | Hindi | Madhuri Dixit & Govinda |
| 1994 | Police Aur Mujrim | Hindi | Action film |
| 1994 | Rakhwale | Hindi | Mithun action film |
| 1994 | Rakhwala No. 1 | Hindi | — |
| 1994 | Rock Dancer | Hindi | Dance-focused musical; starred Samantha Fox |
| 1994 | Sangdil Sanam | Hindi | Salman Khan; music by Bappi & others |
| 1994 | Shola Aur Shabnam | Hindi | Govinda hit (Note: Music also by other composers) |
| 1994 | Yaar Gaddar | Hindi | Mithun starrer |
1995
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Andolan | Hindi | Govinda & Sanjay Dutt; patriotic drama |
| 1995 | Bhishma | Hindi | Mithun starrer |
| 1995 | Bhookamp | Hindi | Action-drama |
| 1995 | Fascination | English | Crossover pop album |
| 1995 | Gambler | Hindi | Govinda starrer, partial music by Bappi |
| 1995 | Jallaad | Hindi | Mithun double role; revenge drama |
| 1995 | Rakshak | Hindi | Superhit song “Shehar Ki Ladki” (not by Bappi) – Bappi composed background score |
| 1995 | Rock Dancer | Hindi | Dance musical; continued from 1994 releases in some regions |
| 1995 | Surakshaa | Hindi | Action movie, Mithun again |
| 1995 | The Don | Hindi | Mithun Chakraborty starrer |
| 1995 | Yamraaj | Hindi | Action movie, Mithun & Danny |
1996
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Apne Dam Par | Hindi | Mithun & Sumeet Saigal |
| 1996 | Bhairav | Hindi | Horror-action genre |
| 1996 | Diya Aur Toofan | Hindi | Mithun starrer |
| 1996 | Dushmani: A Violent Love Story | Hindi | Jackie Shroff & Sunny Deol |
| 1996 | Ghar Bazar | Hindi | Family drama |
| 1996 | Himmatwala (Remake) | Hindi | Mithun Chakraborty film |
| 1996 | Jeetenge Hum | Hindi | Action-drama |
| 1996 | Jung | Hindi | Sanjay Dutt & Aditya Pancholi |
| 1996 | Muqaddar | Hindi | Mithun film |
| 1996 | Return of Jewel Thief | Hindi | Sequel to 1967’s Jewel Thief |
| 1996 | Shastra | Hindi | Suniel Shetty film |
| 1996 | Tere Mere Sapne | Hindi | Arshad Warsi’s debut (music by multiple composers including Bappi for one track) |
| 1996 | Tunnu Ki Tina | Hindi | Parallel cinema/Indie film |
| 1996 | Zordaar | Hindi | Mithun film; delayed release (filmed earlier) |
1997
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Aatank | Hindi | Delayed release; shot in the 1980s |
| 1997 | Bhai Bhai | Hindi | Mithun Chakraborty film |
| 1997 | Do Numbri | Hindi | Crime drama |
| 1997 | Hitler | Hindi | Mithun starrer |
| 1997 | Himmatwala (Mithun version) | Hindi | Action-packed remake |
| 1997 | Loha | Hindi | Dharmendra & Mithun; cult film |
| 1997 | Zameer: The Awakening of a Soul | Hindi | Delayed release |
🎵 1998
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Military Raaj | Hindi | Action film with Mithun |
| 1998 | Saazish | Hindi | Crime-action drama |
| 1998 | Sher-E-Hindustan | Hindi | Mithun Chakraborty again |
| 1998 | Yamraaj | Hindi | Mithun & Danny; re-released or renamed in regions |
🎵1999
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Aaya Toofan | Hindi | Action film |
| 1999 | Dand Nayak | Hindi | Crime drama |
| 1999 | Sautela | Hindi | Mithun & Sumeet Saigal |
| 1999 | Suraj | Hindi | Romance-action genre |
🎵 2000–2009
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Tarkeeb | Hindi | Bappi contributed one song |
| 2001 | Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa | Hindi | Featured Bappi’s guest composition |
| 2003 | Mudda: The Issue | Hindi | Political-social theme |
| 2006 | Jai Veeru | Hindi | Bappi Lahiri sang for a promotional track |
| 2007 | It’s Rocking – Dard-e-Disco | Hindi | Music based on his disco style |
| 2009 | Jai Veeru | Hindi | Comeback attempt, partial score |
🎵 2010s – Resurgence & Remakes
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Housefull | Hindi | Song “I Don’t Know What To Do” sung by Bappi |
| 2011 | Shakal Pe Mat Ja | Hindi | Guest composer/singer |
| 2012 | Disco Dancer 2.0 (Album) | Hindi | Remix of his iconic hits |
| 2014 | Gunday | Hindi | “Tune Maari Entriyaan” – retro style tribute |
| 2015 | Main Aur Charles | Hindi | Bappi’s track reused |
| 2015 | Calendar Girls | Hindi | Guest singer |
| 2016 | Dirty Politics | Hindi | Playback singer role |
| 2016 | Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 | Hindi | Retro songs reused |
| 2017 | Badrinath Ki Dulhania | Hindi | “Tamma Tamma Again” remix of his 1990 hit |
| 2018 | Baaghi 2 | Hindi | “Ek Do Teen” remake (original composer) |
| 2019 | T-Series Remixes | Hindi | Several 80s Bappi hits revived |
🎵 2020s – Final Works
| Year | Film Title | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Bappi Lahiri – Dhamaka (Album) | Hindi | Self-produced final disco/fusion works |
| 2021 | Shubh Ratri | Hindi | Spiritual fusion single |
| 2021 | Lal Dupatta Returns (Remix) | Hindi | Released on digital platforms |
| 2022 | — | — | Bappi Lahiri passed away on 15 Feb 2022. Some posthumous remixes followed |
Early Career (1972–1979)
Bappi Lahiri made his Bollywood debut as a composer with the film “Nanha Shikari” (1973). However, his first notable success came with “Zakhmee” (1975), for which he also sang some songs.
In the late 70s, he introduced Western music influences to Bollywood, blending disco, funk, and pop with Indian melodies.
Notable Songs from the 70s:
- “Jalta Hai Jiya Mera” – Zakhmee (1975)
- “Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost” – Aap Ki Khatir (1977)
- “Mausam Hai Gaane Ka” – Surakshaa (1979)
The Disco King Era (1980s – Early 90s)
Bappi Lahiri revolutionized Bollywood music in the 1980s by bringing the disco genre to India. His music featured electronic beats, synthesizers, and funky rhythms, making him the first Indian music director to introduce disco beats.
Major Hits from the 1980s:
- Disco Dancer (1982) – “Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja”, “I Am a Disco Dancer”
- Namak Halaal (1982) – “Jawani Janeman”, “Pag Ghunghroo Bandh”
- Himmatwala (1983) – “Naino Mein Sapna”, “Taki Taki”
- Sharaabi (1984) – “Inteha Ho Gayi Intezar Ki”, “De De Pyaar De”
- Dance Dance (1987) – “Dance Dance”, “Super Dancer”
Why Was He Called the Disco King?
✅ Introduced synthesized beats and electronic disco sounds.
✅ Created youthful and dance-oriented songs.
✅ Worked with stars like Mithun Chakraborty, making disco a massive trend in India.
His disco music dominated Bollywood throughout the 1980s, making him a household name.
90s Transition & Later Career (1990s–2022)
As Bollywood music evolved, melodious tunes and romantic songs became more popular in the 90s, leading to a decline in disco music.
However, Bappi Lahiri adapted his style and continued composing hit songs.
Notable 90s Songs:
- Aankhen (1993) – “Gori Hai Kalaiyan”
- Dalal (1993) – “Tamma Tamma Loge”
- Premi (1995) – “Yaar Bina Chain Kaha Re”
- Raja (1995) – “Akhiyan Milaoon Kabhi”
Although he slowed down in Bollywood, he worked in regional cinema (Bengali, Telugu, and Bhojpuri) and composed devotional music.
Comeback & Legacy (2000s–2022)
Bappi Lahiri made a strong comeback in the 2000s when Bollywood reused his classic songs in remixes and movie soundtracks.
Popular Remixes & Tributes:
- “Bambai Nagariya” (Taxi No. 9211, 2006) – He sang a modern version of his 70s hit.
- “Ooh La La” (The Dirty Picture, 2011) – A hit song in his signature style.
- “Tune Maari Entriyaan” (Gunday, 2014) – His unique voice in Bollywood’s new era.
He also collaborated with international artists like MC Hammer and continued to work on independent music.
Awards & Recognition
Bappi Lahiri received numerous awards for his contribution to Indian music, including:
Filmfare Award for Best Music Director (1985) – Sharaabi
Lifetime Achievement Awards – Zee Cine, Mirchi Music Awards
Guinness World Record (1986) – For recording 180+ songs in one year
Padma Shri (2022, Posthumous) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award
His song “Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja” became an international hit, especially in Russia, China, and the Middle East.
Bappi Lahiri’s Love for Gold
Bappi Lahiri was famous for his love of gold jewelry. He believed gold brought him luck and was inspired by Elvis Presley, who also wore heavy gold chains. His signature look – gold chains, sunglasses, and colorful outfits – made him a style icon.
Personal Life & Death
Bappi Lahiri was married to Chitrani Lahiri and had two children, Bappa Lahiri (music composer) and Rema Lahiri (singer).
He passed away on February 15, 2022, at the age of 69, due to obstructive sleep apnea and multiple health issues. His death was a huge loss to the Indian music industry.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-F33Di_pMg&pp=ygUWQmFwcGkgTGFoaXJpIGludGVydmlldw%3D%3D
