Bappi Lahiri | Artist

Bappi Lahiri aka Bappi Da was an Indian singer, composer and record producer born 1952 in Siliguri, West Bengal. 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, delivering major box office successes primarily in Hindi, 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. His parents both were Bengali singers and musicians in classical music and Shyama Sangeet. He belonged to the Bengali Brahmin Lahiri-Mohan family of Mohanpur, Sirajganj, in present-day Bangladesh. Bappi showed talent as a child playing the tabla and studied with Samta Prasad. 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. His first Hindi film was Nanha Shikari (1973) with the composition 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. 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. The artist is credited with over 115 studio albums, including soundtracks. Outstanding releases include Dahshat (1981), Namak Halaal (1982), Disco Dancer (1983), Kasam Paida Karnewale Ki (1984), and Sharaabi (1984). 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. Since childhood, he idolised American musician Elvis Presley, and was inspired by him to wear multiple gold chains and gold jewellery. Upon becoming successful, he created his signature "golden jewellery" look inspired by that of Presley. He considered gold to be "lucky" for him. Bappi Lahiri died of obstructive sleep apnea and post COVID-19 complications in Mumbai, on 15 February 2022 at the age of 69.

Artist Website: wikipedia/Bappi_Lahiri

Featured Albums: Bappi Lahiri