Forty-two years in the music industry and still going strong. That is Bappi Da for you.
There’s no stopping this man who has made Bollywood dance to the tune of disco beats and given the industry a unique baritone in the form of his own voice. Notwithstanding 500 films in various languages and chart-topping albums including those from Hollywood to his credit, Bappi Lahiri isn’t content yet. Zindagi Mera Gaana, Main Usika Deewana is what he has to say about his future aspirations.
A versatile name in the industry, his work ranges from an energetic Yaad Aa Raha Tera Pyaar to a soulful Manzilein Apni Jagah Hai. If he has sung a Bombay Se Aaya Mera Dost for Vinod Khanna in 1977, he has also done a Bombay Nagaria for John Abraham in 2006. Interestingly, Bappi da who shares a special bond with Mithun Chakraborty has made the actor dance on the same number in two of his films, Disco Dancer in 1982 and Golmaal 3 in 2010.
The journey so far
I think I have had an outstanding journey so far thanks to the blessings of God and my parents and yes the love of my fans. But what is most rewarding is the fact that mera music abhi tak chal raha hai. I want to add here that it is very important to be dedicated towards your work. I have hundreds of golden jubilee trophies and platinum discs at home but I don’t think about them. I always look ahead. Aage kya film karna hai, kya superhit music dena hai, wahi main sochta hun.
Inspiration behind disco
I had quite a few hits in 70s like Chahiye Thoda Pyaar, Pyaar Manga Hai Tumsi Se, Chalte Chalte, Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost. But I changed my style in 80s with Suraksha, where I had a song Mausam Hai Gaane Ka which was a huge hit. That time, Mithun emerged as one of the best dancers in the industry and the word disco came into being. The rest is history.
Hollywood experience
Wonderful, I would say. I recently had an album released there, Global Legends, dedicated to personalities like Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and Rabindranath Tagore, which received good response. Then, there have been albums like Walking on Love Street and World Peace, Love and Harmony which were chart-toppers.
Bhajans on Ganesh ji
I am a very religious person. All my gold chains are related to some or the other God. I also believe a lot in Lord Jagannath. Hamare ghar me puja hota hai Jagannath ji ka. So, being inclined towards bhajans is natural. Very shortly, my film Satya Sai Baba is coming which will have a lot of bhajans on baba.
Future ventures
Well, there is Gunday which is a Yash Raj Films production and will be released in the beginning of 2014. Then, there is Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe by Bombay Talkies and then Mumbai Can’t Dance Saala. This apart, there is Bhai Land for which we have started a talent hunt. I will be launching a new playback singer in this film. In Bengali, I have a few projects lined up. I just had a super-hit film Samadhi, with Govinda in Bengal.
Experience in Odisha
I believe in Lord Jagannath and that’s why whenever I visit Odisha, I feel I have come to a holy and sacred place. I love the culture and tradition of Odisha. I would like to thank Enter Ten Events and Promotions for bringing me to this lovely city and wish all the people of Odisha a very Happy New Year!