Bappi Da passed away on February 15, 2022 at the age of 69 and has left an unmatched legacy behind him.
Bappi Lahiri, popularly known as Bappi Da, remains one of the most renowned Indian singer, composer and record producer. He was the man behind using synthesised disco music in the Indian music industry, and delivered some major soundtracks in the 1980s and 1990s. He passed away on February 15, 2022 at the age of 69 and has left an unmatched legacy behind him.
Now on his birth anniversary on November 27, let’s recall his 8 most famous tracks that got him the moniker of the ‘Disco King’.
The track Bambai se aaya mera dost from the film Aap Ki Khatir is certainly one of the most popular songs sung by Bappi Lahiri. The 1977 film featured Vinod Khanna in the lead, and the track was picturised on him. And till date, most of us are surely aware of the tune and lyrics. Well, that was the magic of Bappi Da’s voice.
Bappi Da did not sing this song, but gave the track its distinct music composition, and it ended up becoming the ultimate dance number. The track was from the film ‘Disco Dancer’ starring Mithun Chakraborty, and was sung by Vijay Benedict. It still remains one of his most loved compositions.
The track Yaad Aa Raha Hai from the film Disco Dancer was both composed and sung by Bappi Lahiri for the 1982 hit starring Mithun Chakraborty, Kim, and Rajesh Khanna. He blended melody with party beats wonderfully in the song, and it was part of the album, which is one of the biggest hits to date.
The track from Gunday has been sung by Bappi Lahiri, KK, Neeti Mohan, and Vishal Dadlani. Featuring in the 2014 film Gunday, the film is picturised on Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, and Arjun Kapoor. Due to its dance moves and lyrics, the song became an instant hit. In fact, the lyrics for the Bengali version of the song were also written by Bappi Lahiri along with Gautam Susmit.
Tamma Tamma, the famous song from the 1990 film Thanedaar, featured Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt. It has been sung by Anuradha Paudwal and Bappi Lahiri, and was reportedly inspired by Guinean musician Mory Kante’s tracks. Tamma Tamma was even recreated for Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt’s Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017).
Who can miss Usha Uthup and Bappi Lahiri's voices in this famous song? Another song from the film Disco Dancer, it sort of marked the beginning of Disco culture in India, and was reportedly inspired by the pop anthem - Radio Killed The Video Star by The Buggles.
Raat Baaqi Baat Baaqi was a hit track from the 1982 song Namak Halaal, and with Parveen Babi’s screen presence, the song was further loved by the audience. While it was beautifully sung by Asha Bhosle and written by Anjaan, it was due to Bappi Da’s catchy composition that it became so appealing.
In the 1985 film Saaheb, the track featured Anil Kapoor and Amrita Singh, and was a mix of disco music and beats in perfect Bappi Da style. The peppy number was recreated for the 2020 film Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Jitendra Kumar, as well.
