Published By: Sayan Paul

Bappi Lahiri's Birth Anniversary: Did You Know Michael Jackson Was A Big Fan Of Him?

During his Mumbai visit in 1996, Michael Jackson met Bappi Lahiri, and spoke to him about his favorite song "Jimmy Jimmy" from 'Disco Dancer'.

Bappi Lahiri was in a league of his own - completely distinct from the rest. When Bollywood was more into lighthearted melodies, he emerged as the "Disco King" and defined a new era of music. First of all, he popularized the use of synthesized disco in mainstream Indian music, which enthralled countless individuals throughout the 80s and the 90s. And in his music, he infused a bit of himself - you know, the aura, the style, and the madness about life - which remains alive in our hearts even today.

Fondly called Bappi da in the industry, the late singer-composer had gained a solid fan base all across the world. People from every walk of life admired him, and that included even the "King of Pop" - Michael Jackson. Yes, you read that right.

Credit: Film History Pics

Today, on Bappi da's 72nd birth anniversary, let's learn about that in this article.

Michael Jackson Was A Big Fan Of Bappi Lahiri

Michael Jackson was indeed a great fan of Bappi Lahiri - not just his songs, but also his appearance. During his Mumbai visit in 1996 (for a music tour), the "King of Pop" met Lahiri and spoke to him about his admiration for the song "Jimmy Jimmy" from 'Disco Dancer'. Also, Jackson was fascinated by his gold jewelry, especially a Ganpati pendant that was gifted to him by his wife.

Credit: Michael Jackson

As Bappi da later shared on an episode of The Kapil Sharma Show, "Jab woh Bombay meinaaye the, main ek jagah pe baithatha. Michael Jackson aaye aur mera yeh gold chain, Ganpati wala, unkobohotnazaraaya. Unhone bola, ‘Oh my God, fantastic! What’s your name?’ Maine kaha Bappi Lahiri (When he came to Mumbai, I was sitting somewhere. He came up to me and noticed my gold chain with a Lord Ganesha pendant. He said, ‘Oh my God, fantastic! What’s your name?’ I introduced myself).”

“‘You’re a composer?’ I said, ‘Yes, I have done Disco Dancer.’ Jaise hi Disco Dancer bola, woh bole (As soon as I said Disco Dancer, he said), ‘I like your song Jimmy Jimmy’,” he added.

About The Ganpati Pendant

As you may already know, Bappi da had an immense love for gold jewelry. However, the Ganpati pendant that Jackson loved was incredibly special to the composer.

As he shared in one of his later interviews, "The industryfirst noticed me after ‘Zakhmee’ (1975). My mother gave me a small gold necklace to celebrate. When I got married in 1977, my wife gave me two more: a ‘B’ for Bappi locket, and this Ganapati one. When I met Michael Jackson in 1996 when he came to Bombay, he saw it and said, ‘Oh, what a beautiful Ganesh!’”

Bappi Lahiri was the Gold Man of India

Of course, Bappi da could have gifted it to Jackson - after all, it's the King of Pop. But he considered it his lucky charm, and couldn't let it go. In his words, "... But then I thought, he has everything, whereas I have only this gold that is lucky for me. There was one more thing — I was born in Kolkata but it is the soil of Maharashtra that gave me its blessing. If I gave Michael the Ganesh, then maybe the blessing would leave me too."

About The Song, "Jimmy Jimmy"

Among all the iconic songs of Bappi Lahiri, "Jimmy Jimmy" comes atop the list, and is still popular even after over 4 decades since its release. Featured in the 1982 film 'Disco Dancer', directed by Babbar Subhash and starring Mithun Chakraborty, the song became a sensation and swept across the world.

Credit: Shemaroo

Over the years, it has been covered and remixed numerous times worldwide.

We Miss You, Bappi Da. Thanks For All The Amazing Songs!