Today marks the end of an era as we bid adieu to Bappi Lahiri, the undisputed disco king of India. The legendary composer breathed his last at CritiCare Hospital Mumbai earlier today and we are still trying to process this tragedy. The musician has left an indelible mark on the Indian music industry and his contribution will be remembered for times to come.
Bappi da introduced India to the world of disco music in the 80s and created some truly unforgettable tracks. Here are the most loved tracks that will live in our heart forever.
The Song That Gave Us Disco Fever!
Film: Disco Dancer
Song: I am a disco dancer
Back In The 80s, This Song Was The Ultimate Definition Of Sensual Music
Film: Namak Haalal
Song: Raat Baaki Baat Baaki
Usha Uthup And Bappi Lahiri? Now That’s What You Call A Hit Jodi
Film: Disco Dancer
Song: Auva Auva
We Can’t Get Over This Peppy Track And We Have No Complaints!
Film: Aap Ki Kahatir
Song: Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost
Playful & Upbeat, This Song Has It All
Film: Armaan
Song: Mere Jaisi Haseena Ka Dil
No One Can Do Upbeat Romantic Songs Better Than Bappi Da
Film: Manokaamnaa
Song: Pyaar Chahiye Mujhe
Fiery, Fierce & Sensual! Bappi Da’s Oooh La La Left Everyone Impressed
Film: Dirty Picture
Song: Ooh La La Tu Hai Meri Fantasy
Try Watching This Video Without Singing Along, We Bet You Can’t
Film: Pyaara Dushman
Song: Hari Om Hari
Parveen Babi And Bappi Da Ruled The 80s & That’s The Only Truth That Matters!
Film: Namak Halaal
Song: Jawani Janeman
NGL, We Are Playing This Track On Loop
Film: Naukar Biwi Ka
Song: Yaar Mila Pyar Mila
NGL, it was hard to pick tracks for this list ‘coz Bappi da has created so many incredible numbers. His tracks were full of spunk and his unique composing style made him a game changer in the Hindi music industry. His death has left music lovers all over the country broken-hearted.
In an old interview, Bappi da opened up about his influence on the Indian music industry and the rise of disco culture. He said, “What today people call disco was very different from what I gave 30 years back. When I first came to the United States in 1979 on a world tour, I visited a couple of nights clubs and they were playing John Travolta’s music – it was Bee Gees and Elvis all night. That was when I heard the music and I asked the DJ about the details of the music. He plainly put it as a disc played in the nightclub. That was Disco. I started to use disco in my film Suraksha in 1979 starring my favourite actor Mithun. I made my debut as a singer and a music composer. Disco Dancer was not much popular in India. It was a super hit in Russia and China.”
He added, “Mithun has done art films, but as a disco dancer, he was phenomenal. When I met Michael Jackson in 1996, he appreciated my east-west blend of disco. He used to say, you are coming from Jimmy Jimmy country (after he listened to Jimmi Jimmi Aaja Aaja number).”
Bappi da might have left us but he would forever continue to be an inspiration. His music will live on.
Feature Image Credit: Instagram
