Bappi Lahiri

Biography

Bappi Aparesh Lahiri (born Alokesh Aparesh Lahiri; 27 November 1952 – 15 February 2022), also known as Bappida was an Indian singer, composer, and record producer. He popularized the use of synthesized disco music in the Indian music industry and sang some of his compositions. 

He was popular in the 1980s and 1990s with film soundtracks. He also delivered major box office successes in Bengali, Telugu, and Kannada films. His music was well received into the 21st century.

In 1986, he was recognized by Guinness World Records for recording more than 180 songs in one year.

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. The first Hindi film for which he composed music was Nanha Shikari (1973) and his first Hindi composition was 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. He composed a duet with Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi named "Nothing Is Impossible", for the same film. His compositions Jalta Hai Jiya Mera (Kishore Asha duet) and Lata Mangeshkar solos like Abhi Abhi Thi Dushmani and Aao Tumhe Chand from the same film became popular and gave him recognition. 

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. 

He sang a duet with Sulakshana Pandit named Jana Kahan Hai which gave him recognition as a singer. Songs from films like Aap Ki Khatir, Dil Se Mile Dil, Patita, Lahu Ke Do Rang, Hatya, and Ravikant Nagaichs Suraksha 1979 had soft music.

In 2021, he appeared as a guest judge in musical TV shows such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, and Indian Idol.