New Delhi: Bappi da has cemented his place in Indian cinema and now in Mumbai as well. The city has named a road after the late singer-composer, called Sangeetkar Bappi Lahiri Marg.
The ceremony was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alongside Bollywood celebrities Jeetendra, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff and Gulshan Grover.
Members of Bappi Lahiri’s family also attended the event and were felicitated by Fadnavis.
Jeetendra said that he and Lahiri were neighbours. The duo collaborated on nearly 40 films, including Jyoti (1981), Justice Chowdhary (1983), Mawaali (1983) and Balidaan (1985). He added that their collaborations kept directors and producers happy.
“He provided both good services and good music. If you don’t provide good service, even if the music is good, it doesn’t really count for much. I am very happy that I’ve come to this function,” he said.
Bappi Lahiri began learning music at the age of three. His father, Aparesh Lahiri, was a legendary Bengali singer, while his mother, Banshori Lahiri, was a musician and classical singer who also performed Shyama Sangeet.
His first Hindi film as a composer was for Nanha Shikari (1973) with the song ‘Tu Hi Mera Chanda’, performed by Mukesh.
Shetty said the recognition should have come years ago.
“But better late than never. My family and I are absolutely thrilled. It’s truly wonderful. There isn’t just one song; all are good,” the actor added.
Whereas, Grover described the late singer as a legend in the fields of cinema and music.
“He is a legend in cinema, music and art. He has earned such immense renown and acclaim. He has produced pathbreaking, extraordinary work, so it is a matter of great pride and honour that an artist of his stature is being recognised in this way,” he said.
Bappi Lahiri is remembered for his songs for the 1982 film Disco Dancer, including ‘Yaad Aa Raha Hai’, ‘I Am a Disco Dancer’, ‘Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Aaja’, as well as for ‘Yaar Bina Chain Kahan Re’ from the 1999 film Saaheb.
In 2016, he also lent his voice to the character Tamatoa in the Hindi-dubbed version of Disney’s Moana. He composed and sang ‘Shona’, the Hindi version of the song ‘Shiny’.
Lahiri died of obstructive sleep apnea at the age of 69 in 2022.