Bappi Lahiri, happy birthday! Saluting the ultimate disco king on his special day!

Also take a look at our favourite Bappi Lahiri numbers!

Born on November 27, 1952 Bappi Lahiri is truly the original and perhaps the only disco king of B-town. The man is all set to blow out 64 candles on his birthday today. On his his special day we decided to take a look at his life and the luminosity he manged to spread with his vibrant music. Reportedly. Javed Akhtar once said, ‘Have you ever heard a Bappi Lahiri song that is dull? His songs are so bright.’ Akhtar could not have been more correct with his description of the music maestro.

For someone who composed music for movie at the tender age of 19, Bappida has come a long way.  His parents, Aparesh Lahiri and Bansari Lahiri  were famous Bengali singer and musician in classical music and Shyama Sangeet He is their only child. It would be pertinent to note that Lahiri started playing tab;a at the young age of 3. Clearly he had inherited music and the musical sensibilities from his parents, as indeed from the great Kishore Kumar who is his maternal uncle.

In a career spanning for 40 years in over 600 films in over 5000 songs, this music maestro has shown his remarkable range with his compositions ans indeed with his  singing. His music created huge waves across the nation in the 80s as indeed in the 90’s. People associate Bappi Da with his upbeat, zestful and vibrant music. You can’t be more wrong if you thought that the man was only known for his disco numbers, for he has also composed gazals such as Kisi Nazar Ko Tera Intezaar> Known for his childlike enthusiasm, his zest for life and his propensity for Gold, Bappi Lahiri is a true rockstar who has belted countless numbers that make our feet tap.

Here are our favourite Bappi Da tracks. Andwe could not have found a better occasion than today to celebrate Bappi Da’s creation and his inimitable singing style.

Yaar Bina Chain: picturised on Anil Kapoor and Amrita Singh this track from the film Saheb is loud, garish and absolutely disco. With this number Bappida prove’s his affinity for disco. The lyrics are catchy and the tune is hummable! The jazzy suits, flashy gown and disco lights et al add to the mood!

Raat Baaqui Baat Baaqui: Oh this one is a classic from the 1982 film Namak Halaal. The gorgeous parveen Baabi swinging her bod and Asha Bhosle’s voice take the beats of this composition to another level!  You can’t help but get enchanted and yet tap your feet to the tune of this track.

Yaad Aa Raha Hai – Disco Dancer: While I Am A Disco Dancer is our all time favourite number, this one has a nice romantic touch to it. Mithun da adds a lot of zing to this number with his presence. Bappi the maestro echoes through this popular number!

Bambai Aaya Mera Dost: Bappida produces a fun track Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost for the 1977 movie Aap Ki Khatir. Vinod Khanna’s charm and Bappi’s high energy notes make this one a big a party!

Tamma Tamma Loge: This one became a rage like no other. Electrifying and eclectic as always Bappida gives Bollywood tadka with bharpoor jazz in this composition. Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt set the stage on fire with their energy!

Mumbai Nagariya: Years after Bambai  Se Aaya Mera Dost, Bappida decides to salute the spirit of the island city with this extremely hummable number from Taxi  Number 9211. Things could not have gotten more exciting without Bappi da stretching his  vocal chords for this one!

Oooh La La: This compilation would be incomplete without this number in it. Ooh La La from the Dirty Picture has Bappi Da’s stamp all over it! High on energy, upbeat and immersed in raunchiness this track is unmistakable!