Music director Bappi Lahiri who harnessed the disco wave to produce chartbusters in films like ‘Disco Dancer’ and ‘Namak Halal’ was equally proficient in semi-classical and folksy tunes left for the great gig in the sky after entertaining us for close to five decades. During our adolescent years in the 80s, it was mandatory to have atleast one peppy number in a film for it to have some chance of success at the box office. Bappida as he was fondly known by all, scored music for @ 230 films in that era of hope, very few knew that he was an excellent tabla player and well versed with western harmonies too. He left a distinct impression with his 'Chalte Chalte' score and then worked his way up with hummable melodies in low budget action films. Bappida was also famous as the king of bling, given his penchant for gold chains. Bappida's songs found popularity not only in India but across the world, notably in China and Russia, his music was all encompassing and very relatable. The Gods in heaven must be boogeying to da Bappi beats, rest in peace Sir, and thank you for the music.
