Interview: Bappi Lahiri

From 1969 till date, Bappi Lahiri has not only composed music for over 400 films but has also been a playback singer for all the top Hindi heroes and regional languages, winning awards and all the adulation and success he had wanted. During the prime of his career, Bappi Da had 37 releases in one year, which is a world record. It was indeed a proud moment for Bappi Lahiri when his son Bappa recorded his first Bengali song at age of 9, and signed for the Govinda starrer 'Shaher'. When the film was shelved, Sanjay Gupta assigned Bappa the music of 'Alibaug', to be released before 'Dus Kahaniyan, where Bappa also provided the music for some songs. The music genius goes down memory lane, as he discusses his achievements in an interview with Bollyvista…

Was it obvious that Bappa should be a music composer like you?

Though Bappa had helped me arrange compositions and had Asha Bhonsle sing his first Bengali song, I had an inkling of his ability only after hearing the song Raat Khamosh Hai, which he composed for 'Alibagh'. Its so melodious that I felt convinced Bappa had taken up the right job. As Bappa loves my voice, he wants it for any new tune that he creates. Though it was late night when I sang this particular song, it sounded so nice that we retained the same vocal, rather than dub it. My co-singer Sanjay Dutt has a good voice apart from a tremendous musical sense.

Why have you remained away from films for so long?

The fact is I was never away! As a music composer and singer I have done 445 films, singing along the way in many languages. My first film as producer, 'Lal Darja' won a National Award. Name any hero and I have sang for him, except for Shah Rukh Khan. After 34 years, my position in the industry is incomparable.

Why did you retreat from singing?

I became a bit shaky after Kishoreda's demise. We had such a fine tuning that when he passed away I felt if I started singing much, people would think I was attempting to take his place. I used Kumar Sanu for a song for Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam because of this fact. It was after a long time that I agreed to sing when A. R. Rahman assigned me a title song from 'Guru'. I changed my voice so that it suited Abhishek.

What was your most successful work?

Bappa and I are creating history. S.D. Burman last sang for his son Rahul in 'Amar Prem'. My father Aparesh had sung a Bangla song I had composed. Another sense of achievement is that Bappa is the third generation Lahiri to continue in music, unlike many father-sons of the industry like Roshan and Rajesh Roshan or Sardar Mallik and Anu and Daboo that are up to the second generation mostly. Lata Mangeshkar who sang for my father sang many hits for me. Now, she is set to sing for my son Bappa. Bappa, I am sure will go very far with her blessings.

What do you think of music composers in this age?

In our day we had long playing records, today its cassettes, CDs and mini discs that are sought. I love comedies and comedians, particularly Raju Shrivastava, Sunil Pal and Ehsaan Qureshi, on whom my title track in 'Journey Bombay To Goa' is picturised. Among the new music composers, I respect Himesh Reshammiya for his approach to music and singing. Vishal, Shekhar and Ismail Darbar respect me.

Are you handing over the reins to Bappa?

I am still active and am composing music for almost 9 to 10 films, which I think is an achievement in itself.

https://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/34/7890/1/