Veteran singer and music composer Bappi Lahiri left his fans and fraternity in a state of mourning with his sudden demise today, on February 16, 2022. Hailed as Bollywood’s 'Gold-Man,' Bappi Da was synonymous with all things bling. A Disco King and pop icon in his own right, the veteran singer was known for his groovy tracks and love for gold. His stacks of chunky bracelets, rings and layers of heavy chains each with a pendant of a deity created a signature image that helped him stand apart from the rest of the lot.
And thanks to his signature, distinguished look, he caught the attention of America’s ultimate pop sensation Michael Jackson.
Making an appearance at The Kapil Sharma Show a few years ago, Bappi Da revealed that MJ was a fan of his work and loved his gold chain. Narrating the incident, he said, Jab woh Bombay mein aaye the, main ek jagah pe baitha tha. Michael Jackson aaye aur mera yeh gold chain, Ganpati wala, unko bohot nazar aaya. Unhone bola, ‘Oh my God, fantastic! What’s your name?’ Maine kaha Bappi Lahiri, (When he came to Mumbai, I was sitting somewhere. He came up to me and noticed my gold chain with a Lord Ganesha pendant. He said, ‘Oh my God, fantastic! What’s your name?’ I introduced myself),” he said.
On being asked by MJ whether he is a composer, Bappi da affirmed and said he had done Disco Dancer. Jaise hi Disco Dancer bola, woh bole (As soon as I said Disco Dancer, he said), ‘I like your song Jimmy Jimmy’,” he concluded.
Bappi Da, as he was fondly referred, passed away at Mumbai's CritiCare Hospital on Tuesday night after succumbing to multiple health issues. He was 69.
(Source- Hindustan Times)
