Veteran singer and music composer Bappi Lahiri, born as Alokesh Lahiri, left the fans and fraternity in a state of mourning with his sudden demise. 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.
Known 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. In an illustrious music career spanning over five decades, he was seldom seen without his signature look comprising stacks of chunky bracelets, rings and layers of heavy chains each with a pendant of a deity. Bappi Da had always been seen decked up in gold and flaunting chunky wayfarers thus creating a whole new image in the film and music fraternity that distinguished him from the rest of the lot.
But did you know why was the veteran singer-composer so much fond of gold? Well, it has a music connection too! While talking about his love for gold in an old interview, Bappi Da mentioned that he was highly influenced by American pop-star Elvis Presley who wore gold chains at that time.
"In Hollywood, famous singer Elvis Presley used to wear gold chains. I was a huge follower of Presley. I used to think, if I become successful someday, then I will build a different image of mine. By the grace of God, I could do it with gold. Earlier people used to think, it is just a way to show off. But it is not so. Gold is lucky for me," he once said, as reported by ANI.
Not just this, Bappi Da also used to consider gold quite lucky for him. In another old interview with a leading daily, the singer mentioned how his career took an upward trajectory each time any of his family members gifted him gold.
“My mother gave me a gold chain with a Hare Rama Hare Krishna locket in it. I got Zakhmi - my first blockbuster. When my mother put on the chain for me, she had told me it would be lucky for me. More gold chains followed with more box-office successes. I have always got gold from my family. After my mother, it was my wife Chitrani who gifted me another gold chain with a big Ganpati locket on it, on my birthday, in 1977. This was following the super successful box-office runs of Aapki Ki Khatir and Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost," he said in a piece for Speaking Tree as stated by Hindustan Times.
A firm believer of lord Ganesh, Bappi said that he has never weighed his gold jewellery. “I have as many as seven chains and the Ganpati has brought a big change in my life. I am a big follower of Siddhivinayak and Lalbagcha Raja. One day I had a dream where I was asked to wear a Ganpati on my chest. Soon after, I was in the Guinness Book Of World Records for my musical accomplishment. Three years ago, my daughter Reema gifted me a big gold chain on my birthday with a Maa Saraswati locket on it. No matter where I travel, some gold jewellery always travels with me. My gold jewellery is so heavy that I can't carry all of it with me abroad. I always want to carry God with me. I have never weighed my gold jewellery. On every chain, God is there, so I have never weighed any of my jewellery,” he continued.
Reportedly, in 2014 while contesting Lok Sabha elections, Bappi Lahiri declared owning 754 grams of gold jewellery worth Rs. 17,67,451 and 4.62 kg of silver which could have only been appreciated with time. However, with the passing of time, Bappi Da embraced the latest fashion trends and switched to the new-age metal ‘Luminex Uno.’ This new age metal Luminex Uno- made up of gold, platinum and silver is excellent. I am definitely endorsing this new age metal," he had said.
End of a golden era, literally. Rest in Peace, legend. Losing you was truly a loss!
(Source- India TV News, Hindustan Times)
