Interview : Bappi Lahiri

	BAPPI LAHIRI

The original ‘Disco King’ is back, but with a twist. This time Bappi Lahiri will be seen not churning hip-hop, but folk music for Jaya Prada’s maiden venture as a producer-SHESH SANGHAT. Film industry’s ‘Gold Man’ in conversation with our correspondent

We had to wait quite long to see you back, composing music for films…
Yes, that’s because there was nothing challenging for me to do. But SHESH SANGHAT is different…it has made me shift from my ‘Disco King’ image and churn music that’s close to the earth. In this film, I have experimented with Bengal’s folk, ‘baul’ and tribal music. You may say that my music is the USP of the film.

You have done quite a number of films with Jaya Prada…
I have done 12 films with Jaya and the music of all the films has been superhit.

“MJ loved all my jewellery.”

And that’s the reason when she decided to turn producer, she called me up and said, ‘No one, but you should do the music for my film’.

Now-a-days music composers are trying their luck in films. Do you have any such plans?
I have already done a ‘surprise role’ in Salman-Kareena starrer MAIN AURR MRS KHANNA; and the audience response is very encouraging. They have seen Bappida in a new avatar. If such roles come my way, I will accept.

Are you doing music for more films?
Yes. There’s Ujjal Chattopadhyay’s LAL SELAM based on the Nandigram violence; there will be stars from both Bollywood and Tollywood (Bengali film industry) in the film. And I am also acting in the film REHMAT ALI with Mithun Chakraborty.

How will you describe your passion for jewellery?
Jewellery is a part of Bappi Lahiri’s identity. I have a craze for buying gold whenever possible, especially Dhanteras. Gold is lucky for me. I am also crazy about diamonds and precious watches.

What’s your favourite piece of jewellery?
It’s a Lord Ganapati gold locket that I always wear…it’s my lucky charm. Even when Michael Jackson visited me in Mumbai, he praised this locket very much. In fact, MJ loved all my jewellery.