B-Town Stars and CM Fadnavis Honor Music Legend at Bappi Lahiri Marg Ceremony
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Bollywood stars Jackie Shroff, Jeetendra, and Suniel Shetty honor music legend Bappi Lahiri at road naming event.
Mumbai paid a glittering tribute to the "Disco King" as Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis joined a galaxy of Bollywood stars for the official naming ceremony of Bappi Lahiri Marg. The event, held in the presence of the late musician's family, served as a poignant reminder of the indelible mark the composer left on the Indian music landscape.
A Star-Studded Gathering
The ceremony saw a heavy presence from the film industry, with veterans like Jeetendra, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, and Gulshan Grover attending to pay their respects. During the event, the family of the late singer felicitated Chief Minister Fadnavis.
Actor Jackie Shroff, dressed in an all-white ensemble, made a notable appearance at the event following reports of an attack on his son, Tiger Shroff, the previous day. Shroff was seen posing for photographs with the Maharashtra Chief Minister during the proceedings.
Tributes to the Maestro
The industry stalwarts shared emotional reflections on Bappi Lahiri's genius and personality:
- Suniel Shetty: Expressed that while the recognition is wonderful, it should have happened years ago. He noted that every single song composed by Lahiri is a masterpiece.
- Gulshan Grover: Described him as a "legend" in cinema, music, and art, stating that his pathbreaking work makes this honor a matter of great pride for the entire family.
- Jeetendra: Shared a personal bond, revealing that he and Bappi Da were once neighbors. He recalled working with the composer on 40 different films, praising not only his musical brilliance but also his professional dedication and "good service" to producers and directors.
The Journey of a Musical Prodigy
Born Alokesh Lahiri on November 27, 1952, in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, Bappi Lahiri was immersed in music from birth. He was the only child of Aparesh Lahiri, a renowned Bengali singer, and Banshori Lahiri, a classical musician. His musical lineage extended to his maternal uncle, the legendary Kishore Kumar, who played a pivotal role in his growth.
A true prodigy, Bappi Da began playing the tabla at the age of three and eventually mastered the saxophone and guitar. His professional journey began at just 19 with the Bengali film Daadu (1972). He transitioned to Hindi cinema with Nanha Shikari (1973), where his first composition, "Tu Hi Mera Chanda," was voiced by Mukesh.
Versatility Until the End
Bappi Lahiri's versatility spanned decades and genres. In a surprising turn in 2016, he ventured into animation, voicing the character Tamatoa in the Hindi version of Disney's Moana and singing the track "Shona."
His immense contribution to the arts was formally recognized at the 63rd Filmfare Awards, where he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The legendary composer passed away on February 15, 2022, at the age of 69. The naming of Bappi Lahiri Marg ensures that his rhythmic legacy continues to resonate through the streets of Mumbai.