Bappi Lahiri gave big chartbusters in Telugu too

By Ravi Hari

Bollywood singer-composer Bappi Lahiri, man of incredible talent and the one who is a generation ahead of his time, fondly called ‘disco king’, is also much known for his hit numbers in Telugu. With the music he composed for many songs that went on to become massive chartbusters, the legend left an indelible mark in Telugu film industry. Quite a few films also turned into memorable blockbusters.

Bappi da scored some great tunes for movies, such as “Simhasanam”, “State Rowdy”, “Gang Leader”, “Brahma”, “Rowdy Inspector”, among others. The iconic legend’s mesmerizing musical compositions will always remain alive in our hearts.

The success of the song ‘Akashamlo Okatara’ which starred Krishna and Jayaprada from the 1986 film “Simhasam” led to demand for Bappi Lahiri’s songs in Telugu. The legend set a trend in Tollywood with his disco-tinged tracks like – ‘One Two Three Four’ featuring Chiranjeevi & Radha from “State Rowdy” (1989); title song ‘Gang Leader’ from the film by the same name (1991) picturised on Chiranjeevi; ‘Arey O Smba’ from the 1992 film “Rowdy Inspector” starring Balakrishna and Vijayashanthi, and ‘No 1 No 2’ from 1995 film “Big Boss” featuring Chiranjeevi. These soundtracks that kept the listener on the tip of their toes also turned the movies most successful, changing the trajectory of the careers of the heroes forever. These songs which changed the face of Telugu dance music at that time were huge hits in theatres with the films absolutely dominating the box office, earning big bucks for the films.

While Bappi Lahiri’s disco beats gave us joy and made us groove, he will also be fondly remembered for his soulful musical songs – ‘Boyavani Vetaku’ and ‘Kunthi Kumari’ from Mohan Babu & Shobana starrer-“Rowdigari Pellam” (1991); and ‘Musi Musi Navvulalona’ from “Brahma” (1992) also starring Mohan Babu. All the three songs crooned by KJ Yesudas have an evergreen place in the hearts of Telugu music lovers.

The foot-tapping dance numbers – ‘Sunday Ananura’, ‘Badrachalam Konda’ and ‘Vaana Vaana’ from “Gang Leader”; and Jumma Jumma’ “Brahma” were the popular songs from the films with the music
reaching the masses, making the songs ageless.

His comeback to Telugu in 2013 gave him another hit. The Telugu song ‘Oo Lala’ sung by him in his own music composition from the film “Action 3D” is an aural treat. And, the energetic number ‘Rum Pum Bum’ from “Disco Raja” (2020) featuring Ravi Teja & Nabha Natesh, and sung by Bappi da, Ravi Teja & Sri Krishna, in Thaman’s music brought the legend back to Telugu films.

The composer who took the Telugu cinema by storm from 1986 to 1992 with his hit music ruling the industry at that time, will always be remembered for generations to come.

Bappi Lahiri passed away at a hospital in Mumbai at the age of 69 following multiple health issues.

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