Mithun Chakraborty gets emotional on Bappi Lahiri’s birth anniversary; “Bappida was my Mukesh and Shankar–Jaikishan”: : Bollywood News

Mithun Chakraborty, who danced to some of the biggest hits composed by Bappi Lahiri, says he misses the legendary composer more than ever on his birth anniversary on November 27.

Mithun Chakraborty gets emotional on Bappi Lahiri’s birth anniversary; “Bappida was my Mukesh and Shankar–Jaikishan”:

“How many years since we lost Bappida? Three years… it still feels like he never left us. His songs play everywhere even today. In my home, we are all big Bappi Lahiri fans,” Mithunda says fondly.

The dancing icon recalls his long association with Lahiri’s music. “Disco Dancer was a turning point in both our careers. But our association began even earlier with Surakshaa, where I performed to Bappida’s compositions sung in his own voice. Somehow his voice suited me—maybe because we were both Bengalis.”

Mithun admits Disco Dancer changed his life forever. “And Bappida’s music played a huge role in the film’s success. Songs like Jimmy Jimmy, I Am A Disco Dancer and Yaad Aa Raha Hai contributed tremendously to my popularity, not only in India but even in countries like the USSR. Even today, wherever I go, they introduce me with I Am A Disco Dancer.”

How does he place Bappi Lahiri in the context of his career? Mithun doesn’t hesitate. “Oh, very, very high. Just like Raj Kapoor saab had Mukeshji as his voice and Shankar–Jaikishan as his composers, Bappida was my Mukesh and my Shankar–Jaikishan.”

Also Read: Bappi Lahiri Death Anniversary: From Rabindra Sangeet to Disco Dancer, some lesser-known facts about the maverick genius