Quotes of All Topics . Occasions . Authors
Unlike others, I wear my gold at all times. That's why it's become my image and people call me the Gold Man.
Ever since my childhood days in Kolkata, where I was born, I had seen my father interacting with Congressmen.
My father, Aparesh Lahiri, was a musician too, and at a very young age, I was geared up for a career in music.
I like 'Intaha ho gayi ithazar ki' from 'Sharaabi' and 'Chalte Chalte.' I like them because they are immortal.
Remixed songs in a way are helping the legendary songs revive their charm and reach out to the newer generations.
Lata Mangeshkar is an old friend. I knew her through my father Aparesh Lahiri who was a music director in Calcutta.
Everyone abroad knows me because of the songs 'Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja' and 'I Am A Disco Dancer,' both from 'Disco Dancer.'
Reality shows like 'SaReGaMaPa' are a huge platform for young talent. Thanks to television, they have more exposure than we could even imagine.
It never bothered me that people made fun of my passion for gold... I would never feel bad when people ridiculed me for my fascination with gold.
People often complain that celebrities after joining politics are not seen once the polls are over. But I am not like them. I would work for development.
My favourites are Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi. They are the four legends. I have worked with them in hundreds of songs.
Way back before 1980, prior to 'Disco Dancer' breaking into the collective consciousness of filmgoers, I had come to Chennai to compose for a film called 'Suraksha.'
My first was a Hare Rama Hare Krishna pendant bought in 1976. The other pendants I wear are Balaji from Tirupati, a pendant of my guruji Shri Krishna and Lord Ganpati.
Most of my jewellery is designed in South India. I pick out unique pieces in silver and then remake them in gold. None of my pieces are gifts; I make all my jewellery.
I've been lucky. Massy songs like 'Bambai se aaya mera dost' from one of my earliest films and 'Tu ne maari entry' have been specially successful for me. I am blessed.
If I become an MP I'll work for both Bollywood and Tollywood, specially for the old and out of work technicians. This is not an idle promise, Bappi Lahiri will keep his word.
These gold chains and pendants I've been collecting from 1975. None of them are new and mostly - Hare Krishna Hare Rama, Ganpati, Satyanarayan, Hanuman - all god-related pendants.
I want Bappa to be amongst the best music composers. My father was a great singer and I also did quite well and now my son would take forward the legacy, as music is in our blood.
I have done 33 films in one year, for which I hold a Guinness Book World record. Plus I've done songs for all languages from Hindi to Malayalam, Punjabi to Telugu, and Kannada to Oriya.
I told my father that I was not interested in studies. I was more interested in tabla, piano and other instruments. My father told me to complete school and then I could do music full-time.
All these years, I have never forgotten what my parents have given me, and that is why I take special pride in composing music based on ragas and used folk music in films like 'Apne Paraye.'
After 1999, I thought that I needed a break. As a senior composer, I didn't like the trend of three music directors working on a single film. But after a few quiet years, I was back for good.
I'm the only composer who has scored for two-three generation of actors. Be it for Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan or Dharmendra, Sunny Deol or Sunil Dutt, Sanjay Dutt - I have done it all.
So many distinguished members of our film fraternity like Lalita Pawar, A K Hangal and OP Nayyar faced financial hardships before they passed away. We need to look after the old and vulnerable entertainers.
I still remember how we, all in the family, used to sit in front of the radio to listen to Ameen Sayani's programme of top 10 songs 'Binaka Geetmala' in which I was constantly ranked number one for many weeks.
I was the first Indian music composer to win the China Gold Award for 'Jimmy Jimmy' from 'Disco Dancer.' Adam Sandler repeated the song in his film 'Zohan.' 'Disco Dancer' is historical, as are 'Sharaabi' and 'Namak Halal.'
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.
I owe 40 per cent of my success to films from the south like 'Himmatwala,' 'Toofan,' 'Mawaali,' 'Maqsad,' Tamil and Telegu films such as 'Big Boss,' 'Apurva Shar,' 'Gangleader,' etc. I salute the south for contributing immensely to my success.
Whatever I think, talk and do is because of the influence of God. My music is a tribute to Him. Whenever I compose any music, I try to reach God. I would advice all the budding musicians to do the same and see the difference. Thanks to Him, I am what i am today.
Since his childhood, Bappa has observed me singing and practicing and is well aware of all sorts of recording and singing arrangements. I have a studio at my home, so whenever he needs my help I make sure I stand by him. I often sing for the tunes that he composes.