Bappi Lahiri realised disco was a winning ticket and escalated his game with several more dancefloor perennials. Soon, every film producer and music director in town was down with disco fever. On what would have been Bappi Lahiri's 73rd birthday this November 27, Dinesh Raheja rewinds to the late music composer's halcyon days.
From sultry cabaret numbers to soul-stirring ghazals, Asha Bhosle crafted a sonic universe where boldness met beauty and mischief mingled with melancholy. Her voice didn't just soundtrack cinema, it liberated expression, challenged norms and gave generations permission to feel, flirt, ache and celebrate without restraint. Sukanya Verma salutes the legend.
Much, much, much before Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani fussed over What Jhumka, Asha Bhosle trilled in her alluring voice and teased us with tantalising details about the events leading to her precious Jhumka's loss.
Slain Bangladeshi student leader Sharif Osman Hadi's party rejects the police chargesheet in his murder case, accusing the state machinery of involvement. The party warns of potential retaliation if justice is not served, alleging a broader conspiracy beyond the individuals charged.
Bangladesh police have formally charged 17 people in connection with the murder of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, alleging it was an act of political vengeance orchestrated by the Awami League.
Singer-actress Sulakshana Pandit, 71, passed into the ages on November 6 after a prolonged illness. Besides her acting roles, she leaves behind some beautiful songs to remember her by.
Movie stars arrived at the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal to seek blessings, partake in the bhog and serve it.
Durga Puja celebrations hit a notch higher as many more film folk paid the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Pooja pandal a visit to seek blessings, partake in the bhog and even serve it.
'Bappi Lahiri was looking for a break so he and his father would meet me.' 'I told Director Bhisham Kohli about this promising young boy from Kolkata, and Bappi came over with his harmonium.' 'Bappi played this composition and Bhisham liked it immediately.' 'As we were discussing, I said I would give the words, and that's how I wrote this song.'
As the nation mourns the music icon, Namrata Thakker looks at Bappida's amazing life.
Dinesh Raheja celebrates Lata's 96th birth anniversary on September 28 by picking some choice examples of her non-typical songs that are tinged with a rare eroticism.
'Madhubala in Kala Pani looks divine and yet, she's not just there for glamour.' 'In Do Raaste, the character of Neelambari (played by Bindu) isn't a heroine in the traditional sense but she has such a pivotal role.' 'That Raj Khosla gave a non-heroine such a central role, instead of the heroine, says a lot about how he valued female characters.'
The year started on a sad note for the Mukherjee family.
Hours before Bappi Lahiri's funeral at Mumbai's Pawan Hans crematorium, film folk arrived at his home to pay their last respects.
Bappida's softer more creative work got buried in the noise, rues Subhash K Jha as he picks the late lamented composer's most soulful songs.
While film folk paid tribute to the Disco King on social media, a few visited his residence.
'40 years later, the world is still singing I Am A Disco Dancer.'
Swastik Bansal aka Rego B aka Bappi Lahiri's grandson started singing at the age of two. Music, Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com, discovers, is in his genes.
The glorious singer is simply sensational at 77 and we just love her!
'People sometimes ridiculed him for the way he looked or dressed.' 'Sometimes they ran down his music.' 'But I have never heard him say one bad word about anyone.'
'He made people happy with his songs.' 'What matters is how many people you really make happy, how you connect and make them joyous and help them forget their problems.'
Bollywood is going through tough times as two beloved performers are unwell.
Rani Mukerji attends the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti's Kali Puja with her family and friends.
Singer-composer Bappi Lahiri, who popularised disco music in India in the 1980s and 1990s, has died following multiple health issues. He was 69.
'Everything in life is about timing.' 'I came to films when the disco craze had started.' Everything just fell into place: The shorts, the slimness, the songs, and my combination with Usha Uthup and Bappi Lahiri.'
Durga pujo celebrations continue, and this time, Alia Bhatt joins the Mukherjees at the the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal.
Lahiri's musician son got married in a glittering ceremony to Taneesha Verma, and quite a few film personalities attended.
The music composer had a fun-filled day with his family and friends.
The music composer had a fun Holi party at his home.
'I sang... God knows how many songs I sang for him! Most definitely, 50-100 songs.'
Reader Manish Katiyar has sent us a photograph.
Reader S C Soni sends us a photograph.
A look at the pictures.
Get your lowdown on what's happening in Tamil cinema.
Bappi Lahiri, who enthralled Hindi cinema lovers with his remarkable music in the 1980s and 1990s, was cremated at Mumbai's Pawan Hans crematorium in the presence of family, friends and fans on February 17.
Reader Niraj Kakkar has sent us a photograph.
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