Bappi Lahiri...

[Mumbai Newsline Report]

Blinging along

What inspires him these days? The Godfather, a new reality show and Whitney Houston

Sulakshana Gupta

Mumbai, August 21: Bappi Lahiri’s eyeing a Grammy. After 450 films, 100 platinum discs and a career that’s spanned 32 years, Bappida feels that it can’t be that difficult. ‘‘I’m trying to be more international now. I’m even negotiating with Whitney Houston to sing a duet on an album,’’ says Lahiri, seated at Rain, Juhu in a trademark deep blue polyester suit, accessorised with seven gold chains, three armlets and dark Chanel shades.

In his attempt to appeal to a Western audience, Lahiri’s also tweaking his style to incorporate a touch of sophistication. ‘‘The theme tune for my new film, Maine Gandhi ko Nahin Maara is along the lines of The Godfather melody,’’ he grins.

But back home, he’s all set to host a musical talent hunt on television. Tight-lipped about details, he claims that it’s a natural progression, since artists junior to him—Ismail Durbar, Himesh Reshammiya, and Shankar Mahadevan have already plunged headfirst into judging. ‘‘I have earlier been a guest on Sa Re Ga Ma, and I am the original king of pop,’’ he boasts digging into a mozzarella samosa and some scorched potatoes on a vegetarian day.

Since Kaliyon ka Chaman revived a flagging career, a number of remix albums have made him a runaway hit on the disco scene. Up for release is Habiba Remixed and a Gori Hain Kalaiyan mix. ‘‘Whenever I enter a nightclub, they always start playing Yaar Bina Chain Kahaan Re and people compliment me on my extravagant image,’’ he says, proudly showing off the numerous studded rings on his fingers.

Lahiri fondly recalls the first time he came across the word bling describing him in The Los Angeles Times. ‘‘Bling is glamorous and hip. Even rappers abroad have started copying my jewellery and dark glasses,’’ he adds.

Funk is so much a part of his persona, that often fans don’t recognise him in plainclothes. ‘‘Recently in London, I had to actually convince a group of boys that I was indeed Bappida because I wasn’t wearing my chains and glasses,’’ he laughs.

A huge Elvis fan, it was watching the King perform that inspired him to get snazzy. A session with a numerologist later, Alokesh became Bappi.

Seven neckpieces, each dedicated to a different god, have been glued to his chest from the beginning. But recently, he donated one to be auctioned for tsunami relief.

The showman claims that he’s also been approached to lend his name to jewellery brands. But he looks forward to starting his own venture soon—Bappi’s jewels. Anyone for a B-shaped gold pendant studded with rubies?
 

NEWSFILE: 21 AUGUST 2005