Mumbai paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary singer and music composer Bappi Lahiri with the naming of Bappi Lahiri Marg, an honour recognising his extraordinary contribution to Indian music and cinema. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the ceremony on Monday, alongside several prominent personalities from the film industry, including veteran actor Jeetendra, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff and Gulshan Grover. Held in the presence of Bappi Lahiri's family, the event celebrated the enduring legacy of an artist whose distinctive music, energetic compositions and signature style made him one of the most recognisable names in Bollywood. The occasion also brought together friends and colleagues to remember the musician whose songs continue to entertain generations of listeners.
During the ceremony, Devendra Fadnavis was felicitated by Bappi Lahiri's family, adding a personal touch to the tribute. Jackie Shroff attended the event in an all-white outfit and posed for photographs with the Maharashtra Chief Minister. His appearance came days after reports of a firing incident involving his son, actor Tiger Shroff, in Mumbai's Juhu area. Suniel Shetty was also present to honour the late musician and expressed his happiness that the city was recognising Bappi Lahiri's contribution through a road named after him. The gathering reflected the affection and respect that the music composer continues to command among members of the entertainment fraternity.
Speaking to the media, Suniel Shetty welcomed the recognition and suggested that the honour was long overdue. He said, “I think this should have happened many years ago—but better late than never. My family and I are absolutely thrilled; it's truly wonderful. There isn't just one song; all are good.” His remarks highlighted the lasting appeal of Bappi Lahiri's music, which produced countless popular tracks across several decades. From dance-floor favourites to memorable romantic melodies, the composer's work became an integral part of Hindi film music. Suniel's words captured the sentiment of fans who continue to celebrate the musician's contribution to the industry.
Actor Gulshan Grover also paid tribute to Bappi Lahiri, describing him as a legend whose achievements extended across cinema, music and art. Speaking at the event, he said, “He is a legend—in cinema, music, and art; he has earned such immense renown and acclaim. He has produced pathbreaking, extraordinary work, so it is a matter of great pride and honour that an artist of his stature is being recognised in this way. The entire family is filled with a sense of pride and honour; many congratulations to them. I don't think there's a single song of his that I don't like.” His heartfelt words reflected the admiration that colleagues and audiences have for the composer, whose music helped shape the sound of commercial Hindi cinema.
Veteran actor Jeetendra, who shared a long professional association with Bappi Lahiri, recalled their friendship and collaborations over the years. Revealing that the two were neighbours, Jeetendra said they had worked together on around 40 films. He said, “We were both neighbours. I have worked on 40 films with Bappi Da. My producers and directors were always very happy, because he provided both good service and good music. If you don't provide good service, even if the music is good, it doesn't really count for much. I am very happy that I've come to this function.” His recollections offered a glimpse into the professional relationship between the actor and composer, who worked together during a particularly productive period in Hindi cinema.
Born Alokesh Lahiri on November 27, 1952, in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, Bappi Lahiri grew up in a family deeply connected to music. His father, Aparesh Lahiri, was a Bengali singer, while his mother, Banshori Lahiri, was a musician trained in classical music and Shyama Sangeet. He began learning music at an early age and started playing the tabla when he was just three. With guidance from his parents and maternal uncle, legendary singer Kishore Kumar, he gradually developed his musical abilities and entered the Bengali film industry with Daadu in 1972. His first Hindi film as a composer was Nanha Shikari in 1973, and he subsequently became known for blending disco rhythms with Indian melodies. His career also included an appearance as the voice of Tamatoa in the Hindi-dubbed version of Disney's Moana, where he performed the Hindi version of the song Shiny, titled Shona. In recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award at the 63rd Filmfare Awards. Bappi Lahiri passed away on February 15, 2022, at the age of 69. The naming of Bappi Lahiri Marg serves as a lasting tribute to his musical legacy, ensuring that his name remains part of Mumbai's cultural landscape.
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