Bappi da was a really intelligent composer: Sameer Anjaan

In a chat with us, veteran lyricist Sameer Anjaan speaks to us about his best memories of late musician Bappi Lahiri and growing up watching him

Bappi da was like family to me. I would accompany my dad for all the sittings. Whenever he saw me, he would remember my father. I have had so many associations with him over the years. In fact, he called me one month ago to work on a project called Pyaar Mein Twist. But I think he fell ill and I didn’t hear from him post that. I have so many fond memories of him. He was a really intelligent and multifaceted composer.

Bappi da was a really intelligent composer: Sameer Anjaan

Once, director Prakash Mehra asked Bappi da to call his mother, who was a classical singer, to compose a song for Namak Halaal (1982). Bappi da’s mom was nervous, because she was a singer and not a composer. He told his mom that he’ll give her a phrase and she can compose it like a bandish. That’s how the original tune of Pag Ghungroo Baandh was made. I remember that day so fondly.

He made a mark at a time when so many composers were ruling the industry. He was synonymous to disco and the genre will always be associated with him. It’s truly a huge loss to the music industry and I’ll always miss him.