Bappida in Hollywood

Composer Bappi Lahiri’s Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja from Disco Dancer is being used in the Adam Sandler-starrer Don’t Mess with Zohan.

Indian composers have always lifted tunes, but now it’s Hollywood’s turn. Bappi Lahiri’s Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja from Disco Dancer is being used in the Adam Sandler-starrer Don’t Mess with Zohan.

HT Image

The makers of the movie have credited Bappida for the song — but he’s not satisfied. He wants royalty as well.
“They didn’t take my permission. They have used an accordion piece from the original as a part of the climax song. But royalty has yet to come in,” he says.

According to the composer, the song has always been an international hit. “It was No. 1 in Russia and there’s a version in Chinese as well. The group MIA remixed it in 2007, when it hit the UK Top Ten, and it was No. 6 in Japan.”

Bappida’s Kaliyon Ka Chaman was a huge international hit when Truth Hurts featuring Rakim used it in a track. He had sued for royalty then too. “I sued Truth Hurts for royalty in 2003, which will be coming to me now. I will be looking at royalty from this Hollywood production as well. Be assured it’s in process.”

Raghav has also recently sampled another of his old hits, Mujhe Naulakha from Sharaabi.

Bappida is still a force to be reckoned with. His Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost has been recreated for Chandni Chowk to China. “It’s the main track, and I’ve sung in a new style.”