The Love-Hate Relationship of Bappi Lahiri and Mithun Chakraborty, Bollywood’s Disco Kings

Bappi Lahiri and Mithun Chakraborty revolutionised Bollywood by introducing disco songs. However, they shared a love-hate relationship.

Hindi cinema’s music went through a complete transformation in the 80s and 90s. A part of the credit goes to Bappi Lahiri and Mithun Chakraborty, who revolutionised India’s disco music scene. Together, they were formidable. But, their relationship went through its ups and downs. Here’s everything you need to know about the love-hate relationship of Bollywood’s Disco Kings. Bappi Lahiri passed away on the night of February 15. He was 69.

For decades, Bappi Lahiri ruled the hearts of millions for his disco music. The singer-composer began his Bollywood journey in 1973 and gave us hits like I Am A Disco Dancer, Yaar Bina Chain Kahan Re, Tamma Tamma Loge and Ooh La La among others, in his distinguished career. However, it was his and Mithun Chakraborty’s partnership on disco songs that created the disco mania in India. Who can forget musical gems from the films Dance Dance (1987), Guru (1989), Prem Pratigya (1989) and Dalaal (1993)?

Bappi Da had been told about Mithun by filmmaker Ravikant Nagaich as a “naya ladka” who was like “John Travolta meets Bruce Lee." This was how Bappi Lahiri made Disco Dancer for Mithun. The song became a superhit.

Dance Dance from Kasam Paida Karnewala was another stellar achievement of the duo.

Mithun and Bappi Lahiri gave us many other songs that every Indian celebrates till this day. But, all wasn’t always well between the duo. Once, at an event in 1986 in Kolkata, Mithun and Bappi Lahiri had gone to perform their hit songs. The veteran actor was going to dance and Bappi would give the music. The event was even attended by then West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu. Since Basu was known for his anti-commercial policies, he was criticised for attending an event that was driven by Bollywood.