When Bappi Lahiri's gold Ganesha chain fascinated Michael Jackson

Bappi Lahiri passed away on Tuesday night, February 15. The singer's gold chains had once attracted Michael Jackson's attention. Read on.

Bollywood's undisputed Disco King, Bappi Lahiri passed away on Tuesday, at the age of 69. The legendary singer has given us a plethora of hit songs throughout his Bollywood career that began in 1973. He has given us many hit songs like I Am A Disco Dancer, Yaar Bina Chain Kahan Re, Tamma Tamma Loge, Ooh La La among others.

Apart from his unforgettable songs, the singer was also known for his signature style. He always stood out from the crowd and carried his signature look that comprised gobs of gold chains and a pair of sunglasses. And, guess who noticed his famous Ganesha gold chain? None other than Michael Jackson.

Bappi Lahiri had once met Michael Jackson, who was left amazed with the Indian singer's gold Ganesha chain. During Michael's visit to India in 1996, he met Bappi da and said that he was a fan of his song Jimmy Jimmy from Disco Dancer.

In an appearance on The Kapil Sharma Show a few years ago, Bappi had narrated the incident. “Jab woh Bombay mein aaye the, main ek jagah pe baitha tha. Michael Jackson aaye aur mera yeh gold chain, Ganpati wala, unko bohot nazar aaya. Unhone bola, ‘Oh my God, fantastic! What’s your name?’ Maine kaha Bappi Lahiri (When he came to Mumbai, I was sitting somewhere. He came up to me and noticed my gold chain with a Lord Ganesha pendant. He said, ‘Oh my God, fantastic! What’s your name?’ I introduced myself),” he had said.

“Michael Jackson then asked him if he was a composer. Bappi da said, "‘Yes, I have done Disco Dancer.’ Jaise hi Disco Dancer bola, woh bole (As soon as I said Disco Dancer, he said), ‘I like your song Jimmy Jimmy’,” he added.

Jimmy Jimmy, featuring Mithun Chakraborty, was a worldwide hit with fan following in Southern and Central Asia, Eastern and Western Africa, the Middle East, East Asia, Turkey and the Soviet Union. The song was composed by Bappi Lahiri in the 1982 film Disco Dancer. Soon enough, it went on to become a cult in Russia. In fact, the song is popular in Russia and all Eurasian countries even today. Not only that, Jimmy Jimmy also featured in 2008 Hollywood film titled You don’t mess with the Yohan.

Bappi Lahiri tested positive for Covid-19 in April last year, after which he was confined to full bed rest. A wheelchair with a lift was also installed at his Juhu residence for easy mobility and convenience. He was brought to the hospital after his health deteriorated on Tuesday, Friday 15 night and doctors tried to revive him but they couldn't.