Kavita Krishnamurti: Bappi Da has been like a brother to me

Padma Shri Kavita Krishnamurti

is devastated by the demise of music legend Bappi Lahiri. The legendary singer, 69, passed away in Mumbai earlier today. Not just the Bollywood music industry, but people from all walks of life are mourning his death.

Bollywood singer

Kavita

Krishnamurti, who has worked with the iconic composer in many films both Hindi and Bengali, tells Bombay Times, “It is extremely sad that Baapi Da is gone. Another great musician has left us. He had so much music in him and he still had so much work that he could’ve done beautifully. I have great respect for

Bappi Da

. He has been like a brother to me for many years.”

Talking about some of the superhit compositions of Bappi Da, that she had a chance to vocalise, Kavita says, “I got the opportunity to sing quite a lot of songs for him like ‘Tu Pagal Premi Awara’ (‘Shola Aur Shabnam’, 1991), ‘O Lal Dupatte Wali’ (‘Aankhen’, 1992), ‘Chori Chori Maine Bhi To’ (‘Dalaal’, 1993). One of my biggest Bengali superhit ‘Ami Kolkatar Rosogolla’ (‘Rakte Lekha’, 1992) starring Debashree Roy, an iconic hit, was composed by Bappi Da. I used to love his songs, ‘Chalte Chalte’, ‘Gori Hain Kalaiyan’ and others. ‘Raat Baaqi’ (‘

Namak Halal

’) was always a favourite of mine.”

Bengali song ‘Ami Kolkatar Rosogolla’ (‘Rakte Lekha’, 1992) starring Debashree Roy


Kavita feels that his calibre as a musician was exemplary in the way he effortlessly worked on both western and desi music. “I used to like his disco song ‘I Am A Disco Dancer’. Right from the disco kind of music, to the very melodious kind of music and songs, he was so flexible and he was able to do all that so beautifully.”

Not just his work, but Bappi Lahiri has a caring and loving human being has been etched in everyone’s memories. Kavita shares, “I love to eat Bengali sweets and every time I went to his house there was always the best quality of Bengali sweets available to eat. I’ve had some fantastic Bengali food in this house. His whole family was always so affectionate and hospitable. My heart goes out to the family who were all so close and who all loved Bappi Da so much. My heartfelt condolences to his family and may BappiDa’s soul rest in peace.”

“I’m sure in heaven they are having a great amount of concerts now. In these last two years they have taken away so many great artistes from us. And now, I think the Gods are all rejoicing and enjoying music there as Bappi Da has joined them. Wherever he is, he will be in great peace I am sure,” signs of Kavita Krishnamurti.