Bappi Lahiri was known for revolutionising disco music in Indian cinema. His songs defined an era in the 1980s and 1990s. Even years later, his work continues to find new audiences. Aparticular memory of Bappi with
Michael Jackson stands out among his many stories.
Bappi Lahiri’s 2015 interview revisited
In a 2015 interview with Bollywood Hungama, Bappi Lahiri shared a personal experience from Los Angeles. He recalled attending a party during his stay there. The moment took an interesting turn when he met a Chinese fan.
Describing the incident, he said, “Nowadays I live in Los Angeles and doing 2-3 Hollywood projects. So in a party, a Chinese girl came to me and said Namaste. I was with my friend. I asked that girl if she knew any of my songs because I’ve got a China Gold Awards for ‘Disco Dancer’. I said ‘Jimmi Jimmi’ and she exclaimed.”
Meeting the King of Pop
Bappi Lahiri also spoke about meeting Michael Jackson during his India visit. The meeting left a lasting impression on him. It became one of the most memorable moments of his career.
Recalling that interaction, he shared, “When Micheal Jackson came for a show. I met him when Raj and Baal Thackerey brought him at their house. The first thing he said to me was ‘I love your song ‘Jimmi Jimmi’. Just like there is one Kishore Kumar. There is only one Micheal Jackson.”
‘Jimmi Jimmi’ and global popularity
The song “Jimmi Jimmi” from Disco Dancer became an international hit. It gained massive popularity in countries like Russia and China. His final notable track “Bhankas” from Baaghi 3, featuring Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor.
‘Michael’ biopic
The film Michael has renewed conversations around the pop legend. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, it traces Jackson’s journey.
The narrative covers his early days with the Jackson 5. It also explores his rise to global stardom. Jaafar Jackson plays the lead role. Juliano Krue Valdi appears as the younger version.
Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the
latest Hindi movies,
upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and
Telugu movies.”
The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of jou...
Read MoreThe TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture. We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life.
Read Less