Mumbai has given Bappi Lahiri a permanent address. On Monday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the naming of Bappi Lahiri Marg, with the late composer’s family felicitating him and a small group of film veterans present.
The event brought together Jeetendra, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff and Gulshan Grover. Jackie Shroff’s attendance was notable a day after reports that his son, actor Tiger Shroff, had been attacked on Sunday; he still posed with the chief minister in an all-white outfit, keeping the focus on Lahiri’s legacy.
What the artists said
Suniel Shetty told reporters the recognition should have come earlier, but said it was “better late than never.” He added that his family was thrilled and declined to pick a favourite track, saying all of them are good.
Gulshan Grover described Lahiri as a legend in cinema, music and art, and said he could not name a single song he disliked. Jeetendra offered the most personal recollection: the two were neighbours and had worked together on 40 films. “I have worked on 40 films with Bappi Da,” Jeetendra said, adding that his producers and directors were happy because Lahiri provided both good service and good music.
The arc behind the honour
Bappi Lahiri was born Alokesh Lahiri in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, on November 27, 1952. His father Aparesh Lahiri was a Bengali singer and his mother Banshori Lahiri was a musician and singer; his maternal uncle was Kishore Kumar. He began on the tabla at three and later learned the saxophone and guitar.
- First opportunity: the Bengali film Daadu in 1972, at 19.
- First Hindi film as composer: Nanha Shikari in 1973; first Hindi composition Tu Hi Mera Chanda, sung by Mukesh.
- Later career: voiced Tamatoa and sang Shona in the Hindi version of Disney’s Moana in 2016.
- Honour: Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award at the 63rd Filmfare Awards.
- Passing: February 15, 2022, at the age of 69.
Why the road matters
Road namings for music composers are less routine than awards or box-office cycles, so a Mumbai marg is a distinct civic marker. It places Lahiri’s catalogue in the city’s everyday geography rather than only inside theatre halls or playlists. The chief minister’s presence moved the occasion beyond a private family tribute.
Monday’s gathering also carried a note of continuity. Jeetendra remembered a working equation built over 40 films; Suniel Shetty framed the honour as overdue; Gulshan Grover treated it as a reminder that Lahiri’s work crossed the usual boundaries of cinema and music. For readers who follow Hindi cinema’s long record, the invitation is to return to the music, not just note the headlines.
Source: ANI News
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