Thanks to Disney's Moana, I am everywhere in Hollywood! - Bappi Lahiri

By Ankita Bhalla

Updated on Nov 30, 2016 | 09:47 PM IST | 661.3K

Bappi Lahiri is undoubtedly one of the most well-known music composers of the Hindi cinema, who is also addressed as the Indian disco king. With a career spanning over 48 years, Bappi Da has now decided to spread his bling in Hollywood. He has sung a song for Disney’s new animation movie, Moana. Besides this, he has also lent his voice to the character, Tamatoa, a giant crab with a fondness for shiny treasures in the film.

In an interaction with Pinkvilla.com, Bappi Da, shares, "Moana is an exciting project to work on. I have recorded a song, lent my vocals and dubbed for the film. There's a line in the song, Tu lage jaise Shona... He (Tamatoa) is kind of like me when it comes to showing love for gold! As for dubbing for the film, the experience was amazing. It was a first time for me to be a part of an animation film and that too a Hollywood project. It was a great feeling - a difference experience altogether."

This is Bappi Da's fourth project in Hollywood. He is also prepping up for the release of his musical album which is a collaboration with American rapper Snoop Dogg. The music composer adds to this, "A few years back, I sang a song for Adam Sandler's film, You Don't Mess with the Zohan - Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja Aaja. There was another track, Kaliyon Ka Chaman, which was a huge international hit when Truth Hurts featuring Rakim used it in a track. Recently, I have made some music comprising of Gayatri Mantra and Buddha chants which will be going to the Grammys. The Indian melody has a newness to it. I have tried to incorporate the best of all the genres of music. From classical to Rabindra sangeet, the album has it all. This song has already made its place on the Billboard in New York. I am super thrilled about this. Also, thanks to Disney's Moana, I am everywhere in Hollywood!"

Recently, Bappi Da also expressed his displeasure when filmmaker Karan Johar made fun of late singer, legendary Mohd. Rafi in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. On this, the singer-composer says, "Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar, Manna Dey and Rafi sahab personify the golden era in films. I have sung with all these legends over decades. So when people criticize Rafi saab, they have a zero knowledge about music! In the US, all my shows are always sold out. But, I think in comparison to all those legendary singers, I'm nowhere closer to what they have achieved in their careers. I have learned a lot from these people. And when such singers, who are no more amongst us, are criticized, it's like committing a sin. And the ones who encourage such references (Mohd. Rafi-ADHM) are equally at fault."

This was not it! Bappi Da adds, "And jo log badey logon ko respect nahi karte woh Hindustani nahin hai. Hindustan ka ek hi culture hai, to respect our elders. We should not forget our roots. The ones who have said, 'Mohd. Rafi saab gaate nahin rotey they,' those people need to understand one thing - no person can emulate Rafi saab, ever...!"