Quotes from Bappi Lahiri

Jeetendra and I had 14 silver jubilee films.

Ever since my childhood days in Kolkata, where I was born, I had seen my father interacting with Congressmen.

I don't sing for awards, I sing for rewards!

My parents, Aparesh and Bansari Lahiri were very famous singers from Kolkata.

I have rings of many different sizes and designs, mainly hip-hop, and an extensive bracelet collection.

I don't wear any jewellery or gold at home.

Everyone abroad knows me because of the songs 'Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja' and 'I Am A Disco Dancer,' both from 'Disco Dancer.'

My father, Aparesh Lahiri, was a musician too, and at a very young age, I was geared up for a career in music.

After 1999, I thought that I needed a break. As a senior composer, I didn't like the trend of three music directors working on a single film. But after a few quiet years, I was back for good.

I cannot be confined to just one or two kinds of music.

Reality shows like 'SaReGaMaPa' are a huge platform for young talent. Thanks to television, they have more exposure than we could even imagine.

In Hollywood, famous singer Elvis Presley used to wear gold chains. I was a huge follower of Presley. I used to think, if I become successful someday, then I will build a different image of mine. By the grace of God, I could do it with gold.

Mentoring is an interesting job.

Since his childhood, Bappa has observed me singing and practicing and is well aware of all sorts of recording and singing arrangements. I have a studio at my home, so whenever he needs my help I make sure I stand by him. I often sing for the tunes that he composes.

My favourites are Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi. They are the four legends. I have worked with them in hundreds of songs.

I am an extremely religious and spiritual person.

I have got gold secure all the time so income tax people will not be able to take the gold from my neck!

Music is truly universal and has no boundaries.

Unlike others, I wear my gold at all times. That's why it's become my image and people call me the Gold Man.

Lata Mangeshkar is an old friend. I knew her through my father Aparesh Lahiri who was a music director in Calcutta.

Original music is always appreciated.

The 80s was an outstanding era.

I told my father that I was not interested in studies. I was more interested in tabla, piano and other instruments. My father told me to complete school and then I could do music full-time.

Abroad in Hollywood, I am called Bling Bling Bappi.