“Musical celebrations mark Bappi Lahiri’s birthday in Kolkata”

Kolkata recently witnessed a heartfelt celebration of the timeless melodies of legendary music composer Bappi Lahiri on his birth anniversary. The tribute took the form of a specially curated musical evening titled Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, organised jointly by The Dreamers and renowned singer Haimantir Konthe at the city’s Wisdom Tree venue.

While Bappi Lahiri is widely celebrated as the “Disco King” of Indian cinema, the evening sought to spotlight the softer, more melodic facets of his prolific musical journey. The event offered the audience a rare opportunity to experience his compositions beyond the glittering disco beats that made him a household name.

A highlight of the evening was the performance by acclaimed singer Haimanti Roy, who rendered a carefully curated selection of Lahiri’s classic songs that continue to resonate across generations. Her soulful interpretations brought renewed life to compositions that had become integral to Bengali and Hindi music culture.

Adding further depth and context to the celebration, elocutionist and anchor Satinath Mukherjee engaged the audience with anecdotes and lesser-known stories behind each song, providing insights into Bappi Lahiri’s personal and professional journey. Mukherjee’s commentary illuminated the creative genius behind the melodies and the enduring appeal of Lahiri’s music.

Speaking about the tribute, Haimanti Roy remarked, “It is a privilege to perform his compositions. While he is often remembered as the Disco King, his melodious and evocative songs are equally extraordinary. I selected these pieces to honour his visionary contributions to Indian music on his birthday.”

The evening was not only a celebration of Bappi Lahiri’s remarkable legacy but also a testament to the timeless quality of his work, which continues to inspire both artists and audiences alike.

Performance Highlights:

Song TitleLanguageNotable Feature
Bolchi Tomay Kane KaneBengaliRomantic ballad, emotional depth
Aaj Ei Din Take Moner Khatay Likhe RakhoBengaliPoetic lyrics, nostalgic charm
Mangal Dweep JweleBengaliMelodic rhythm, evocative imagery
Prem Kise Hoy TaBengaliTender love theme, soft orchestration
Mana Ho TumHindiSoulful expression of longing
Yeh Naina Yeh KajalHindiClassic Bollywood romance
Pyaar Manga Hai TumseHindiIconic love ballad, gentle melody

The commemorative evening at Wisdom Tree served as a poignant reminder of Bappi Lahiri’s enduring brilliance, demonstrating that beyond the glittering disco era, his melodic genius continues to captivate hearts across generations.

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