Here’s Looking Back At ‘Disco King’ Bappi Lahiri’s Iconic Style That Made Him ‘The Gold Man Of India’

By Jasveen Kaur Sawhney Updated February 16, 2022 11:40 AM

Musicians for many years have been serving as style icons. With the tradition of wearing the best of trends or at times making one, as they take the centre stage, popular voices across the globe have urged their listeners to tune into their fashion choices as well. And one amongst that list of legendary singers is late musician Bappi Lahiri. A name that stands synonymous with gold jewellery, his love for accessories continued to become his identity, apart from his glorious voice that will stay for generations ahead. Our very own ‘Disco King’ delivered some of Indian music’s best tracks in the 1970s-80s and shinned brighter than his golden chains and chunky lockets.

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A post shared by Bappi Lahiri (@bappilahiri_official_)

While the musician weaved his distinct persona in the world of music and films, not many know how he ended up being the gold king. Well, his love for artists in the west was quite big, which is why his first obsession with gold was a borrowed feature from American pop star Elvis Presley. Yes, talking about which Bappi Da also revealed in an interview how Elvis’ gold chain at concerts pushed him to try out a different style and see how it all worked out too. So, much so that his name became a replaceable adjective for anyone and everyone who wore gold in abundance. Apart from the neck-stack, rings and bracelets, his kaala chashma ( he would always carry wayfarers in different shapes and shades with him) and mullet haircut accompanied him everywhere.

disco-king-bappi-lahiri-iconic-fashion-bollywood-gold-chain — Image Credits: Elvis Presley/Kortz Original

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A post shared by Bappi Lahiri (@bappilahiri_official_)

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Much like musicians Lady Gaga, Madonna, David Bowie, and more, Bappi Lahiri’s take on fashion garnered praises from around the globe. Be it Bappi Da’s successful concerts that at times would end up, with the audience gifting him suitcases of gold or even the legendary Michael Jackson who loved his gold chain with a Lord Ganesha pendant and revealed his favourite song “Jimmy Jimmy,” Bappi Lahiri’s popularity was beyond his iconic music numbers.

Moreover, his choice of clothing too impacted the way many dressed during the 70s and 80s. From polka dots, brocade blazers, Calvin Klein scarves, gold embellished suits to embroidered silk half jackets, his closet was way ahead of the time he bloomed in.

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A post shared by Bappi Lahiri (@bappilahiri_official_)

And as many say, artists come and go but their work and style live forever. This stands true for the legendary singer ‘jo yaad ayenga.’ The music composer and singer passed away at Criticare Hospital in Mumbai on Tuesday, February 15, at the age of 69. His contribution to the world of music will live on forever.