No modesty please,not when bling king Bappi Lahiri knows that he has become the first Indian musician to be part of the Grammy award jury Ever since news spread that Indias disco king Bappi Lahiri is on the jury panel of the Grammy Awards 2012,public reaction has ranged from shock to awe. Whats he judging? The most bling in a hip-hop video? tweeted one music buff. Now were going to be singing Grammy,Grammy,ajaa,ajaa, tweeted another. But the bling king himself is unfazed by the criticism,and is very excited about this global recognition. He is the first Indian musician to be part of the Grammy jury. Joining the Grammy jury,of course,covers up the disappointment he faced when his album World,Peace and Harmony did not make it to the Top five World music category in the 2011 Grammy Awards,to be held on February 13 in Los Angeles. This album is slated to release in India in March. My songs like Jimmy,Jimmy and Kaliyon ka Chaman are known internationally. My bio-data is very big, says Bappi da. The excitement and contentment in his voice is evident and loud,like his music. Credited for introducing disco to the dance music-hungry young souls of the 1970s and 1980s,Bappi da has often been criticised for plagiarism. It is this that makes many wonder about his place in the Grammy jury panel. He refutes these accusations with the trademark smile on his face,and changes the course of the conversation to his international career. My music has been used in many Hollywood films like You Dont Mess With the Zohan (2008),and this honour feels great, he says. Does this call for a trip to a jewellery store? Bappi da laughs and then reveals the secret behind the numerous gold chains and rings he wears every single day of his life. I know people make fun of me but I cant help it,gold is lucky for me. Its my pehchaan,just like my music, he says. The 70s and 80s,he adds,were the best years,when his voice was synonymous with Mithun Chakra-bortys dance moves. We are a lucky and a blessed pair and he is family. Our sons,Bappa and Mimoh,too,will become a formidable pair. He talks fondly about his next projects and his forthcoming visit to LA for the Grammy Award meeting. You know,I am even acting in a Disney show called Ishaan and a film titled Its Rocking Dard-e-Disco , he says. Even the air around him vibrates with excitement. Bappi das emotions are loud and clear,just like the ringtone of his phone Zindagi mera gaana,Main kisi ka deewana. Its not just an achievement for me,its an achievement for all of India. I am so proud to be an Indian, he concludes.
