The news that producer Murad Khetani has bought the remake rights of one of Amitabh Bachchan’s biggest blockbusters Namak Halaal triggered off a chain of speculative reactions in the media. The tireless Bappi Lahiri whose music went a long way in making the film such a historic success wonders if the producer intends to use the original music.
“Nobody has approached me. So I don’t know what their plans are. But the music that I did for Namak Halaal is remembered and hummed to this day. One cannot imagine Namak Halaal without 'Pag Ghungroo'. It was shot by Prakash Mehraji in a 11-minute sequence, the longest song sequence in a Hindi film. Kishoreda (Kumar) sang Pag ghungroo as only he could. He rightly won the Filmfare award for his vocals. I consider 'Pag Ghungroo' among my best achievements," says Bappida. ALSO READ: Corona Go Go Go Na: Baba Sehgal And Bappi Lahiri Spread Awareness Through Their Peppy Compositions - WATCH
He adds, "Ashaji’s 'Jawani jaan-e-mann' was also a big hit.” Bappida has a very special place for Namak Halaal in his heart. “It was my first film with Prakash Mehraji. Before this, he worked with the great Kalaynji-Anandji in Haseena Maan Jayegi, Zanjeer, Haath Ki Safaai and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar. Namak Halaal was a big challenge for me. After this Prakash Mehaji and I did Sharaabi with Bachchan Saab again taking the songs to unexpected heights." ALSO READ: Bappi Lahiri On Kanika Kapoor's Coronavirus Infection: 'She Has Been Irresponsible. I Pray To Lord Ganesha For Her Recovery'- EXCLUSIVE
The legendary composer and singer signs off, "They don’t make stars like Bachchan Saab anymore. Or filmmakers like Prakash Mehra.”
Image Source: Instagram/bappilahiri_official_, spotboye archives