Swastikk Bansall is taking his first steps in the music industry while drawing inspiration from his grandfather, Bappi Lahiri. The young 17 year old artiste performs under the stage name Rego B.Rego B recently released his first independent single, ‘Chand’.While establishing his own musical identity, Rego B remains closely connected to Bappi Lahiri’s work. He believes his grandfather created songs that could connect with listeners across generations. “Granddad’s songs are universal, but his foot-tapping tunes that continue to resonate with younger audiences are disco songs like ‘Auva Auva Koi Yahan Nache’, ‘Ramba Ho Ho’ and ‘Jimmy Jimmy’. Those songs were very different, and granddad was way ahead of his time. He knew what would work even 20 years later, and they are still working today,” he said in a chat with SCREEN.
Bappi Lahiri’s songs return in new films
Bappi Lahiri’s disco music has recently found a place in contemporary Bollywood and Telugu cinema. Shashwat Sachdev recreated ‘Ramba Ho’ with Usha Uthup for Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar’. The film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role. Another Bappi Lahiri song, ‘Koi Yahan Nache Nache’, has been used in Prabhas’ ‘The Raja Saab’.Rego B said he did not expect to see his grandfather’s songs feature in major contemporary films. He also sees their continued use as evidence of their enduring popularity. “I was so surprised to see his song, Ramba Ho used in Dhurandhar, and how his song Koi Yahan Nache Nache was used in Prabhas’ The Raja Saab. This shows that his music is still appealing to the mass audience. It’s an honour to learn from him and his style of music. I feel so grateful that I have been brought up in this family, and I am lucky to be his grandson.”
Bappi Lahiri’s collaborations with global stars
Rego B also spoke about the international recognition Bappi Lahiri achieved during his career. The composer worked with several prominent names from the global music industry. “Granddad worked with many superstars, including Snoop Dogg, Lady Gaga, Elton John and Akon. It shows how influential his music was. For an artist from India, especially at that time, to have international musicians approach him and ask him to make songs for them shows just how far his music had reached,” shared Rego. He pointed out that Bappi Lahiri achieved this recognition before social media became an easy way for artistes to reach audiences around the world.
Michael Jackson praised Bappi Lahiri’s ‘Jimmy Jimmy’
Rego B also shared an anecdote about Bappi Lahiri’s meeting with Michael Jackson in Bombay in 1996. He said his mother had narrated the incident to him. “When Michael Jackson came to Bombay, my grandfather went to meet him. My mother tells me this story. She was also very young at the time and started crying when she saw Michael Jackson because who wouldn’t? He is the King of Pop, he’s the G.O.A.T. Even he told my granddad, ‘I love your song ‘Jimmy Jimmy’. It’s a beautiful song.’ So, Michael Jackson saying that to my granddad in the ’90s showed how far his music had reached. Coming from a small village in West Bengal to making a name for himself in Bollywood and then becoming known worldwide shows what he achieved and how far his music travelled. Today, we have social media to showcase our music, but back then there was nothing like that. Despite that, his music travelled overseas, and that shows its reach. It’s a huge thing.”
‘Jimmy Jimmy’ remains popular in Russia
Rego B said Bappi Lahiri’s influence can also be seen in the continued popularity of ‘Jimmy Jimmy’ in Russia. He recalled how the song is still associated with ceremonial performances there. “It was one of the most played songs in Russia. When the President and the Prime Minister come, the marching bands play ‘Jimmy Jimmy’, and they still play it. It’s such an honour to see that. You are like, ‘Oh my God!’ It’s absolutely unreal.”As Rego B begins his career, he is also releasing music that reflects his own influences. Speaking about ‘Chand’, he said the track carries a nostalgic musical quality. The song arrived on September 21, which also marked his 17th birthday.
