Every music director is inspired by some tunes and sometimes they end up with plagiarism. While this practice of lifting melodies was highly common in Indian cinema during the 80s & 90s, Bappi Lahiri was known to copy many tunes. He has lifted many songs. Actually, there were not so many international copyright issues at that time. Today, it can be done legally by acquiring the rights.
There are around 40 songs of Bappi Lahiri which fall under the “copied or highly inspired category”. Some of the songs lifted by Bappi Lahiri are:
Hari Om Hari from Pyaara Dushman - One Way Ticket - Eruption.
Two of his songs from Disco Dancer were copied. Jimmy Jimmy Aaja (adapted from French disco song T’es Ok) & Koi Yahaan Naache Naache (Video Killed The Radio Star).
The foot tapping Tamma Tamma from Thaanedaar is lifted from Mory Kante’s, Tama.
Zubi Zubi Zubi from Dance Dance was a lift of Brother Louie by Modern Talking.
Inteha Ho Gayi from Sharaabi is inspired by the English disco song, “The Runner” by the American Band, “The Three Degrees”. Lahiri adapted the catchy rhythm and guitar riffs (the fast portion) from this track.
The songs Mere Paas Aaoge & Ji Le Le from the film Tarzan are copied from Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep and Kelele respectively. Also, Rambha Ho from the film, “Armaan” drew inspiration from Gibson Brothers, Que Sera.
Similarly, Sochna Kya from Ghayal, Dil Mera Todo Na from Dance Dance, Mujhe Kehte Hai Romeo from Muddat, Tumse Milna Milkar Chalna from Amanat, Saawli Saloni from Hum Sab Chor Hai, Chu Na Na from Bal Brahmachari and Chori Chori Yoon Jab Ho from Paap Ki Duniya are some other mentions.
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