Kalpana Iyer breaks down on Bappi Lahiri’s demise: “They don’t make men like him anymore” – Exclusive! – Times of India ►

It was a tough call to make to Kalpana Iyer – the lady who danced to ‘Rambha Ho’ and ‘Hari Om Hari’-but the call of duty drove us to do so. Bappi Lahiri had passed away and so we reached out to her (on Wednesday evening).

Reluctant at first, she finally gave in, but kept breaking down every now and then. Tears flowed, voice choked – and we listened with respect. See the video below:

Said Kalpana, talking exclusively to ETimes from Dubai, “To speak about someone who’s so close to me is going to be a difficult proposition. This is a conversation I wish I’d never had with anybody.

Baapida was someone who entered my life and I immediately knew the importance. Sometimes you don’t realise the importance of someone’s presence in your life. But from the very beginning, I had an association with him which remained till the end.

My first shot of my life was the ‘Tumhara pyar chahiye’ song from ‘Manokamna’, which till date is regarded as one the most beautiful and romantic songs ever. Bappida called me ‘Kalpuda’; he was just a couple of years older than me. Our families got along very well, my mother was very fond of him and I am very fond of his wife. He and his family are a part of my existence.

The song that made me known as the disco dancer in Bollywood was ‘Hari Om Hari’- again his song. Kitne gaane ginau aapko?

We connected not only on movies but on shows as well. I travelled with him to Fiji, US, Holland… in fact, almost throughout the world. All those memories are coming back.

I wish I could sit with his wife and tell her he was an exemplary husband and a great father. But it is not safe for me to travel in today’s times.

If musicians are remembered together, Bappida will of course be remembered too but on a separate page. Bappida thought beyond his times, that too with simple basic instruments. He had a child like innocence. He laughed easily. He had a big heart.

I last met him about 2 years ago. I have settled in Dubai and he had then come here for a magazine launch. Usha Uthup ji called me on stage. He was in the show but he didn’t come up on stage- however, he sang the songs along with us.

May God give peace to his soul. May his kids always remember with pride; I am sure they will as they are wonderful children. His entire family is hospitable and generous- calling people home for food, performing pujas.

His songs had something special; they made you dance. Even the ones which were not the dancing-type ones, there was something very warm and happy about them.

They don’t make men like him anymore.”