Majrooh Sultanpuri initially refused to write Bappi Lahiri’s ‘Disco Station’ song from ‘Hathkadi’ – Exclusive! – Times of India

It was a bit of chaos before the super-duper dance number of Reena Roy got readied in Pahlaj Nihalani‘s ‘Hathkadi‘ (1982). Herewith, we at ETimes bring you yet another exclusive on the departed Bappi Lahiri.

The story goes that Nihalani told Bappi da that he wants to have a disco song (in ‘Hathkadi’) picturised on Reena Roy, set against the backdrop of a railway platform and a train arriving at it. Bappi da almost immediately said, ‘Let’s do a Disco Station’.

Nihalani loved the words ‘Disco Station’. He immediately called up Majrooh Sultanpuri and told him about Bappi da’s coined words. Majrooh saab refused outright. The senior lyrics writer said such songs are not his style. But Nihalani stood his ground albeit politely.

Confirming this, Nihalani adds, “Well, I didn’t know what to do next with ‘Disco Station’ when Majrooh saab said ‘no’ to it. But I was in for a surprise. The very next morning, my landline was ringing at 4 am. I wondered who could it be. It was Majrooh saab and he wanted me to accompany him to Bappi da’s house. He said he’s ready with the full lyrics of ‘Disco Station’. I could not believe my ears. I had to pinch myself for too long because Majrooh saab was at my place in the next one hour, to pick me up in his car.”

Majrooh saab and Nihalani reached Bappi da’s house at 5.30 am and surprised him. The cheerful Baapi da joined them in 30 minutes and said, “Shall I start to compose?”

Said Nihalani, “I worked in times which were blessed. There was so much talent. Trust me, Bappi da finished composing ‘Disco Station’ in 90 minutes. We all know the song was a rage and people still feel like dancing to it whenever they hear it.”