Bollywood
17
INDIA IN NEW YORK FEBRUARY 14, 2014
Bappi da, the politician!
B
appi Lahiri has, of all things, decided to enter politics.
“I am not going into active politics,” the composer, who has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, tells
India in New York. “Narendra Modi is showing a chamatkaar (miracle) in Gujarat, so when the BJP
invited me to join them, I decided to go for it. After 42 years of music, it seemed like the right time to use
my status to do something for the (film) industry.”
Through his political association, he wants to create funds for old and needy members of the industry.
“So many distinguished members of our film fraternity like Lalita Pawar, A K Hangal and O P Nayyar
faced financial hardships before they passed away,” he says. “We need to look after old and vulnerable entertainers. If I can do anything to help Bollywood by being in politics, I think it’s worth my while.”
—Subhash K Jha
From