Mithun Chakraborty’s 1982 smash hit Disco Dancer is back as a musical

People still tap their feet to the beats of 80s’ sensation Mithun Chakraborty’s blockbuster hit film Disco Dancer. The late Bappi Lahiri’s compositions - including I Am a Disco Dancer and Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Aaja - from the 1982 romantic dance film are still popular party tracks. The cult classic is now making a comeback as a musical stage production, titled Disco Dancer – The Musical. 

The show is all set for a grand premiere in Mumbai next month, according to a PTI report. The musical is being brought to India by Saregama and actor Suniel Shetty, after sold-out shows at the UK’s West End last November.

A Saregama LIVE production, Disco Dancer – The Musical will premiere on April 14 at the NSCI dome in Mumbai. The musical adapts the iconic film, which followed the rags-to-riches story of street performer Jimmy (Mithun), who scaled dizzying heights as a disco singer and dancer.

Directed by Babbar Subhash, the film was a musical blockbuster with its songs gaining popularity across the world. It also featured Kim, Om Puri and Rajesh Khanna in pivotal roles. The musical will also feature the late Bappi’s chartbuster tracks in a reimagined score by Salim-Sulaiman.

The stage production is described as a celebration of Bollywood, bringing back the grandeur of the 80s - unforgettable songs, disco-style dancing and memorable dialogues for audiences of all generations to India.

Suneil, who has joined hands with Saregama, to bring this venture to India, said the musical serves as a reminder to the movie industry “to not lose sight of what sets our films apart and makes them so unique”.

“Who can forget the impact Disco Dancer had on the 80s generation? What excites me is how wonderfully this production celebrates the spirit of 80s cinema which connected with the audiences in a magical way. I believe this musical will appeal not just to the generation that grew up in the disco era but also those who are now discovering the music, fashion, and entertainment trends of the 80s,” the actor said in a statement.

Salim-Sulaiman, who created the score for the musical, is looking forward to its April premiere. “For us who grew up dancing to Bappi da’s music, reimagining his Disco Dancer score was a matter of huge pride and joy!” Salim said.

Adding to that, Sulaiman, “The range of the music we worked with was boggling. It had so many different shades. It makes you dance, cry, sing, fall in love, grieve!”