Remembering Bappi Lahiri: Take a look at his five best Telugu songs

Popular singer, composer who took Indian cinema by storm in the 80s and 90s, Bappi Lahiri, at 69, breathed his last in Mumbai earlier today. While it's a sad day for most of his fans across the globe, why not take a moment to look back at his contribution to Telugu cinema. We pick the top 5 songs from Bappi Lahiri's successful tryst with Telugu cinema.

Vaana Vaana

This is easily among the first, if not the only song that Telugu movie buffs remember when they think of iconic rain-dance numbers. In what was probably his best Telugu album, Gang Leader, it's hard to pick one favourite but we choose this track for its irresistible musical hook. Chiranjeevi, Vijaya Shanti being one of the best dancers in the tinsel town is an added bonus to this ageless number.

Akaasam Lo Oka Thaara

If there was one Telugu film that took Bappi Lahiri's music to the masses, it was this Krishna's directorial that starred himself along with Jayaprada. It's anyone's guess as to what's the most popular song in the film - Akaasamlo Oka Thaara. The 'jhum jhum jhum' in the background lead up to a foot-tapping number enriched by the vocals of Raj Sitaram, P Susheela.

Boyavani Vetaku

In a discography populated by a flurry of dance numbers, Boyavani Vetaku, sung by the evergreen Yesudas, will always have a special place in the hearts of music listeners. A Yesudas and a Bappi Lahiri combo may sound unlikely given their sensibilities, but it's Mohan Babu's fondness for the former that made this number a possibility. 

Takku Tamaram Bandi

Lazy Mondays and moody Tuesdays will be a thing of past if you begin your day listening to Takku Tamaram Bandi from Rowdy Inspector that has Balakrishna and Vijaya Shanti in electric form. The song, set on a moving train, is also sure to set your heartbeats racing with its breathtaking pace, terrific choreography and Bappi Da's staple-yet-effective composition.

Alare Alare

An unlikely slow-paced romantic number with a devotional dimension is a rarity in Bappi Lahiri's career. The lyrics of Alare Alare from Krishna's Thene Mansulu may make you feel that it's a rehashed version of a Hindi number but once you move past that hiccup, you're in for a musical delight. P Susheela, with all her experience, does justice to its hook without losing out on the emotional depth.