Many things considered infra-dig or vulgar in their time—yaniki loved by many people, who are not cultural elites—are often reclaimed by said elites in later times through the safe distance of irony and camp. Bollywood of the 1970s and ’80s, has especially suffered this condescending fate. This was partly true of the composer Bappi Lahiri who passed away last week.

It is cutely accurate that Bappi Lahiri was universally known as Bappi Da. He was indeed like that one cherubic family member who is called by his childhood pet name into old age, who lets you ‘freak out’ when charged with babysitting you, who never acquires the sobriety and predictability that allegedly define adulthood. He is always ready for merriment and you may spot him one day, as you commute through your drab grown-up life, partying on a golden cloud, pink martini in hand, rainbows glinting in dark glasses, as koi wahan dekho naache naache. The ultimate sapnon ki rani.