After a Russian and even a Tibetan version of Bappi Lahiri’s cult hit Jimmy Jimmy aaja aaja, K-pop idol Aoora is the latest to give a Korean twist to the Disco Dancer track. The 36-year-old’s plans to bring India and Korea together via music reflect not only in his new release but also in his lifestyle and social media engagements. The remake, Jimmy Jimmy K-pop version, which was released on May 25, has already crossed a million views. Aoora has plans to continue making such songs, and would like to collaborate with his favourite Indian singer, King. Excerpts from the email interview:

I have been listening to a lot of Indian music lately. About two months back, I heard this song Jimmy Jimmy aaja aaja [sung by Parvati Khan and composed by Bappi Lahiri]. I was attracted to its energy and the disco beats. I felt that adding K-pop beats to the song while keeping the original disco element intact would be cool. I am happy that people like this version.

The response has been amazing. From the comments I’ve received, people are definitely enjoying it. In my recent concerts, I was surprised to see the audience dancing to the hook step of this song. It is humbling.

The energy in K-pop and Indian songs is similar. I have wanted to do something like this for ages. I have discovered that when you bring the art forms together, the results can be surprising [in a good way].

Music is a universal language. K-pop fans connect with me because they understand that my only purpose is to create music that can spread happiness.

In Korea, more people prefer to live alone. At first, I was pretty shocked [to see families still living together in India]. But now, I feel like I want to live here, too. Everyone is so loving and kind; relationships are strong.

Oh, yes. I follow and listen to many Indian songs; not just Bollywood but also Tamil, Telugu and Punjabi music. My current favourite songs are Naatu Naatu, Badtameez Dil and Cham Cham.

Jhakkas! Fadu hai, fadu! Ab chalein?

-----------------------------------

While there are many fans of K-pop music in India, K-pop artiste Park Min-jun aka Aoora, a wellknown K-pop artiste, by his own admission, is an admirer of Bollywood music. After his debut show in Mumbai in February 2023, the singer, rapper and music producer says that he “felt an instant connection with the people of Mumbai”, and was captivated by Indian music so much that he recreated two of Bappi Lahiri’s songs, one of which is Jimmy Jimmy (Disco Dancer, 1982). He is currently in Mumbai for some work commitments and plans to explore the city before heading home at the end of this month.

Aoora says, “When I first heard the song, Jimmy Jimmy, I was captivated by its modern and globally appealing beats. I saw an opportunity to infuse it with a K-pop twist, which I knew would be exciting and enjoyable. The idea of blending the essence of Bappi Lahiri’s song with the vibrant and dynamic elements of K-pop felt like a perfect fit.”

-----------------------------------

"One of the major factors that has drawn me to this country is Indian music. I am captivated by the energy and vibrancy it exudes. The lively beats, rhythmic patterns and melodic arrangements of Indian singers never fail to energize me"

-----------------------------------

"I love everything about Mumbai! I have fallen so much in love with the city that I often find myself thinking about living her permanently. It is a place that resonates with me on a deep level"

-----------------------------------

"I admire the grandeur of Bollywood songs. The production value, vocals and choreography create a captivating experience. I also find a striking similarity in the energy of K-pop and Bollywood music"