MUMBAI: Multi-talented music director Bappi Lahiri aka. Bappi Da has added another feather to his cap to his ever growing collection of accolades and awards. The ‘Jimmy, Jimmy’ and ‘Ooh La La’ composer-singer has just been awarded Best Director at the Kolkata Shorts International Film Festival in his debut role as director.

The 10 minute film titled ‘World Peace Love And Harmony’ which lays emphasis on the ‘We are the World, We are One’ theme won Bappida his maiden behind- the- lens award on his first attempt.

The film dwells on the need for world peace and has a multi-race cast from Africa, China, Europe and India. The film also won ‘Best Original Score’ for Grammy winning multi-instrumentalist Gerald Albright who provided the music.

“The film is about world peace and the need for people of all religions. It promotes the message of unity. It is not India-centric but for a global audience. After Kolkata fest we shall take it around the world starting with the upcoming New York film festival,” Lahiri told Radioandmusic.com.

Lahiri’s debut as a director has been pleasant and fruitful. “Directing a film is getting what I am thinking in my mind into reality. I already have another project ‘Slummstar’ (again) a short film in hand which I plan to start next year. I don’t want to get into good films, not commercial films. Directing a film is something new but music is my life,” Lahiri explained.

After winning numerous accolades as composer, music director and a singer in over 500 films Lahiri is not contemplating slowing down. His album ‘Global Legend’ has been submitted for Grammys nomination.

“After forty years in the industry, I would like to be remembered as a singer and composer. It has been a lifetime job and my family has been dedicated to it. I am proud that I won the Best Director award in Kolkatta, which has produced greats like Satyajit Ray and Rithwik Ghatak.”