This throwback Thursday celebrates the genius of Rahul Dev Burman, affectionately known as Pancham Da. R.D. Burman left an indelible mark on the Indian music industry.
He was born on 27th June 1939 in Calcutta ( now Kolkata). R.D. Burman grew up in a musical family with his father, Sachin Dev Burman, a renowned composer. R.D Burman inherited and amplified this music legacy, revolutionising the Indian Cinema music industry from the 1960’s through the early 1990’s
R.D. Burman’s career spanned over three decades, during which he composed music for 331 films. He worked with legendary singers such as Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle ( who became his second wife) and Kishore Kumar. His collaboration with lyricist Gulzar produced some of the most memorable songs in Indian cinema, showing his versatility and innovation.
R.D. Burman was known for his eclectic style, blending various musical genres. He was deeply influenced by Bengali folk music. Nevertheless, Neverthelessis compositions also incorporated elements of Western, Latin, Oriental and Arabic music. The fusion created a unique and fresh sound that set him apart from his contemporaries. He introduced electronic rock to Bollywood, especially in youth-centric love stories, starting with actors like Rajesh Khanna.
One of his defining traits was his ability to experiment with unconventional sounds. He famously used beer bottles to create the opening beats of “Mehbooba” from Sholay (1975) and the sounds of cups and saucers for the clinking sound in “Chura Liya Hai” from the movie “Yaadon Ki Baaraat”(1973). His innovative techniques brought a new dimension to film music, making his compositions timeless.
Despite his success, R.D. Burman faced allegations of plagiarism. Filmmakers often pressured him to adopt famous foreigners tuned into his music. Nevertheless, his original contribution and adaptation became iconic, and songs like “Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai” are a constant classic.
R.D. Burman’s influence extended beyond his active years. Many films of the early 22000spaid tribute to his work, which featured re-arranged versions of his hit songs. His music continues to inspire new generations of composers and singers with remix albums and tributes, keeping his legacy alive.
R.D.Burman’s marriage to Asha Bhosle was personal and professional, resulting in numerous hits. His music also had a lasting impact on the industry, inspiring composers like Vishal-Shekhar and Jatin-Lalit. Notable musicians include Hari Parasad Chaurasia and Shiv Kumar Sharma, adding to the richness of his compositions.
After his passing in 1994 on January 4, R.D. Burman’s influence didn’t wane. The Filmfare RD Burman Award for New Music Talent was instituted in his memory, encouraging fresh talent in the industry. In 2009, a public square in Mumbai was named after him, further cementing his status as a music legend.
R.D. Burman’s innovative spirit and unmatched creativity have left a lasting legacy in the world of music in the Indian Cinema. His ability to blend diverse musical elements into cohesive and captivating compositions continues to inspire and entertain music lovers worldwide. On the Throwback Thursday, we honour R.D. Burman, the maestro whose music remains eternally enchanting.
