R. D. Burman or Rahul Dev Burman was the musical maestro who revolutionised Indian music and probably had been the first ever composer who brought the western trend of music in India only to blend it with Indian classical. The resultant music would be so magical that it created unbeatable musical sensations at the charts. His music never tends to get old. With all the new tracks becoming hit and forgotten the next moment, R. D. Burman’s music holds the biggest shelf life ever.
He was born on the 27th of June 1939 to another musical pundit S. D. Burman and lyricist Meera Dev Burman. He was also a descendant of the Royal family of Tripura from paternal side and Royal family of Manipur from maternal side. He was nicknamed as Pancham during his childhood, a name that stayed with him even when he became a celebrated musician.
R. D. Burman completed his schooling and college from Kolkata. He is a respected alumnus of the St. Xavier’s School, Kolkata.
At the age of nine, he composed his first song ‘Aye Meri Topi Palat Ke Aa’. The song was later used by his father in the film ‘Funtoosh’ in 1956. As a child he also composed ‘Sar Jo Tera Chakraaye’, which was again included in Guru Dutt’s ‘Pyaasa’ in 1957 by S. D. Burman.
While still being a student at Kolkata, R. D. Burman used to compose music on his own. Once S. D. Burman heard him humming a tune and questioned him about the source of its composition. An uncomfortable Rahul, revealed with fear to his father that it was his own composition. S. D Burman remained quiet after that but later decided to take his son along with him to Mumbai to polish his skills further. However, obstacles came through when R. D. Burman’s mother and grandmother opposed this idea for the fear of their child getting spoiled because of the glamorous filmy world at Mumbai. S. D. Burman inspite of all the negative oppositions took him to Mumbai.
S.D.Burman With R.D.Burman
Seeing his son’s inclination towards music, S. D. Burman sent him to Ustad Ali Akbar Khan for further training, where he also learnt Sarod. He was an assistant to his father in almost 18 films. Dev Anand’s ‘Guide’, Kishore Kumar’s ‘Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi’, Guru Dutt’s ‘Kaagaz Ke Phool’ are some of the films where R. D. Burman is credited as the assistant music director to his father.
In 1961, Mehmood proposed him to compose music for his film ‘Chote Nawab’. Initially the movie was supposed to go to S. D. Burman but impressed with R. D. Burman as a young musician, Mehmood roped him in. However, Mehmood kept the condition of making Lata Mangeshkar sing for its very first song ‘Ghar Aaja Ghir Aaye Badra’.
R. D. Burman At Recording Studio
R. D Burman was the timeless composer who understood the changing trend in music and used the western flow fluently in his compositions. He was the modern composer who gave us ‘Aayo Twist Kare’ from Mehmood’s ‘Bhoot Bungla’ in 1965!
Hussain-Majrooh-Burman – The Magical Threesome
R. D. Burman created outstanding music along with lyricist Majrooh Sutanpuri in Nasir Hussain’s blockbuster hits. The evergreen songs from the kit of the three geniuses still are remembered and cherished by the new generation audiences.
‘O Haseena Zulfon Waali Jaane Jaahan, Dhundti Hai Kaafir Aankhein Kiska Nishaan’
R. D. Burman’s first success came with Nasir Hussain’s ‘Teesri Manzil’. The music of the film was much ahead of time. It was like a breeze of fresh air in the music industry and suddenly R. D. Burman was tagged as the most modern composer of the era. His ‘O Haseena Zulfon Waali Jaane Jahaan’, ‘O Mere Sona Re Sone Re’, ‘Aaja Aaja Main Hun Pyar Tera’ were smashing hits and the tracks are still trendy even today.
R. D. Burman With Mohammad Rafi
On hearing the song ‘O Haseena Zulfon Waali’ for the first time, both Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle expressed their doubts and they asked for 4 to 5 rehearsal takes for the song. Mohammad Rafi had to render the song with the trademark Shammi Kapoor style. R. D Burman himself was at awe with his own music when the unconventional tune of the song made such big singers nervous at the time of recording.
‘Kya Jaanu Sajan Hoti Hai Kya Gham Ki Shaam…Jal Uthe Sau Diye Jab Liya Tera Naam’
- A masterpiece by Lata Mangeshkar, it is another evergreen song by R. D. Burman from Nasir Hussain’s ‘Baharon Ke Sapney’ starring Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh. ‘Aaja Piya Tohe Pyar Dun’ by Lata Mangeshkar is another splendid track from the same movie. Burman’s composition and Mangeshkar’s rendition created an everlasting effect of the songs.
R. D. Burman With Lata Mangeshkar
The same movie had another track ‘Chunri Sambhaal Gori’ by Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar. Initially when Nasir Hussain was made to hear the track, he complained about it saying something is ‘missing’ in the tune. R. D. Burman then proposed to add the rhythm of ‘Haa…aaa’ to Lata Mangeshkar’s part and the song went on to be a massive hit.
‘Tum Bin Jaaun Kahaan, Ke Duniya Mein Aake, Kuch Na Phir Chaaha Kabhi, Tumko Chaahke…Tum Bin’
– The song remains to be memorable even today. It was recorded in two versions by Mohammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar. Mohammad Rafi’s version was used thrice in the movie on the lead actor Shashi Kapoor. This was another stupendous track by R. D. Burman from Nasir Hussain’s ‘Pyar Ka Mausam’ in 1969.
Another musical blockbuster from Nasir Hussain, Majrooh Sultanpuri and R. D. Burman’s bag was ‘Yaadon Ki Baraat’. The entire soundtrack went on to become a timeless composition.
Zeenat Aman in ‘Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko’ from ‘Yaadon Ki Baraat’
‘Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko, Nazar Nahi Churaana Sanam, Badal Ke Meri Tum Zindagaani, Kahiin Badal Na Jaana Sanam’
The mesmerising and evergreen track by Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle is still a rage for even the young generation music lovers. ‘Meri Soni Meri Tamanna Jhooth Nahi Hai Mera Pyar’ by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle again speaks about the brilliance that R. D. Burman’s compositions depicted. ‘Lekar Hum Deewana Dil, Phirte Hain Manzil Manzil’ by Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar was another hit track from the same movie.
Needless to say the title track ‘Yaadon Ki Baraat, Nikli Hain Aaj Dil Ke Dwaare’ is an eternal composition by R. D. Burman with lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri being at his best.
‘Bachna Ae Haseeno Lo Main Aa Gaya, Husn Ka Aashique, Husn Ka Dushman, Apni Adaa Hai Yaaro Se Juda’
R. D. Burman’s yesteryear compositions are modern and trendy even today. His ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno Lo Main Aa Gaya’ is revived again in Yash Chopra’s ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’ starring Ranbir Kapoor. The original movie ‘Hum Kisise Kam Nahin’ starred his father Rishi Kapoor and it was Nasir Hussain and R. D. Burman’s another superhit musical venture.
R.D.Burman along with Nasir Hussain and S.D.Burman
‘Chand Mera Dil, Chaandni Ho Tum’ by Mohammad Rafi was a slow and soft song whereas ‘Yeh Ladka Haye Allah’ by Asha Bhosle and Mohammad Rafi was a fun and rhythmic track. The most famous song from the film was ‘Kya Hua Tera Wada’ by Mohammad Rafi, a song that earned him the National Award for Best Playback Singer for the very first time.
‘Piya Tu Ab To Aaja, Shola Sa Man Daheke, Aake Bujha Jaa’
The most sensuous cabaret number ever on Indian cinema was also composed by R. D. Burman. Remember Helen’s startling moves on the outstanding ‘Piya Tu Ab To Aaja’ by Asha Bhosle? Probably, this was the best cabaret dance number that is been composed in Bollywood till date.
The song still rules the chart and is a musical number that is recognised immediately by audiences from every generation. Nasir Hussain and R. D. Burman again created magic on screen with this number in the movie ‘Caravan’ starring Jeetendra and Asha Parekh in 1971.
R. D. Burman With Asha Bhosle
R. D. Burman also went a step ahead to make Lata Mangeshkar sing the unconventional song ‘Chadhti Jawani Meri Chaal Mastani’ in the same movie with Mohammad Rafi. ‘Caravan’ earned him his first Filmfare Nomination for Best Music Director.
‘Dil Lena Khel Hai Dildaar Ka…Bhoole Se Naam Na Lo Pyar Ka’
-The electrifying number was sung by R. D. Burman himself for Nasir Hussain’s ‘Zamaane Ko Dikhaana Hai’ starring Rishi Kapoor and Padmini Kolhapuri. Who can ever forget the electro feel that the song creates every time it is heard? This is one of the outstanding dance numbers rendered and composed by R. D. Burman himself.
He also revived Shailendra Singh’s voice for Rishi Kapoor in the song ‘Hoga Tumse Pyara Kaun’, which was an instant hit at the charts. ‘Poocho Na Yaar Kya Hua’ by Asha Bhosle and Mohammad Rafi is another melodious romantic piece from the same soundtrack.
Dev Anand and Zeenat Aman in ‘Dum Maaro Dum’ from ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’
‘Dum Maaro Dum, Mit Jaaye Gham, Bolo Subah Shaam, Hare Krishna Hare Ram’
Dev Anand’s ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ released in 1971 and with it came the astounding number ‘Dum Maaro Dum’ which rocked the nation with its tune and rhythm. Rendered by Asha Bhosle again, the striking song created a surprising frenzy at the chartbusters. It is still one of the most infatuating numbers by Burman and with time the song simply denied to get outdated. ‘Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka Sabka Kehna Hai’ by Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar is another popular melodious track composed for the film.
A Ghost Composer For His Father:
Amidst the recording of Shakti Samanta’s ‘Aradhana’, S. D. Burman, the original music composer of the film suffered through a sudden heart attack and the remaining songs were finished and recorded by R. D. Burman.
It is rumouredthat the famous hit track ‘Mere Sapno Ki Rani Kab Aayegi Tu’ was composed by R. D. Burman in the absence of his father. He also roped in Kishore Kumar to render the sensual ‘Roop Tera Mastana’ for which Kumar later received the Filmfare Award for the Best Male Playback Singer. ‘Kora Kaagaz Tha Mann Yeh Mera’ is also rumoured to be a song composed by R. D. Burman. R. D. Burman is often blamed to have removed Mohammad Rafi from recording the two tracks and instead preferred Kishore Kumar for them.
During the same time he also composed for Dev Anand’s ‘Guide’. The mukhda of the song ‘Din Dhal Jaaye’ was composed by S. D. Burman whereas during his illness, R. D. Burman composed the antara of it. Even an expert ear would not be able to identify any difference between the mukhda and antara.
The Magical Mouth Organ:
R. D. Burman With His Mouth Organ
Burman played his mouth organ for several of his father’s compositions. Remember the tune of the mouth organ at the very start of ‘Mere Sapno Ki Rani Kab Aayegi Tu’ or even the rhythmic tune of the instrument in the song ‘Hai Apna Dil To Awara’ from the movie ‘Solva Saal’? Burman’s mouth organ can be heard prominently in these popular tracks by S. D. Burman.
Shared Meters For Compositions:
R. D. Burman learnt the magic of sharing meters from one of the conversations between his father and eminent music director Roshan. Roshanji was referring to the famous song ‘Rahe Na Rahe Hum Maheka Karenge’ composed by him with the shared meter from S. D. Burman’s ‘Thandi Hawayen Lehrake Aayi’. The tunes of both the songs were different and only the meter was shared.
R.D.Burman with Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar
R. D Burman learnt the art of creating songs with same meter but with different tunes from this conversation. Later in future he used the same meter to compose ‘Saagar Kinaare Dil Yeh Pukaare’, which was way different from both the above songs in terms of tune but again had the same meter.
The Timeless Composer For Rajesh Khanna:
Rajesh Khanna and R. D. Burman were best friends and it can be said that Burman might have reserved some of his best tunes for Rajesh Khanna. The prediction by R. D. Burman in 1989 that Amitabh Bachchan would once become a ‘Bollywood Legend’ but Rajesh Khanna would always be the ‘Permanent Superstar’ of Bollywood, came true.
R. D. Burman with Rajesh Khanna
During the open heart surgery of R. D. Burman, Rajesh Khanna visited him at London and on seeing him at the hospital, Khanna exclaimed “I was looking for you in the recording studio at Mumbai, but they told me you are in a London hospital. To pehli flight li aur seedha yahaan chalaa aaya…”. Their friendship remained intact until Burman’s last breath.
‘Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai, Yeh Unka Hai Kaam, Mehboob Ka Jo Bas Lete Hue Naam, Mar Jaaye, Mit Jaaye, Ho Jaaye Badnaam, Rehne Do Choro Bhi Jaane Do Yaar, Hum Na Karenge Pyaar’
- ‘Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai’ was originally composed when R. D. Burman was flying to Delhi with Rajesh Khanna 32,000 feet above the ground. The sound of the aircraft taking off inspired Burman and he immediately came up with this tune. A stunned Rajesh Khanna on hearing it requested him to use it for any of his songs and the tune was incorporated later in ‘Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai’ for ‘Kati Patang’.
R. D. Burman composed almost a bagful of songs for Rajesh Khanna with Kishore Kumar’s voice. Shakti Samanta’s ‘Kati Patang’ is one of the breakthrough musical blockbusters of 1970. Penned by Anand Bakshi, the songs are evergreen and they are still remembered and cherished by millions. ‘Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai’, ‘Yeh Shaam Mastani’, ‘Pyar Deewana Hota Hai’ were smashing hit tracks by Kishore Kumar.
Rajesh Khanna and R.D.Burman
R. D. Burman also chose Mukesh for Rajesh Khanna for the song ‘Jis Gali Mein Tera Ghar’. This was an unexpected and irregular choice by the composer. All the tracks went on to be hit at the chart-busters and they were ranked songs on Binaca Geetmala too. Asha Bhosle too rendered a talky song ‘Mera Naam Hai Shabnam’ for the same movie.
‘O Mere Dil Ke Chain, Chain Aaye Mere Dil Ko Dua Kijiye’
- Another massive hit by Kishore Kumar for Rajesh Khanna from the movie ‘Mere Jeevan Saathi’ in 1972. The slow, soft and romantic melody composed by R. D. Burman leaves an everlasting effect on the listener. ‘Aao Na Gale Lag Jaao Na’ by Asha Bhosle and ‘Chala Jaata Hoon’ by Kishore Kumar are other notable tracks from the film.
‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar, Kaanta Lage Na Kankar, Ke Pyaala Tere Naam Ka Piya’
- This merry and playful track is another enjoyable duet by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar from ‘Aap Ki Kasam’ starring Rajesh Khanna, Sanjeev Kumar and Mumtaz in 1974. The song was composed by R. D. Burman immediately after he came out from a Shiv Mandir in Kashmir. The sound of the bells during the ritual of aarti at the temple made him hum the tune and instantly the tune was made.
Another most acclaimed song from the soundtrack was ‘Zindagi Ke Safar Mein’ by Kishore Kumar. By this time, R. D. Burman literally made Kishore Kumar the ruling voice for Rajesh Khanna.
‘Humein Tumse Pyar Kitna, Yeh Hum Nahi Jaante, Magar Jee Nahin Sakte, Tumhaare Bina’
- This immortal song by Kishore Kumar is from another Rajesh Khanna starred movie ‘Kudrat’. The evergreen melody is still hummed and widely played all over. ‘Tune O Rangeele Kaisa Jadoo Kiya’ by Lata Mangeshkar and ‘Saawan Nahi Bhaadon Nahin’ by Asha Bhosle and Suresh Wadkar are another two memorable tracks from the film.
The Burman and Gulzar Bond:
‘Tere Bina Jeeya Jaaye Na, Tere Bina Jeeya Jaaye Na, Bin Tere, Tere Bin Sajna, Saans Mein Saans Aaye Na’
- The melody with light classical touch was rendered by Lata Mangeshkar for the film ‘Ghar’ in 1978. Penned by Gulzar, the words flow magically along with the tune of the song. Another speciality of this song is that the tabla has been used in an innovative manner in it. The rhythm of the tabla catches the tune in which the mukhda of the song finishes and it is played along the lines of that tune only.
R. D. Burman With Gulzar
Gulzar and Burman’s association later on produced marvelling musical pieces that remains to be evergreen forever. ‘Phir Wohi Raat Hai’ by Kishore Kumar is another astounding piece from the same movie.
‘Aanewala Pal Jaanewala Hai, Ho Sake To Ismein Zindagi Bitaa do, Pal Jo Yeh Jaanewala Hai’
- A memorable rendition by Kishore Kumar for Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s ‘Gol Maal’ in 1979. Penned by Gulzar, the words and the tune of the song again created magic. ‘Ek Din Sapne Mein Dekha Sapna’ is another whimsical piece from the movie sung by the father-son duo of Kishore Kumar and Amit Kumar. And the title track ‘Golmaal Hai Bhai Sab Golmaal Hai’ rendered by R. D. Burman and Sapan Chakraborty was a fun track with playful words signifying the brilliance of Gulzar and Burman.
‘Mera Kuch Saaman, Tumhaare Paas Pada Hai,Saawan Ke Kuch Bheege Bheege Din Rakhe Hain,Aur Mere Ik Khat Mein Lipti Raat Padi Hai, Wo Raat Bujha Do, Mera Wo Saaman Lauta Do’
-Gulzar attempted at complete non-rhyming lyrics with ‘Mera Kuch Saaman’ for the first time in Bollywood and who could imagine that R. D Burman would make the non-rhyming lyrics sound so rhythmic with his composition? Such was the brilliance of the song behind its making.
Ijaazat (Poster)
In 1987 for ‘Ijaazat’, Gulzar’s pen and R. D. Burman’s composition created such enchanting musical pieces that did spellbound everyone. Asha Bhosle rendered her best pieces so far for the movie and each song was a classic on its own. The songs became timeless melodies with stunning composition and music.
If not the best, then also ‘Ijaazat’ can be termed as Gulzar, Asha Bhosle and R. D Burman’s finest creation. ‘Khaali Haath Shaam Aayi Hai, ‘Katra Katra Milti Hai, Katra Katra Jeene Do’, Choti Si Kahaani Se Baarisho Ke Paani Se’, all were unparalleled stupendous pieces rendered by Asha Bhosle.
‘Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa To Nahi, Shikwa Nahi, Shikwa Nahi, Shikwa Nahi’
- Gulzar’s ‘Aandhi’ was also a grand musical success in 1975. All the three tracks from the movie were equally embraced and loved by the audiences. ‘Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa’, ‘Tum Aa gaye Ho Noor Aa Gaya Hai’, ‘Is Mod Jaate Hain’ by Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar were huge hits. ‘Aandhi’ is still remembered in the current era for its brilliant music.
‘Tujhse Naaraz Nahi Zindagi, Hairaan Hun Main’
- The beautiful rendition of ‘Tujhse Naraaz Nahi Zindagi was done by Lata Mangeshkar and Anup Ghoshal. This is truly another brilliant piece by Gulzar and R. D. Burman from ‘Masoom’.
R. D. Burman – A Creator of Realistic Sound
R. D. Burman engineered sound in his compositions like no other music director. He often used to incorporate sounds from our real life incidents rather than creating it through digital medium. For Gulzar’s ‘Kitaab’ he used an actual table to bring the effect of the sound.
R.D. Burman also took inspiration from roadside sounds and incorporated it in his music. He believed that anything that synthesises with any form of sound, if used properly, can produce an appealing musical note.
R. D. Burman With Guitar
R. D Burman once bought a gadget known as ‘flanging’ from the United States of America during his tour. After his return to India, people started making fun of the gadget as it made some intolerable noise that was completely unappealing. Burman on the other hand always had an ear for unconventional musical sound. He attached the gadget to a guitar in order to produce a sound that would suit the background of the song ‘Dhanno Ki Aankhon Mein’ from ‘Kitaab’. The gadget played the part of being the major instrument in the song.
It is also famous about R. D. Burman that he used to draw inspiration of his music from roadside beggars and herdsmen.The song ‘Yeh Naina Yaad Hai Piya’ by Shailendra Singh and Asha Bhosle from Nasir Hussain’s ‘Manzil Manzil’ had an inspiration of sound adopted from the sound made by herdsmen while feeding their cattle.
He often used glass bottles, cups, bamboo sticks, stones to create the background scores of his songs. For ‘Chura Liya Hai Tumne’ cups and for ‘Mehbooba O Mehbooba’ bottles were used to produce the initial background music. The sound of a cruising aircraft made him compose ‘Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai’ and sound of bells during an aarti at a temple inspired him to come up with ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar’ from ‘Aap Ki Kasam’.
Unforgettable Melodies:
‘Tu Tu Hai Wohi Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha, Tu Hai Jahaan, Main Hun Wahaan, Ab To Yeh Jeena Tere Bin Hai Sazaa’
- The timeless melody was created by R. D. Burman for the blockbuster super-hit ‘Yeh Vaada Raha’ starring Rishi Kapoor, Poonam Dhillon and Tina Munim. It still remains one of the eternal songs rendered by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle. The song has been re-arranged and remixed on several occasions but the original composition still remains to be the best. This is one of the finest examples of romantic melody composed by R. D. Burman.
‘Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge, Todenge Dum Magar, Tera Saath Na Chodenge’
- Ramesh Sippy’s all time blockbuster ‘Sholay’ had R. D. Burman as its music composer. He composed the evergreen track of ‘Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge’ and made Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey render for it. ‘Haan Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ by Lata Mangeshkar and ‘Koi Haseena Jab Ruth Jaati Hai To’ by Kishore Kumar are other two extremely hit songs from ‘Sholay’.
‘Mehbooba O Mehbooba, Gulshan Mein Gul Khilte Hain, Jab Sehra Mein Milte Hain, Main Aur Tu'
It was decided that the song would be removed from the final print of ‘Sholay’. ‘Mehbooba O Mehbooba’ was rendered by R. D. Burman himself and one simply can’t get away from the aura of the song. The song was later allowed to remain in the movie and it only increased the popularity for the soundtrack of ‘Sholay’. ‘Mehbooba O Mehbooba’ till date remains to be the most popular track sung by R. D. Burman.
‘Dilbar Mere Kab Tak Mujhe Aise Hi Tadpaaoge, Main Aag Dil Mein Lagaa Dunga Woh Ke Pal Mein Pighal Jaaoge’
- Another eminent piece by R. D. Burman and sung by Kishore Kumar for Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Satte Pe Satta’. ‘Dilbar Mere’ is said to be inspired from a German song by Doris Nefedov. However, the track went on to hit the charts and became hugely successful. Lip-synced by Amitabh Bachchan, the track remains to be one of the best by Kishore Kumar and Burman.
The playful ‘Dukki Pe Dukki Ho Ya Satte Pe Satta’ by Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar and R. D. Burman and the melodramatic ‘Pyar Humein Kis Mod Pe Le Aaya’ by R. D. Burman, Kishore Kumar, Sapan Chakraborty and Gulshan Bawra would be entertaining to anyone who hears them.
‘Kya Yehi Pyar Hai, Haan Yahi Pyar Hai, Ho Dil Tere Bin Kahiin Lagta Nahin, Waqt Guzarta Nahin’
Sanjay Dutt’s debut movie ‘Rocky’ directed by Late Sunil Dutt in 1981 had this romantic soulful song rendered by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar. The soft and slow rhythm of the song would cast an enchanting spell on any listener even today. Such has been the spread of the song that the original version of it was kept as the main theme song for Hrithik Roshan starring ‘Na Tum Jaano Na Hum’ in 2002.
R. D. Burman With Kishore Kumar
‘Teri Yaad Aa Rahi Hai’ , ‘Dekho Maine Dekha Hai Ek Sapna’ by Amit Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar from ‘Love Story’ in 1981 created huge waves at the chartbusters. The film launched Kumar Gaurav and made Amit Kumar win the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer beating his father Kishore Kumar.
‘Chehra Hai Ya Chaand Khila Hai Zulf Ghaneri Shaam Hai Kya, Saagar Jaisi Aankhon Waali Yeh To Bataa Tera Naam Hai Kya’
- R. D. Burman worked with lyricist Javed Akhtar in Ramesh Sippy’s ‘Saagar’ in 1985. The song ‘Saagar Kinaare’ by Kishore Kumar made him win the Filmfare Award for The Best Male Playback Singer in 1986. ‘O Maria’ by Asha Bhosle and S. P. Balasubramaniyam and ‘Jaane Do Na’ by Shailendra Singh and Asha Bhosle are also famous tracks from the film.
He also composed the melodious ‘Tumse Milke Aisa Laga Tumse Milke, Armaan Hue Poore Dil Ke Aye Mere Jaane Wafa’ by Suresh Wadkar and Asha Bhosle from Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s ‘Parinda’ in 1989.
R. D Burman’s Classical Touch:
‘Raina Beeti Jaaye, Shaam Naa Aaye’
Blamed for composing songs only in western style, R. D. Burman silenced his harsh critics by composing the ever enduring songs of ‘Amar Prem’. The songs are probably Burman’s best classical pieces sung by Lata Mangeshkar. ‘Bada Natkhat Hai Yeh Kishan Kanhaiya’ and ‘Raina Beeti Jaaye’ are all time evergreen classics. ‘Chingaari Koi Bhadke’ and ‘Kuch To Log Kahenge’ by Kishore Kumar were also are also brilliant soulful numbers composed by R. D. Burman for ‘Amar Prem’.
Break To Noted Singers
In 1984, R. D. Burman gave major breaks to two of the most popular singers from today’s generation. Kumar Sanu rendered ‘Dekhna Dekhna Dekhte Dekhte’ for the first time with Udit Narayan and Shailendra Singh for the film ‘Yeh Desh’ starring Kamal Hassan, Zeenat Aman and Jeetendra.
Abhijeet was also introduced to playback in the same year through the song ‘Main Awara Hi Sahi’ for the movie ‘Anand Aur Anand’ directed and produced by Dev Anand. He also gave the first break to Mohammad Aziz in the 1985 release ‘Shiva Ka Insaaf’, which was a blockbuster hit of the year.
The music director duo of Laxmikant- Pyarelal also used to work in R. D. Burman’s orchestra before becoming independent composers.
Dil Padosi Hai By Burman, Asha Bhosle and Gulzar:
Dil Padosi Hai (Album)
R. D. Burman married Asha Bhosle in 1980. Together they recorded numerous songs. On 8th of September 1987, Asha Bhosle’s birthday, he released the album ‘Dil Padosi Hai’. The album was a joint work of Gulzar, Bhosle and R. D. Burman.
R. D. Burman With Father S. D. Burman, Mother Meera Dev Burman and Wife Asha Bhosle
He also recorded a song of Asha Bhosle with Boy George, the famous singer and lyricist from England.
Very few might be aware that R. D. Burman also composed an international Latin Rock album known as ‘Pantera’ in1987 along with Jose Flores of San Francisco.
Decline and Death:
R. D. Burman With Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar
By the late 1980s, the rise of Bappi Lahiri, Anand-Milind and Laxmikant – Pyarelal doomed the demand for R. D. Burman. Even after producing magical tracks for Gulzar’s ‘Ijaazat’ in 1986, he was still not getting mainstream movies for music composition. He suffered from a heart attack in 1988 and went through a bypass surgery in 1989 at London.
He composed beautiful tracks like ‘Tumse Milke, Aisa Laga Tumse Milke, Armaan Hue Poore Dil Ke’ for Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s ‘Parinda’ in 1989. R. D. Burman also went through financial troubles during this period before taking his last breath on 4th of January 1994 at the age of 54.
‘Rooth Na Jaana Tumse Kahun To, Main In Aankhon Mein Jo Rahun To’
- Rendered by Kumar Sanu, the song went on to be the biggest hit of 1994. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 1942 A Love Story was R. D. Burman’s last movie as a composer. The film released in April 1994 and Burman took his last breath in January 1994, before he could witness the huge success of the soundtrack of 1942 A Love Story.
R. D. Burman With Javed Akhtar
1942 A Love Story could have been the second innings and a strive to reach the top again for R. D. Burman if he could survive his untimely demise. The songs ‘Rim Jhim Rim Jhim’, ‘Kuch Na Kaho’, ‘Pyar Hua Chupke Se’, ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga’ went on to hit the charts and are still memorable songs. It was also Burman’s last film with lyricist Javed Akhtar.
Awards:
R. D. Burman
‘Yeh Safar Bahut Hai Kathin Magar, Na Udaas Ho Mere Humsafar’
- Sung by Shivaji Chatterjee, ‘Yeh Safar’ from 1942 A Love Story is surely a song that would touch the soul. R. D. Burman gave us numerous melodies and stood out to be the best composer of Bollywood ever. The lyricists and singers worked with him have been honoured with National Awards and Filmfare Awards several times. But he never got his deserving due. R. D. Burman received only 3 Filmfare Awards throughout his career.
His first Filmfare was in 1983 for ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’. The famous song ‘Kitne Bhi Tu Karle Sitam Has Has Ke Sahenge Hum’ by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle was from the film ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’.
His next Filmfare Award was for ‘Masoom’ in 1984. ‘Tujhse Naraaz Nahi Zindagi Hairaan Hoon Main’ is the trademark song from ‘Masoom’. His last Filmfare Award was for 1942 A Love Story, which he won posthumously in 1995 after his death.
Modern Inspirations From R. D. Burman
Bollywood has never been able to come out from R. D. Burman’s aura. His music has influenced and inspired several of the music directors. His tunes have been revived and remade on numerous occasions and celebrated movies have been made out of them.
One of the famous film based on R. D. Burman’s memorable music is ‘Dil Vil Pyar Vyar’ in 2002. Sujoy Ghosh’s ‘Jhankar Beats’ was also an inspired movie from his music. Even Shahrukh Khan’s Main Hoon Na’s background scores were inspired from R. D. Burman’s typical style.
R. D. Burman With Kishore Kumar, Dev Anand, B. R. Chopra and Yash Chopra
In 2013, with Balaji Telefilms’ ‘Lootera’ starring Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha, music director Amit Trivedi paid a tribute to R. D. Burman through the soundtrack of the film. Amit Trivedi himself claimed that, “The music of this film is a tribute to R. D. Burman in terms of melody and orchestration.”
R. D. Burman’s presence can be felt even in today’s musical compositions. His timeless melodies keep him alive even during the modern era. He created a trend in the music industry that remains to be an eternal legacy which would continue to inspire and influence the music directors in the coming future
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