Considered one of the most seminal composers of his time, Rahul Dev Burman was nicknamed ´Pancham Da‘. In the 1960‘s and 70‘s he created upbeat, Western music and re-defined the music industry. His music continues to influence generations of music directors even today. Recollecting his tunes and the life he lived will be this week‘s soulful episode of Factrichi 100 Varsh, tune in on Sunday, 30th September 2012 at 1:30 pm and 9:30 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.
R.D. Burman was born in Kolkata on June 27th, 1939. His music education began very early on. Naturally there was the influence of growing up in his father's home S D Burman, with constant music surrounding him. His professional career began in 1958. He began assisting his father on films such as "Solva Saal", "Chalti Ka Naaam Gaadi" and "Kaagaz ka Phool". His first released film as a music director was Mehmood's "Chote Nawaab". Burman's first hit movie as a film music director was Teesri Manzil. In the 1970s, RD Burman became highly popular with the Kishore Kumar songs in Rajesh Khanna-starrer movies. Kati Patang a musical hit, was the beginning of a series of the 1970s films directed by Shakti Samanta of Aradhana fame. Its songs Yeh Shaam Mastani and Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai, sung by Kishore Kumar, became instant hits. Apart from Kishore Kumar, RD Burman also composed several of the popular songs sung by Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar.
In 1972, R D Burman composed hit music for several films including Seeta aur Geeta, Rampur ka Lakshman, Mere jeevan saathi, Bombay to Goa, Apna Desh and Parichay. His success continued with hits such as Yaadon Ki Baaraat , Aap ki Kasam , Sholay and Aandhi. He also composed a song for a small documentary film called Maa Ki Pukaar, in 1975. After his father SD Burman went into coma, R D Burman also completed the music of Mili.
RD Burman has been credited with revolutionizing the Bollywood music. He incorporated a wide range of influences from several genres in his scores. His death may have brought an end to his musical output, but he is fondly remembered today. To know more about this legendary composer, tune in to Factrichi 100 varsh on Sunday, 30th September 2012 at 1:30 pm and 9:30 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.