It is absolutely heartrending and so reassuring that ‘class’ is permanent and can never fade as was the musical genius of the incomparable R.D. Burman and fondly known as “Pancham” and whose 79th Birth Anniversary yesterday was marked with many celebrations !
After a spate of remixes of his superb creations by lesser equipped musicians and directors, there remains sheer all round admiration among followers of all ages of the original – his immense creativity and innovative processes far beyond his time. Along with musical shows to commemorate the occasion, 91.9 FM radio has a month long morning slot in his memory with contributions from many of his protégés.
While purists have their own thinking of the western influence and mix in Pancham’s tunes, there are many classical gems like ‘Aayo Kaha Se Ghanshyam..’ sung beautifully by Manna Dey in “Buddha Mil Gaya”, the incomparable compositions in films like ‘Amar Prem’, ‘Parichay’ and ‘Ghar’ and chartbusters with classical flavours and also with folk music like the Kishore special ‘Meri Pyaari Bindu…’ from ‘Padoson’. It would be such pleasure to have 91.9 FM also playing lesser known gems like ‘Jaane Kya Sochkar..’ by Kishoreda from ‘Kinara’ , ‘Kya Hua Kis Baat Par..’ by Amit Kumar from ‘Teri Kasam’, and ‘Kiska Raasta Dekhe..’ from ‘Joshila’ again by Kishore, apart from super-hit favourites from ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’, ‘Sholay’ and ‘Hum Kisise Kam Nahin’ !
While RD forged a life long alliance with the virtuoso songstress Asha Bhonsle culminating in marriage, his best and unforgettable tunes were reserved to be rendered by the versatile Kishore, who was well on his way to a superb comeback as the voice of superstar Rajesh Khanna in the 70s( and later equally effective as the voice of Amitabh Bachan !) – RD’s effervescent music formed a formidable combo with them and Kishore till the late 80’s. It seems with the passing away of Kishore in mid-80s and the advent of crass culture in Bollywood music, RD started losing his touch with the Hindi film industry which had revered his talent for so long.
As a devoted fan and follower of the father, S.D.Burman and then his son, R.D. for the last forty five years, one thing baffles people like us. While many stars have received recognition and rewards far beyond their actual worth, at times, true legends like these have often not been applauded in the same measure. In the case of Pancham, how could the industry suddenly disown and get disenchanted with his melody till he came back with a blockbuster like “Love Story-1942” as his swan song !
Despite being the son of a legendary music director, RD created his own style and flavor of modern Indian music which withstood the test of time ! Today, the world of Hindi cinema remembers RD as the pioneer of innovation in film music, an ‘avant garde’ in his quintessential musical sensibilities which all composers revere and would love to emulate !
( pic source : hindustantimes.com )
Working on Living 