Rahul Dev Burman
Pancham Da: Rahul Dev Burman or ‘Pancham’ as he was fondly called created cult music which doesn’t seem to have an expiry date. The music is modern, contemporary, relevant, and lilting even today.
He has been synonymous with a sound so unique which cuts across generations, musician tastes and even geography.
On his 29th death anniversary as the cover versions of his songs as well as the originals still continue to have takers, let’s find out what makes the genius music man’s fans still wanna dance to his tunes.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Rahul Dev Burman is everywhere, like an omnipresent musical force. Through Remixed songs, ad films, web series and even movies using his tunes to enrich their creations.
R.D : The Musical Genius
It wouldn’t be wrong to call R.D. Burman, a mad musical genius and I mean that as a compliment. He was a complete rebel and revolutionised Indian film music forever. Indian musical history can be clearly divided into pre-Pancham era to current times.
He drew inspiration from everyday sounds as told by his peers. Whether it was beggars doing their rounds or shepherds grazing cows, Pancham found music and inspiration everywhere.
Blending the World with India
He infused new flavour into Indian Cinema by blending Indian classical and regional sounds with western music.The unique fusions of Indian music with jazz, pop, blues and rock music for thirty years has made RDB a part of every Indian’s subconscious. Even those who aren’t fans of Bollywood have a taste for Pancham as he is everywhere and you can’t miss him even as a Pop Culture icon.
Playing Musical Chairs with Genres
He came equipped with pedigree, no doubt as the son of the legendary composer S.D. Burman. But he proved his mettle as a musician with a style quite unique to him. His first film was Chhote Nawab in the year 1961 and he continued to compose music till he breathed his last in 1994.
From melodic love songs like Raat Kali to classical based songs of yearning like Mera Kucch Saamaan to the raunchy cabaret number like Piya Tu or the hippie cult classic Dum Maro Dum, he did it all.
R.D. was not limited by genre, musical styles or even the use of instruments and sounds from all over the world.
Accolades and Achievements
With 1700 songs composed for more than 330 films , three Filmfare awards and even Awards named after him, Pancham is a true legend. He composed music for not just Hindi but even Bengali and South Cinema. He was also instrumental in giving big breaks to renowned singers like Abhijeet and Kumar Sanu.
Globally Recognised
Many R. D. tunes have found their way into the current Indian and even International music market.
To name a few the song Chand Mera Dil from the 1977 movie Hum Kisise Kum Nahin was sampled in the 2018 film Simba.
In 2013 American Singer- Songwriter, Kanye West sampled the R.D. composed song ‘Arre Zindagi Hai Khel’ from the 1972 Hindi classic film Seeta aur Geeta.
Popularly Pancham
Such is the beauty of R.D. Burma’s creations that he is still a big hit and lives on through his music.
R.D. Burma’s music is approachable even if you aren’t a Hindi music buff. It will speak to you in a language that is so attractive that it won’t matter if Bollywood is not your style.
R.D. Burman was adept in all kinds of music and even cut an international album in the mid-1980s titled ‘Pantera’ alongwith American and Latino artistes. The album found its way into the pubs and discos at the time it was released.
Pancham has been the gold standard for music in the last 40 years. And even today, after 29 years he is the best introduction to Hindi film music for the uninitiated.
Sounds to Live By
He cuts across generations even today with his evergreen sounds and songs. The recreation of the Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani 1972 song for the Karan Johar movie, Student of The Year 2, had RDB’s signature style sound of ‘gili-gili-akkha’ scat-phrases intact.
The crazy sounds he created like ‘wakaao’ and Asha Bhonsle’s sensuous breathing sounds in Piya tu have an amazing reaction and recall value even today.
Pancham Da, each time we think of you, listen to your songs or find even Google can’t resist using your song in its advertisement, we continue to be mesmerised.
Thank you for the music, I am sure wherever you are the place is alive with music!
