R. D. Burman

R. D. Burman was born Rahul Dev Burman in Calcutta in 1939, son of legendary composer S. D. Burman. Nicknamed ‘Pancham’ as a child—either for crying in the fifth note or because the actor Ashok Kumar heard him utter ‘Pa’ repeatedly—he displayed early musical talent and composed his first song as a child, a tune included in the film Funtoosh (1956). In his early career, he trained under maestros Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Samta Prasad, and started as assistant to his father, honing his craft playing harmonica and tabla. His first independent assignment came with Chhote Nawab (1961), but his breakthrough arrived with Teesri Manzil (1966), whose soundtrack full of hits like "Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar Tera" cemented his rise in Bollywood. Burman’s musical style was refreshingly eclectic—rooted in Bengali folk but enriched with jazz, rock, disco and international flavors. He revolutionized film music with his experiments: layering strings, driving rhythms, electronic rock, and sound effects like a spoon tapping a glass in the recording of “Chura Liya Hai Tumne”. His peak came in the mid‑1970s with the blockbuster Sholay (1975), followed by vibrant scores for Padosan, Deewaar, Khel Khel Mein, and more. Late‑career gems included the soulful Ijaazat (1987) and the emotive 1942: A Love Story (1994). Even after his death in January 1994, Burman’s influence endures—through remixes, tributes, documentaries, and a beloved coffee-table book. His music continues to resonate with generations of listeners, and his creative boldness remains a benchmark for innovation in Indian film music.