Think of hit Hindi film songs of the late 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s that many of us enjoy humming, singing or love listening to, and you will see a lot of them have been composed by Rahul Dev Burman aka RD Burman. He was and still is lovingly known as Pancham Da, the quintessential music composer who ruled the hearts of umpteen Indians with his unique creations.
It’s the maestro’s birth anniversary today, and his fans, both young and old, across the globe are all set to celebrate him and his work. Celebs talk about RD Burman and share their favourite song by the legend:
Sanchita Banerjee
RD Burman is considered one of the most influential musicians of all time. His voice was naturally beautiful, and he was the one who revolutionised music in Bollywood. His songs are like a time travel machine, every time you listen to them, they take you back to the golden times of the 70s. ‘Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko’ is one of my most favourite songs because of its incredible lyrics, music, and Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi’s renditions.
Ruhaan Saapru
RD Burman sir, also known as the ‘King of Bollywood Music’, gave Indian cinema and music a new identity. What set him apart was his music, which was always deep, peaceful, healing, and soulful. His compositions were incredible, and people adored him not only for his talent but also for his humility and kindness. It's challenging to choose just one favourite song from his vast repertoire, but if I had to, it would be ‘Chehra Hai Ya Chaand Khila Hai’ because I absolutely adore the melody. The background score is simply out of this world, and the way he conveys the emotion in this song is spectacular. R.D. Burman Sir will forever live in our hearts through his music.
Prateik Chaudhary
Rahul Dev Burman, fondly known as RD Burman or Pancham Da, remains a timeless musical maestro, who captured the hearts of countless Indians with his unmatched compositions. Among his illustrious repertoire, one composition that resonates deeply with me is ‘Tere Bina Zindagi Se’ from the movie ‘Aandhi’. This soul-stirring melody encapsulates the essence of longing and emotional turmoil, weaving a tapestry of poignant lyrics and haunting melodies. The interplay between Lata Mangeshkar’s ethereal voice and RD Burman’s evocative orchestration is sheer magic. Every note of this composition is etched in my soul, a testament to Pancham Da's unmatched brilliance in creating music that touches the depths of human emotions.
Anupama Solanki
I love most RD Burman songs. They have a refreshing effect on my mind. Due to the generation gap, I was unaware of RD Burman initially, but my grandfather used to listen to his songs. My favourite song is ‘Kya Hua Tera Waada’. I love this song so much because it reminds me of loyalty toward my friends and evokes strong emotions. This song has depth, unlike many new songs that I find meaningless. It's the reason I don't enjoy going to parties and clubs. Old songs have the power to make you happy and feel positive, and that's what I appreciate about them.
Charrul Malik
RD Burman's songs were very touching. He used to create songs from his heart. Every song he composed cannot be compared to anyone else's. It's impossible to choose just one song among his compositions. All his songs are still loved today. On the contrary, ‘Zindagi ke safar mein’, is a lively song with an emotional connection that resonates with the world. I don't believe today's songs can do justice to his compositions. I think he used to think from his heart. Nowadays, it seems like people tend to copy songs, but he never did. His songs still feel fresh. My favorite songs are, ‘Chura liya hai tumne jo dil ko’ and ‘Zindagi ke safar mein’. He was the best and remains unmatched. No one can ever match him.
Celesti Bairagey
‘Kya Hua Tera Wada’ is my favourite song. Ever since I was a child, my mother would frequently listen to this song, and it has deeply resonated with me ever since. It holds a special place in my heart, thanks to the memories associated with it from my childhood.
Lokit Phulwani
RD Burman has been a timeless favorite, not just for me but for many others as well. His music has transcended generations and continues to be played at various venues, places, and channels even today. Some of his best songs, in my opinion, include, ‘Tere Bina Zindagi Se,’ ‘Aap Ki Ankhon’, ‘Pyar Diwana Hota Hai’, ‘Aanewala Pal Janewala Hai’, and many more. RD sir's music is incredibly versatile, ranging from heart-touching romantic melodies like ‘O Mere Dil Ke Chain’ to energetic dance numbers like ‘Piya Tu Ab To Aa Jaa’. His contributions to the music industry are immense and timeless, leaving a lasting impact on listeners.
Aditya Deshmukh
I wish he were here so I could wish him a very Happy Birthday! We could have celebrated it in a truly special way. He was the one who introduced us to Rock and Roll. ‘Duniya Mein Logo Ko’ will always remain my favorite song by him. I believe ‘Jhankar Beats’ was the only film of our generation that served as a tribute to Pancham Da. Whenever I watch the film and listen to the songs, I can't help but groove to the music. It was always about Rock and Roll, and it was RD Burman sir who introduced this genre to my father's generation. Wherever you are, I believe your soul must be entertaining the heavens above.
