Remembering RD Burman

Rahul Dev Burman was popularly known by his nickname Pancham. In his early years though, he was nicknamed Tublu by his maternal grandmother.

Asha Bhosle and R.D. Burman: The man, The Music.

As a nine-year-old, RD composed his first song, Aye meri topi palat ke aa, which his father SD Burman used in the film Funtoosh (1956).

The tune of the cult song Sar Jo Tera Chakraaye was also composed by RD. Although SD did not give his son the credit when he used it in Pyaasa (1957)

RD was the music assistant in many popular films during his early days in the Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), Bandini(1963) and Guide (1965).

Pancham played the mouth organ for his father`s memorable composition Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara in Solva Saal 1958.

RD was signed on as music director for the first time for Raaz in 1959. It was being directed by Guru Dutt`s assistant Niranjan.

Pancham`s last work 1942: A Love Story released three months after his death. Pancham da breathed his last on January 4, 1994.

From the 1960s to 1990s, RD composed music for well over 300 movies. Post his death, several of his original tracks and remixed versions have been used.

Panchamda is being truly missed!