Early Life:
- Birth and Family: Rahul Dev Burman, also known as Pancham, was born on 1939, in Calcutta, to the legendary composer and singer Sachin Dev Burman and his wife Meera Dev Burman.
- Nicknames: He became known as Pancham. There are different theories about the origin of the nickname, including his ability to cry in five different notes.
Education and Training:
- Burman received early education in West Bengal from Tirthapati Institution in Kolkata.
- He composed his first song at the age of seventeen, titled “Aye meri topi palat ke aa,” which his father used in the film Funtoosh (1956).
Career Beginnings:
- Burman’s initial career involved playing harmonica in his father’s orchestras and assisting his father in various films.
- His first released film as an independent music director was Chhote Nawab (1961), signed by Mehmood.
Marriage and Personal Life:
- Burman’s first wife was Rita Patel, whom he married in 1966 and divorced in 1971. The separation inspired the song “Musafir Hoon Yaaron” from Parichay (1972).
- He later married legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle in 1980, and they recorded many hit songs together. However, they did not live together towards the end of his life.
- Financial difficulties and personal challenges marked his later years, and he underwent heart bypass surgery in 1989.
Rise to Popularity:
- In the 1970s, Burman gained immense popularity for his compositions, especially with Kishore Kumar’s songs in Rajesh Khanna-starrer films like Kati Patang (1970).
- Hit films during this period include Teesri Manzil (1966), Padosan (1968), Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971), Amar Prem (1972), Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), and many more.
- He explored diverse musical influences, incorporating electronic rock, jazz, disco, and Bengali folk elements in his compositions.
Later Career and Challenges:
- In the late 1980s, Burman faced tough competition from other music directors, and many filmmakers stopped patronizing him as his films faced box office failures.
- Despite challenges, he composed for films like Ijaazat (1986), Parinda (1989), and 1942: A Love Story (1994).
Legacy and Style:
- Burman is credited with revolutionizing Hindi film music, experimenting with a wide range of influences, including Western, Latin, Oriental, and Arabic music.
- He was known for using unconventional instruments and sounds in his compositions, creating innovative tunes using everyday objects.
- His legacy lives on through iconic songs, and he is considered a significant influence on the evolution of Bollywood music.
R.D. Burman’s contributions to the music industry, his innovative approach to composition, and the timeless melodies he created have left an indelible mark on Hindi film music.