RD Burman 85th Birth Anniversary: 10 Evergreen Pancham Da Songs For Your Playlist!

Rahul Dev Burman, affectionately known as RD Burman or Pancham Da, was one of the most influential and beloved musicians in the history of the Indian music industry. Born on June 27, 1939, in Kolkata, he was the only son of composer Sachin Dev Burman. From an early age, RD Burman mastered various instruments and immersed himself in both Eastern and Western musical traditions. His career spanned over three decades, during which he redefined the sound of Bollywood music and composed musical scores for 331 films.

RD Burman’s journey began in the 1960s when he started as an assistant to his father and quickly rose to prominence as an independent composer with the film Chhote Nawab (1961).

After that, he worked continuously for 33 years and showcased his versatility and ability to create some of the most poignant and memorable songs in Hindi cinema that resonated deeply with the audience.

What set RD Burman apart was not just his mastery of melody but also his ability to push the boundaries of traditional film music. His collaborations with singers like Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar, and Lata Mangeshkar resulted in some of the most iconic and enduring songs in Indian cinema.

Tragically, the great music maestro passed away on January 4, 1994, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians and listeners alike.

His legacy as a maestro and a musical pioneer is etched forever in the annals of Hindi cinema, and his contributions to Bollywood music are immeasurable.

Remembering the legend of all time on his birth anniversary, let’s revisit some of his best music that will continue to enchant and enthral audiences for years to come.

RD Burman Birth Anniversary 2024: Top 10 Evergreen Hindi Songs Playlist

1. Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko (Yaadon ki Baraat)This soul-stirring love ballad, sung by Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle, is a timeless classic. Picturized by Zeenat Aman and Vijay Arora, this song became an iconic number that would be revered for decades.
2. Gulabi Aankhein (The Train)Another gem from RD Burman’s collection is Gulabi Aankhein, featuring Rajesh Khanna and Nanda in Ravikant Nagaich’s directorial The Train. With its catchy tune and Rajesh Khanna’s infectious charm, the song became an instant hit and remains popular to this day.
3. O Haseena Zulfon Waali (Teesri Manzil)If you love a peppy dance track with high-octane music and quirky lyrics, then this RD Burman song is for you. The popular song from the movie Dil Vil Pyar Vyar (1966) was a huge hit during the 90s. It was crooned by Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle, and the lyrics were penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri.
4. Mehbooba Mehbooba (Sholay)This playful and romantic song by RD Burman is a highlight of the iconic film Sholay. The singer received his first Filmfare Award nomination for playback singing in the song. The 1975 hit was also remixed and sung by Himesh Reshammiya in his debut film, Aap Kaa Surroor, along with Asha Bhosle.
5. Rim Jhim Gire Sawan (Manzil)This beautiful song from the movie Manzil (1979) had Moushumi Chatterjee and Amitabh Bachchan dancing in the rain. With Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar, RD Burman encapsulates the melancholic beauty of the monsoon season. This composition is a perfect example of Burman’s ability to create timeless melodies.
6. Mere Sapno Ki Raani (Aaradhna)This evergreen song from the blockbuster film Aradhana became an anthem of romance for generations. Rajesh Khanna’s charismatic charm and his chemistry with Sharmila Tagore made this song one of the Indian film industry’s most iconic songs.
7. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga (1942: A Love Story)Presenting another soulful song Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh from the 1998 movie 1942: A Love Story. Composed by Pancham Da and penned down by Javed Akhtar, the song bagged R D Burman his last Filmfare Award for Best Music Director. Kumar Sanu crooned the Manisha Koirala and Anil Kapoor starrer songs.
8. Humein Tumse Pyaar Kitna (Kudrat)Enjoy this Bollywood song with Hindi and English lyrics crooned by Kishore Kumar from the 1981 movie Kudrat. RD Burman created magic with this song, starring Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini. The tune was written by Majrooh Sultanpuri.
9. Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge (Sholay)Undoubtedly, this song, composed by RD Burman for the 1975 movie Sholay, remains the friendship anthem. Written by Anand Bakshi, the song had Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan in the frame. Manna Dey and Kishore Kumar gave their voices to the song.
10. Pyaar Deewana Hota Hai (Kati Patang)The song was composed in Hindi and Bengali and was filmed in the movie Kati Patang. The Hindi lyrics for the song were written by lyricist Anand Bakshi and sung by Kishore Kumar, while Rajesh Khanna sang the song for Asha Parekh.