RD Burman's Music Beyond Western Rhythms — A Look At Some Of His Lesser Known Songs

Son of yet another stalwart of Indian film music Sachin Dev Burman, RD Burman redefined filmy music by introducing western instruments, tunes and forms, and blended them seamlessly into the existing format. It is his sheer genius that gave us songs like 'Chura Liya Hai', 'Dum Maaro Dum', 'Piya Tu Ab To Aaja', 'Mehbooba Mehbooba' to name a few. Some of his most popular music belongs to films like Teesri Manzil, Kati Patang, Padosan, Amar Prem, Caravan, Yaadon Ki Baraat, Hum Kisise Kum Nahi, Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Shaan, Masoom, Ijaazat and 1942 A Love Story.

He has been an inspiration to many music composers that followed — be it Vishal-Shekhar, Shantanu Moitra or Amit Trivedi. But even as RD Burman's songs still echo among the current generation, he is more known for his peppy, westernized songs. But his repertoire was filled with music that spanned across genres, languages, beats, and tunes. What Pancham did remarkably well, especially in his peak years, is to bring all these facets seamlessly together to compose music that remains eternal.

Here are five distinct songs of R.D Burman which stands head and above the rest

#1. 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga' - ‘1942: A Love Story (1994)

#2. 'Duniya Mein Logon Ko' - Apna Desh (1972)

#3. 'Dekhiye Sahibo Woh Koi Aur Thi' - Teesri Manzil (1966)

#4. 'Meethe Bol Bole' - Kinara (1977)

#5. 'Yeh Mera Dil Toh Pagal Hai' - Gardish (1993)