RD Burman’s five timeless hits
Rahul Dev Burman was born on June 27, 1939, to revered musicians Sachin Dev Burman and Meera Dev Barman. Both father and son revolutionised the Indian film music industry, composing several hit songs that would touch the hearts and souls of millions.
R D Burman, nicknamed Pancham, started composing music from an early age. He wrote his first song "Aye Meri Topi Palat Ke Aa" at the tender age of nine. This song was later used by his father in the 1956 movie "Funtoosh".
Burman's collaborations with Kishore Kumar and Anand Bakshi gave way to some of the most successful melodies in Bollywood during their active years.
The legendary musician passed away after a heart attack at the age of 54, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy for music lovers to relish on. Today, we look at five timeless hits by the icon.
1. Mere Samne Wali Khidki: Penned by Rajendra Krishan, this song was made for the film "Padosan". This song is recognisable whenever it is played, even decades after its original release.
2. Zindagi Ke Safar Mein: Anand Bakshi was the lyricist for this song, which was made for the 1974 movie "Aap Ki Kasam". The movie starred Rajesh Khanna and one cannot help but recall the iconic railway scene when this song plays.
3. Gulabi Aankhein Jo Teri: Being another masterpiece from the Bakshi-Pancham duo, this song was featured in the movie "The Train". This number went on to become another iconic love song that immediately makes you feel like it's the 70s all over again.
4. Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein: This song was sung by the legendary duo Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar, for the hit movie "Ajnabee". The song, picturised on Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman, features the on-screen duo falling in love while dancing in the rain. This song went on to set new standards when it comes to the 'romance in rain' sequences in Bollywood.
5. Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko: Sung by living legend Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi, this song is from the 1973 hit "Yaadon Ki Baaraat". Featuring a naive yet very pretty Zeenat Aman, holding her guitar while expressing her love for Vijay Arora, this song leaves behind the innocence of first love.