The Indian music panorama stands in reverent silence today as we commemorate the death anniversary of the man who revolutionized Indian film music, the evergreen maestro R D Burman, affectionately known among peers and fans as ‘Panchamda’. Here we delve into 11 lesser-known facets of this musical colossus.
1. Panchamda was a name that most music enthusiasts associate with the legendary R D Burman, yet a lesser-known nickname he received was ‘Tablu’, a term of endearment used within close circles. This name added to the personal and intimate touch that he brought to the music industry.
2. The origin of ‘Panchamda’ has intrigued many over the years, and there exist two versions of how he came to be called so. One version narrates that young R D Burman could vocalize cries in five distinct notes, and the name ‘Pancham’, which signifies ‘five’ in Bengali, became synonymous with him. For those unacquainted, his first Bengali composition was brought to life by the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar.
3. According to another tale, it was the revered actor Ashok Kumar who christened Burman with the nickname ‘Panchamda’, and it stuck through the years, becoming a symbol of his quirky and inimitable style.
4. Panchamda was renowned for his innovation in music composition, and he frequently incorporated everyday objects into his creations. For the iconic song ‘Chura Liya Hai’ from the film ‘Yaadon Ki Baaraat’, he used the sounds of cups and saucers, and for ‘Mere Saamne Waali Khidki Mein’, the hum of a comb added an eccentric twist.
5. A child prodigy, Panchamda’s ingenuity blossomed early as he composed his first-ever song at the mere age of nine. It featured in the soundtrack for the film ‘Fantoosh’, released in the year 1956. This early start was a mere glimpse of the immense talent that would later transform Indian film music.
6. His personal life was equally as colorful as his professional one. The first car he owned was a Fiat with the number ‘BMC 1139’. A fervent nature enthusiast, he cultivated an impressive collection of over 200 varieties of chili plants in his garden—an epitome of his passion for diversity and experimentation.
7. An intriguing anecdote among the many about R D Burman includes a mysterious encounter with a serpent. As it coiled ominously around his leg, he is said to have calmly unwrapped it himself, exhibiting a fearlessness that paralleled his approach to music.
8. His love for the mouth organ transcended ordinary affection for a musical instrument. It is recounted that he not only played it for his close friends, celebrated music duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal but also while he was afloat on the water bodies of Calcutta. Many may be surprised to learn that the mouth organ in the song ‘Hai Apna Dil To Awara’ from the film ‘Solva Saal’ was played by him, accompanied by the voice of Hemant Kumar.
9. R D Burman’s talents were not just bound to music composition. He also embraced the silver screen acting in three films: ‘Bhoot Bangla’, ‘Pyaar Ka Mausam’, and ‘Gayak’. These appearances showed his versatility and comfort with the performative aspects of entertainment.
10. Known for his exemplary dedication to his craft, R D Burman’s commitment knew no bounds. There were instances when he would spend prolonged hours on his balcony, capturing the sound of raindrops—a testament to his quest for the authentic sound. Further showcasing his range, in 1987, he recorded an international jazz album titled ‘Pantera’, illustrating a fusion of Eastern melody and Western harmonics.
11. As we reflect on his extraordinary journey, we acknowledge the legendary musician’s immeasurable impact on the world of music, etching a legacy that intriguingly continues to unfold undiscovered layers today. Even as Panchamda transcended the bounds of this world, his music lives on, enchanting and inspiring generations to come.
Today as we pay homage to the maestro, these 11 facts are mere fragments of a life that remains an ongoing symphony, a reminiscence of the sheer brilliance and relentless innovation of R D Burman, whose tunes continue to resonate in the hearts of millions.
Disclaimer: The enigmatic life of R D Burman comprises myriad stories and anecdotes largely derived from digital archives and personal recounts shared over the years across various online platforms.
