Known for her dynamic voice and a career spanning several decades, the iconic singer Usha Uthup paid homage to the legendary music composer R.D. Burman, affectionately called Panchamda, on the occasion of his death anniversary. Usha Uthup, a name synonymous with versatility in Indian music, has always had a unique and heartwarming association with Panchamda. Remembering his extraordinary talents, she recently shared her personal experiences and the indelible mark the maestro left on her musical journey.
As an artist who collaborated with numerous composers, the collaboration between Uthup and Burman stands out remarkably. Their partnership yielded many memorable songs that have stood the test of time, including classics like ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ and ‘Doston se pyaar kiya’. On recollecting her time with Burman, Uthup described an instance from their work together that remained etched in her heart. The premier plan for the song ‘Doston se pyaar kiya’ from the film ‘Shaan’ is one such account, where Panchamda’s creative vision was full of enthusiasm and awe, though it did not come to fruition.
Uthup fondly recollects a recording session for the Bengali song ‘Aagaami shishura’ at Mumbai’s Madhur Dhwani studio. She stated that Burman expressed contentment at being able to fully capture the versatility of her voice. His appreciation of her talent and his ability to utilize it optimally was a testament to his genius.
The task of selecting merely four top songs from RD Burman’s vast oceanic repository seemed nearly impossible for Uthup. However, she listed ‘Humein Tumse Pyaar Kitna’ for its poetic lyrics, ‘Chinagri Koi Bhadke’ for its heartfelt evocation, the Amitabh Bachchan-sung ‘Bina dekhe bina jaane’ from ‘Mahaan’, and ‘Dukh sukh ki har mala kudrat hi piroti hai’ from ‘Kudrat’, as her personal top picks that signify the variety and depth in Burman’s music.
When asked about the quality she admired most in Panchamda, Uthup praised his innate ability to recognize and enhance the distinctiveness of each artist he worked with. She admired how Burman knew exactly when to offer guidance and when to let an artist’s personal style shine through, fostering growth and creativity.
Uthup expressed her desire to dedicate ‘Dukh sukh ki har mala’ and ‘Humein tumse pyaar kitna’ in remembrance of the maestro. These tracks resonate most with her out of Burman’s vast song book, perhaps because they reflect the heart and soul that Burman put into his compositions.
The bond between a singer and a composer is often illuminated in the recording studio where the magic happens. Uthup shared that Burman always knew which songs suited her the best, trusting her with the lyrics and her capacity to deliver them effectively. A particular incident she recalled was when Burman advised her to intensely familiarize herself with the lyrics of the Bengali song ‘Premey pudey jaaaye’, embodying them completely before singing.
Ultimately, trying to encapsulate Panchamda’s legacy, Uthup expressed that it was immense and not something that could easily be contained in a few words. For her and countless fans worldwide, R.D. Burman’s work transcended the norm and entered a realm where only the highest quality of music thrived. He was a man whose work not only shaped the Indian music industry but also continues to influence music lovers and practitioners across generations.
The influence of R.D. Burman, “Panchamda” to those who knew him best, remains a strong and vital force. Usha Uthup’s reflections on the work and personality of this music giant reveal a man of exceptional talent, who knew no bounds in creativity and compassion, and whose music still echoes in the hearts of millions.
