R.D Burman, our beloved Pancham da, walked in his father’s footsteps to become the magnificent Music Director that he was. His name was kept Pancham by his parents because when he cried like a baby, his voice reached the 5th note.
People have an assumption that he composed for his Ideal and Muse Asha Bhosle, his dear wife. Most people don’t know that he composed thousands of songs for her sister, Lata as well.
Pancham da was a visionary who introduced many arrangements and influences from World Music into his compositions. His music had complete originality. There were plenty of other Bollywood composers who picked up tunes from Western compositions and never admitted it, he would never hide the sources. He accepted the fact that he was trained in Indian classical and not the Western genres, so he did at times take some inspiration from them, but alter the tune based on the movie situation.
In this Gaana Pehchaana blog, we’ll talk about the rare bond that R.D Burman shared with Lata ji. He lovingly addressed her as didi and the two brought about some really great melodies together. This is why their duo is one of the finest composer-singer duos to have ever existed in Bollywood.
These are some of the most loved songs by the sought-after musical duo.
Bada Natkhat Hai Re (1971)
Music: R.D Burman
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Movie: Amar Prem
This track has a bunch of interesting stories surrounding it. R.D Burman had already composed this song when his father S.D Burman requested him to make changes in the tune.
Movie director Samanta wanted Rahul to make music for a Bhajan, but S.D Burman felt that his son couldn’t do justice to the situation, as Sharmila was playing the role of a Nauch girl, but her motherly instincts for the little boy is clearly expressed even if she is not the real mother. Some kind of agony had to be expressed and it was expressed in Raag Khamaj by junior Burman and Lata sang it beautifully without any mistake.
Bahon Mein Chale Aao (1973)
Music: R.D Burman
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Movie: Anamika
“Bahon Mein Chale Aao” has always been known as one of the best compositions by R.D Burman till date. The uniform music of the Duggi rings through the whole song, giving it a divine touch. It will be false if somebody tells you that R.D Burman didn’t create awesome compositions for Lata Mangeshkar.
Majrooh ji seems to have been really happy while penning down this amazing number. If you haven’t heard or watched the song yet, you can enjoy the song starring Jaya Bachchan and Sanjeev Kumar to feel good.
Wada Karo Nahin Chodoge Tum Mera Saath (1973)
Music: R.D Burman
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Singer: Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar
Movie: Aa Gale Lag Ja
This is a truly evergreen number from “ Aa Gale Lag Ja” and will stay on in people’s minds because of the rare composition by R.D Burman. Even now, it is a top favourite of reality show participants.
The film had attained a cult position in Algeria where it is played at skating rinks and gymnastic performances. Lata Mangeshkar was gifted at performing romance numbers and had her name recorded in history. Sahir Ludhianvi crafted the finest lyrics for every song in the film album.
Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa To Nahi (1975)
Music: R.D Burman
Lyrics: Gulzar
Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
Movie: Aandhi
Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi is a favourite of Bollywood Music fans from across the world. The drop-dead gorgeous Suchitra Sen portrays the role of a politician’s daughter and a politician herself, along with Sanjeev Kumar portraying the role of a Hotel Manager.
R.D Burman’s music hits the soul and is perfect for the situation in the song showing the coming together of a separated husband and wife after years. Gulzar’s lyrics are heart-melting and Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar bring out the true essence of the characters while singing the song. It is a true example of the perfect music composed by Rahul Deb Burman for Lata Mangeshkar.
Naam Gum Jaayega (1976)
Music: R.D Burman
Lyrics: Gulzar
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Movie: Kinara
“Naam Gum Jaayega” is a serious number with intense melodrama from the 1976 film Kinara. Hema Malini, Jeetendra and Dharmendra play their roles really well.
The magnetic Raga based song in Lata Ji’s voice is pure bliss. The genre is perfect for her voice texture and singing style. This thing was known by junior Burman. The whole song was shot in the historic fort city of Mandu situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
Tere Bina Jiya Jaye Na (1978)
Music: R.D Burman
Lyrics: Gulzar
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Movie: Ghar
“A composition that can never be erased from the golden pages of Bollywood Music”!!!
R.D Burman worked really hard to create “Tere Bina Jiya Jaye Na”, especially for his favourite Lata didi. Most of these Lata Mangeshkar, R.D Burman sensations were thoughtfully written by Gulzar.
Rahul Deb Burman and Lata Mangeshkar’s ability to perceive the situation in the movie made the track starring stunning Rekha and good looking Vinod Mehra come to life.
Tune O Rangeele (1981)
Music: R.D Burman
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Movie: Kudrat
Tune O Rangeele is a Bollywood song from the 1980s with the most catchy music. The song seems to cast some supernatural magic on you and you won’t be able to stop playing it. It is such an alluring number.
In the film, Hema Malini and Rajesh Khanna’s chemistry takes a different direction with this song that was shot in picturesque Himachal.
Majrooh Sultanpuri’s heart-melting lyrics and Lata Mangeshkar’s attempt to sing make the song touch the bottom of your heart.
Why Lata Didi And R.D Burman’s Duo Is Loved & Respected By Indian Music Lovers?
It is a misconception that maximum melody-based songs were given to Lata Mangeshkar and Asha had to do the rhythm-based numbers, but it is false.
Both the sisters excelled in both genres, but the rhythm-based songs turned Asha into a favourite amongst the youngsters. R.D has fixed his name as one of the greatest Music Directors particularly because of the melody numbers.
R.D Burman had mentioned in a few interviews that Lata Mangeshkar was always the better singer. In the Bombay Times of India that came out on 29th September 1985, he himself said that “Lata Mangeshkar is supreme”. When she begins singing, she forgets her identity, her likes, dislikes and all. She plays innumerable roles while singing. She can be a mother, a girlfriend, a sweetheart or maybe a pain-stricken individual in front of the mic.
Junior Burman had a hidden talent for making music in unimaginable ways like at times he used glasses and spoons, sometimes he rubbed sandpaper, knocked bamboo sticks, combs, shells and all kinds of uncommon stuff.
Gaana Pehchaana- A Treasure Box Of Musical Games
Gaana Pehchaana brings the talent of composers, lyricists and singers to the forefront. The Gaana Pehchaana app has interesting games and lives gaming sessions where you get to choose the decade and difficulty level based on your comfort and play to your heart’s content. You’ll have to fill a form to register for the Live Sessions. Check out our app on Android or iOS to know more!
