A little while after RD Burman’s sudden demise, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 1942: A Love Story released. The track list, including ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha’– a throwback to a tender first love, ‘Kuch Na Kaho’, ‘Pyaar Hua Chupke Se’ and ‘Rooth Na Jaana’ set the box office on fire, and introduced a generation to the phenomenon called RD Burman or Pancham da as he was popularly known.
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A week ago, when the monsoon pounded parts of India, one song was on everyone’s playlist — Pancham’s iconic ‘Rim Jhim Gire Saawan’. Like many of his compositions, the song effortlessly brings back the magic and romance of the monsoon. But, his creations have always been that, deeply evocative, and mirroring one’s thought process. And, with every listen, he stole a bit more of our hearts. But then, it’s difficult to ask him back for it, like in ‘Mera Kuch Saaman Tumhaare Paas Pada Hai’.
On his 79th birthday, here’s a playlist of some of Pancham’s much-loved songs, in no particular order.