Gripping documentary on RD Burman’s life

Documentary on well-known music composer of India, was screened at the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA).

ISLAMABAD: A documentary on the life of Rahul Dev Burman, the well-known music composer of India, was screened at the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA).

Tilted Pancham Unmixed- Mujhay Chalna Hai, the documentary was created by Brahmanand S Singh as a tribute to RD Burman and gripped the hearts of many music lovers. Highlighting both the highs and lows of RD Burman’s career, Singh captures the essence of his passion and commitment for creating music.

More popularly known as Pancham to his friends and the film industry, Burman created legendary music. Majority of his music has been remixed and reproduced for commercial use.

Outlining his life journey following his rise to a downfall and eventual success, the documentary covers all features of his personality.

He is the creator of some of the most renowned Indian songs such as “Dum Maro Dum,” “Mehbooba Mehbooba,” “Dekha Naa Haye Re” and “Meri Bheegi Bheegi.” Married to the nightingale of Bollywood, Asha Bhonsle, Burman lived a full life surrounded by friends and music. His passion for creativity refined his ability to find music in mundane objects such as glasses and pearls. He has been known to use the sound of birds and crashing waves as an inspiration for his music.

After many decades of success, Burman faced his downfall beginning 1986 when 27 of his films failed at the box office. When the films didn’t do well the music didn’t fare well either, leading to the downfall of the artist.

Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist, commented on Burman’s downfall saying that a “champion is the one who punches his opponent right before falling down.”  1942: A Love Story, his final gift to the film industry before he passed away, blew his critics away.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2010.