Indian Lives

R. D. Burman: The Man, The Music: 8 key ideas

by Anirudha Bhattacharjee & Balaji Vittal

The core ideas of R. D. Burman: The Man, The Music, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 8

   He grew up inside film music

   The authors describe how Rahul Dev Burman learnt music at the side of his father, the composer S.

   D. Burman. Assisting his father on films gave him training in both Indian and Western styles from a young age.

2. IDEA 2 OF 8

   Teesri Manzil made his name

   The book shows how the songs of Teesri Manzil in 1966 announced a bold new sound in Hindi film music.

   Their energy and Western influences made the young composer suddenly sought after.

3. IDEA 3 OF 8

   He found music in everyday objects

   The authors describe how R.

   D. Burman experimented with sounds from unusual sources, like blowing into bottles or rubbing a comb. He used such tricks, along with new instruments and rhythms, to make songs sound fresh.

4. IDEA 4 OF 8

   Singers and lyricists shaped his sound

   The book describes his close work with Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle, who later became his wife, and with lyricists like Gulzar.

   These partnerships produced many of his best-loved songs across moods and styles.

5. IDEA 5 OF 8

   The 1970s were his peak

   The authors describe a decade in which he composed for many hit films, mixing rock, jazz, Latin and Indian classical elements.

   His range let him write both soft melodies and lively dance numbers.

6. IDEA 6 OF 8

   His musicians were his team

   The book highlights the session musicians who played in his studio, many of them from Goa and Mumbai's music scene.

   The authors credit this team, and his trust in them, for much of his inventive sound.

7. IDEA 7 OF 8

   Fashions changed and work dried up

   In the 1980s, the authors describe sadly, the industry moved on, several films failed and producers turned to other composers.

   Burman's health also suffered badly, and he felt increasingly sidelined.

8. IDEA 8 OF 8

   His last film proved his genius

   The authors describe how the music of 1942: A Love Story, released after his death in 1994, was a huge success.

   It reminded audiences of his talent and began a lasting revival of interest in his work.