How SD Burman’s music was deeply influenced by folk and classical traditions

Remembering a recreational event on the set of 1960 film Black marketActor Wahida Rahman describes how the entire team laughed and said that music director Sachin Dev Burman raised his dhoti to showcase what steps he should take in the song ‘Rimjim Ke Tarane’. “We felt it really sweet,” she says. In another example, Gulzar talks about a debate between Burman and Bandini Director Bimal Roy on how Nutan should be painted in ‘Mora Gora Ang Le Le’, his first song as a lyricist.

Although they represent various colors of SD Burman’s personality, they provide evidence of how the music director painted his songs on the screen. His symptoms are often mentioned in the book Monk and his music (Quurerate Books) by Moti Lalwani and Richa Lakhanpal. Other aspects such as his approach to studio recording, the way he interacted with musicians and filmmakers, his dressing spirit, how he was a fan of the East Bengal football team and for his love for him Paan It is also mentioned.

This is not a best music biography. Thirteen books have already been written on musicians, including Headquarters Chaudhary, Khagesh Dev Burman, Anirudh Bhattacharji-Balji Vital and Satya Saran in English. We can see more in the coming years because Burman DadaThe music of is eternal, However, he belonged to an era that fans of their work around the world are still curious to know how he managed to make songs that continue to walk on the heartbeat of our hearts.

SD Burman’s music was a beautiful mix of folk and classical that he saw as a child growing up in Komila (now part of Bangladesh). Some of his songs attracted a visual imagination of Bengal through his bull and furnace-inspired tunes. While Burman’s mother, Princess Nirmala Devi was the royal princess of Manipur, her father, Nabadvipchandra Dev Burman, son of Maharaja of Tripura. On moving away from Royal Trapping, Burman found his calling in music.

SD Burman with son Rahul Dev (V). Both had very unique styles. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

In Monk and his music, Moti and Richa have interviewed many people associated with Burman either professional or personally radio personality Amin Sayani, music director Anandji Shah, Ravindra Jain, Pyarelal Sharma and Khayyam, classical musicians. Shivkumar Sharma and PT. Hariprasad Chauosia, and lyricists Yogesh Gaur and Gopaldas Neeraj. Thus there are many anecdotes in the book.

The interviews are uploaded on YouTube, and then edited and compiled to the book. Filmmaker Brahminand Singh, who has made documentaries on RD Burman and Jagjit Singh, has written The Foreword. Says Moti, “SD Burman has such a magical effect that it opened all doors for us. Initially, we planned to make a biopic, but it proved to be an expensive proposal. So we entered writing this book.” , ,

Songs of Guide Contributed to the success of the film. Photo Credit: Hindu Archives

The book is divided into various classes featuring musicians, filmmakers, lyricists, musicians, singers and other industry personalities. Some articles of musicians give specific accounts of Burman’s life. The back cover has given an quotation of son Rahul Dev Burman (V) – “And now he has really gone forever, my extended legacy for me, carrying forward a monopolistic heritage, I will try my best to take it forward.” Pancham had said that after Amin Sayani Dada Died on 31 October 1975.

The most interesting comments come from musicians and arrangements. Describing the morality of Burman’s work, Rhythm player Ranjit Gazamar says, “The composer will come at 9 am and tune his instruments. Bapu Around 10.30 pm, unlike some other musicians, he had no wind. Their recording usually ends on time. “Saxophone player and Arranger Manohari Singh speaks about how Burman wanted only short intervals in a song.

From ‘from the color of Phoolan’, from Prem priest, Malay Comes after Antara. SD BurmanUse loved in writing. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Carsy Lord, Arranger and Accordian players, describe Burman as “diplomat”. He recalls, “Once a famous tabla player was playing at a very fast pace. We tried to live with his tempo. Seeing this, Dada Told him-‘Baki musicians are not as ready as you are. Please slow down a little ‘. ,

Lyricist Gopaldus Neeraj, who wrote according to Tunes, came with Burman, says that the musician used in writing. He cites examples of Prem priest The song ‘Phoolan Ke Rang Se’, where Malay Comes after IntraAnd this Gambler Hit ‘Dil Aaj Shire’. Which was not MalayNeeraj says, “Before composing, Bapu Will understand the story, and make music according to the situation. To get into the heart of the scene, he sometimes applied the role of the actor where the song was to be depicted. ,

While the book takes the readers back to the golden era of Hindi film music when Melody ruled the highest, the block seems weak on the singers. The quotes of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle would have added overweight to the statement. In this section, only singer Porornima is shared Bapu His father, tabla artist Bhola Shrestha encouraged him after the death.

Lyricist Yogesh Gaur spoke in length about recording of songs for Hrishikesh Mukherjee FoundWhen Burman suddenly became ill. How does Arranger Bablu Chakraborty share Bapu Always close their eyes while singing, they are completely unaware of their surroundings.

Gulzar was closely associated with SD Burman, but had a successful cooperation with V. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Gulzar was closely associated with both SD and RD Burman. Although he started his career with Senior Burman in the 1960s, his cooperation with Pancham was some of the best films and Hindi cinema songs. remembering BapuGulzar said in the book that he was always wearing clothes, wearing a good story at home too.

Many interviewers talk about SD Burman’s love PaanAccording to Santoor Mestro PT. Shivkumar Sharma, he will rarely share it, but if he likes someone’s work, he will offer Paan as a reward.

SD Burman’s songs covered a wide spectrum of emotions. Monk and his music Through 50 interviews, gives an insight about their specific personality and music. A cultural traveler, his songs defeated different music traditions. His song ‘Hum Hai Rahe Pyar Ke’ (Now Do Do Gyaarah) Complete your journey.

Published – May 12, 2025 04:59 PM IST