Pancham’s timeless symphony

Rahul Dev Burman, fondly known as Pancham, was a legendary composer whose 28-year career began with Teesri Manzil (1966) and ended with 1942: A Love Story (1994). Son of iconic composer S D Burman, he trained in classical music under maestros like Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Samta Prasad. Though his early work, including Chhote Nawab and Bhoot Bungla, received modest attention, Teesri Manzil catapulted him to fame with hits like O haseena and Aaja aaja.

He delivered timeless music for films such as Padosan, Kati Patang, Sholay, Amar Prem and Hare Rama Hare Krishna, often collaborating with Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle — his later wife. Bhosle credited him with transforming her vocal style through jazz, new rhythms and experimentation.

His partnership with lyricist Gulzar produced lyrical gems in Ijaazat, Masoom and Aandhi. Known as a “music scientist,” Burman drew inspiration from everyday sounds, blending Indian classical music with global influences.

Lyricist Javed Akhtar admired his instant compositions, such as Ek ladki ko dekha and Chehra hai ya chand. Despite a dip in the 1980s, Burman’s posthumous success with 1942: A Love Story reaffirmed his legacy. He died in 1994, aged 54, leaving behind music that only grew more revered over time.