RD Burman 74th birth anniversary: Remembering the last days of Pancham da

Despite his health issues, the legendary music director gave us some memorable compositions during the ’80s

During the ’80s, when the likes of Bappi Lahiri and Laxmikant-Pyarelal took centre stage, RD Burman continued to toil away and create music in the background. After his marriage to Asha Bhosle in 1980, they worked on many songs together, but Burman had passed his peak. Yet, even after suffering a heart attack in 1988, Pancham da continued to compose some gems – many of them remained unreleased and some reached us. Today, on his 74th birth anniversary, here’s looking at the music that this maestro made during his last days.

Love Story (1981)

This Kumar Gaurav and Vijeta Pandit starrer went on to become a huge hit and the soundtrack had a lot to do with it. All the songs from this album were superhits, includingTeri yaad aa rahi hai, Dekho maine dekha hai ye ek sapna and Kya ghazab karte ho ji.

Satte Pe Satta (1982)

The film had some very popular songs – from the fun number Pyar humein kis mod pe le aya to the romantic Dilbar mere.

Ijaazat (1987)

Sung by Asha Bhosle and written by Gulzar, the four songs from this film (which was an important movie of the parallel cinema movement) – Khaali haath sham ayi hai, Mera kuch samaan, Katra katra and Choti si kahaani se -  have developed a cult following over the years.

Parinda (1989)

Tumse milke, sung by Suresh Wadkar and Asha Bhosle, was the most loved track in this Vidhu Vinod Chopra film.

1942- A Love Story (1994)

The music of this love story was released after Pancham da’s death, but went on to become hugely popular. With numbers like Rim jhim rim jhim and Ek ladki ko dekha – the album won almost all the awards, including the Filmfare Award.