R. D. Burman - The Man, The Music
For a country steeped in classical tradition, Rahul Dev Burman arrived like a thunderclap. His embrace of Western rhythms felt radical at the time, yet it was precisely this willingness to push boundaries that made him the defining force in Hindi film music during the 1970s. Young India danced, quite literally, to whatever Pancham conjured next. His critics, and there were plenty, accused him of dragging popular taste downmarket. He answered them not with words but with compositions, producing raga-based songs of such depth and beauty that the argument simply collapsed. Folk idioms, orchestral arrangements, street sounds: it's remarkable how naturally he moved between all of it. This book examines what made Burman such an enduring figure, exploring the technical inventions he brought to the studio (mixed rhythm patterns, unusual chord voicings, adventurous sound mixing) alongside the personal stories that shaped the music. Drawing on conversations with the musicians who worked closely with him, the authors build an intimate, textured portrait of a composer who remained restless and curious throughout his career. Anecdotes and behind-the-scenes detail sit alongside genuine musical analysis, making the book rewarding for casual fans and serious enthusiasts alike. More than two decades after his death, you'll find Burman's influence everywhere in Indian music. This account goes a long way towards explaining why.
- Author: Anirudha
- Publisher: Harpercollins
- Genre: Film & Cinema
- ISBN: 978-9350290491
- Pages: 392 pages