: I was introduced to this genius named R D Burman by my mother who gifted me a cassette of Mone Pore Ruby Roy(bengali collection) composed by Panchamda.
Since then, my admiration for this music maestro has increased manifold. Almost all albums composed by R D Burman has at least one song which is memorable.
Now, don’t ask me the reason why because melody has it’s own individual perception. I might like the composition, someone else might like the orchestration and so on. Without wasting time(oops Words!)
I would like to mention 20 rare gems which are not as popular as say a’Chingari Koi Bhadke’ or a’ Yaad Aa Rahi Hai’ but are nevertheless equally superb compositions which transpose you into another world.
Aisa sama na hota(Zameen Aasmaan): Thanks to FM old songs programmes like Purani Jeans and Yadein, this forgotten gem rendered by Lataji is getting some recognition. It is an absolute magic in itself.
Tu Jahan Mile Mujhe(Doosri Seeta): This Asha Bhonsle ditty belies the fact that she can only sing cabarets and sensuous songs.
O Mere Pyaar Aaja(Bhoot Bangla): Those who think that R D Burman only means peppy and westernized tracks should listen to this song by Lataji.
Maang Loonga Main Tujhe(Romance): An extremely forgettable film but what an exquisite song. Amit Kumar and Lata at their best.
Chaand Tumsa(Inaam Dus Hazaar): This flop film boasts of excellent tracks. This is the best among them.
Ae Saagar ki Lahron(Samundar): What an orchestration! The instruments used here bears the testimony that he was truly a composer ahead of his times.
Saawan ke Jhule(Jurmana): This song is a semi classical masterpiece.
Shikwa koi Tumse(Dhan Daulat): This song has a Shankar Jaikishan touch but Pancham’s own style can be clearly distinguished. Ashaji is in superb form here.
Aaj Tere Naina(Ehsaan): what a lovely duet this is!The playful vocals of Mohd. Rafi and Asha ji makes this song even more wonderful.
Wahin Chal Mere Dil(Shaukeen): Suresh Wadkar has sung quite a few songs for R D Burman but this is his best song in terms of orchestration and composition.
I cud have gone on and on but space here is betraying me. other rare gems in a line are:
Jidhar Dekhoon(Mahaan)- Amitabh Bachchan
Ae meri Jaan(Puraskar) - Mukesh and Asha
Phirse Aaiyo(Namkeen) - Asha Bhosle
Aao Aao Jane Jahan(Gomti Ke Kinare) - Kishore and Asha
Bindiya Tarse(Phir Wohi Raat) - Lata Mangeshkar
Jaiyo na Jaiyo na(Aar Paar) - Kishore and Sabina Yasmin
Jhar Jahr Bahta(Ek main aur Ek Tu) - Asha
Tera Aasra Hai(Dhuan) - Lata
Suno Sitamgar(Zabardast) - R D himself!
Kaisi Lag Rahi Hoon(Jhutha Sach) - Kishore and Lata
In the end, I would like to say that 20 is too less a number for Panchamda. YOu should have made it 50 or even more!If my other panchamite friends haven’t listened to these songs, go for them they are timeless classics in their own right!