Son of Sachin Dev Burman, Rahul was fondly referred to as Pancham and started his journey with "Chhote Nawab" (1961). After that, he worked continuously for 33 years and brought a refreshing change with his extraordinary musical work like "Raat kali" ("Buddha Mil Gaya"), the sensual cabaret number "Piya tu ab toh aaja" ("Caravan"), the ultimate hippie anthem "Dum maro dum" ("Hare Rama Hare Krishna") and the classical "Raina beeti jaaye" ("Amar Prem").
Bollywood remembers the legend, who died Jan 4, 1994:
Minissha Lamba: I am a huge fan of Panchamda. His music has been a milestone in the Indian music industry. One of my all-time favourite songs by him is "Tere bina zindagi se koi shikva". The song is absolutely beautiful, romantic and melodious.
Hema Malini: I used to be very busy during the times Burmanji was very active. I never had a chance to sit and talk to him at length. At parties, we would meet briefly, but I never really chatted with him. But I still remember the melodies and the great songs he created that are still so fresh. "Mehbooba" in "Sholay" was one of the best songs he composed. Songs for "Khushboo" and "Kudrat" were also great. We don't get to hear that kind of music any more.
Aamir Khan: From a very young age I had seen him (R.D. Burman) working with my father (late filmmaker Tahir Hussain). When I worked as an assistant director with my father, I got a chance to work with him as well. I'm so glad I got that opportunity. Most of the songs that he composed became hits. He was a great composer.
Pritam Chakraborty: Panchamda has been the main inspiration for me...I also had an R.D. Burman fan club in Kolkata. He has brought a revolution in the music industry. His music will always have an impact on Bollywood.
Kailash Kher: R.D. Burman is the man behind the international sound in Indian films and he is the one who explored all genres by experimenting. He and his music were always ahead of its time. He is immortal and lives with us through his music even today.
Abhijeet Bhattacharya: Oscars or Grammys can't be the highest awarding bodies of music because they failed to discover R.D. Burman's music. It's very unfortunate. He would remain a competitor for the present and
the future composers for another 300 years. R.D. Burman is still alive...Everybody in some way or the other copies R.D Burman. R.D Burman will be there for ever.Shamir Tandon: His music has a huge influence on today's music industry. Songs which were composed decades ago still manage to connect with today's youth. Music composed today can't be absolutely independent of R.D. Burman. His music is so versatile that every music created after him and in future would carry some of his ingredients.
Kainaz Motivala: I remember R.D. Burman as a legendary composer who gave our industry some of the most melodious songs that are remembered even today. After so many decades, "Chura liya hai tumne jo dil ko" has to be one of my all time favourite songs even today.
