R. D. Burman

MUSIC - HIS BIRTH RIGHT

Rahul Dev Burman, also known as Pancham or Pancham da (June 27, 1939 - January 4, 1994) was a music composer for Bollywood films. He was the son of singer and music composer Sachin Dev Burman.

According to stories, Rahul Dev Burman was nicknamed Pancham because, as a child, whenever he cried, it sounded in the fifth note (Pa) of the Indian musical scale. The word Pancham means five (or fifth) in Sanskrit. Another version is that when the veteran Indian actor Ashok Kumar saw a newborn Rahul Dev Burman uttering the syllable Pa repeatedly, he nicknamed the boy Pancham. Pancham was born in Calcutta. After coming to Mumbai, he learnt sarod from Ustad Akbar Ali Khan. When he was nine years old, he composed his first song, Aye meri topi palat ke aa, which his father used in the film Funtoosh (1956). The tune of the song Sar jo tera chakraaye was composed by him as a kid. His father loved the tune and included it in the soundtrack of Guru Dutt's Pyaasa. As a child, Pancham also played the mouth organ in the famous song Hai apna dil to aawara (from film Solva saal - 1958, starring Dev Anand). Pancham began his music career as an assistant to his father. His first film as a music director was Chhote nawaab.

R D Burman gave music for 245 movies and a TV series Subah (1987). R D Burman did playback in eighteen movies composed by him. He was famous for unique, grunting bass singing style. He also acted in the film Bhoot Bungla (1965) and Pyar ka Mausam (1967).

1950s to 1960s

R D Burman started his career as assistant to his father, Sachin Dev Burman. He assisted his father in Chalti ka Naam Gaadi (1958) and Kaagaz ke Phool (1959). His first film as a music director was Guru Dutt's Raaz (1959). However the film was shelved after some shooting and recording of few songs.

R D Burman's first released movie as a music director was Mehmood's Chhote Nawab (1961). Mehmood once said that he gave the movie to R D Burman because he got tired of R D Burman denting his car with the persistent drumming of his fingers! The first song Ghar aaja ghir aaye to be recorded for the movie was sung by Lata Mangeshkar because R D Burman wanted no one but the legendary singer to sing his first composition for movies. The song brought together S D Burman and Lata Mangeshkar who had stopped recording together since 1957.

Mehmood gave him his second movie as a music director in 1965 - Bhoot Bangla. The soundtrack is notable for Aao twist karein. In the movie, R D Burman also acted alongside Mehmood. He also composed the music of Teesra Kaun in 1965.

R D Burman's first hit movie was Teesri Manzil (1966). Vijay Anand had arranged a music session for him before Nazir Hussain, the producer of Tesri Manzil. After hearing his music, Nasir Hussain made him the music director of Teesri Manzil. The songs O haseena and Aaja aaja belonged to a genre that Indian music lovers were unaware of. Nasir Hussain went on to sign R D Burman and lyricst Majrooh Sultanpuri for six of his films including Baharon ke Sapne, Pyaar ka Mausam and Yaadon Ki Baarat.

In 1967, R D Burman gave music for the movies Chandan Ka Palna and Baharon Ke Sapne. Meanwhile, he continued to work as his father's assistant for movies like Jewel Thief (1967) and Talash (1969).

In 1969, Waris and the musical hit Pyar ka Mausam were released. For Aradhana (1969), R D Burman was credited as associate composer. When S D Burman fell ill during the recording of Aradhana's (1969) music, Pancham completed the music. The film was a turning point in the Bollywood history. It made Rajesh Khanna a superstar; Kishore Kumar replaced Mohammed Rafi as Bollywood's top singer and R D Burman became the industry's most sought-after composer.

1970s

R D Burman was India's most popular composer in 1970s (Bollywood's superstar era), famous for his peppy tunes. He teamed up with singers Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar and others to churn up some of the biggest hits in the Bollywood music history.

In 1970, R D Burman composed music for six movies, of which Kati patang (a Rajesh Khanna starrer) was a musical hit.

Eleven more movies with R D Burman as music director were released in 1971. Of these, Amar prem, Buddha mil gaya, Caravan, and Hare Krishna Hare Rama were musical hits. Amar prem is noted for intricate songs based on Indian Classical Music such as Raina beeti jaaye (sung by Lata Mangeshkar). Buddha mil gaya had simple, peppy numbers like Raat kali ek khwab mein aayee and Bhali bhali si ek soorat. It also had a classical song Aayo kahan se Ghanshyam?. Caravan had the best Bollywood cabaret ever - Piya tu ab to aaja, picturized on Helen (Bollywood actress) and sung by Asha Bhosle and R D Burman ("Monica! O my darling"). The title song of Hare Krishna Hare Rama sung by Asha became the hip-hop anthem for the youngsters. The song is used in Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories PS2 version titled 'Dum Maro Dum' for Radio Del Mundo in 2006. Other songs like Phoolon ka taaron ka and Kaanchi re were also popular.

In 1972, R D Burman composed music for nineteen films. Seeta aur Geeta, Rampur ka Lakshman, Mere jeevan sathi, Bombay to Goa, Apna desh and Parichay were musically successful. The high-pitched Asha-R D Burman duet Duniya mein logon ko from Apna desh became popular. Songs like Beeti na beetayi raina from Parichay marked the beginning of a fruitful association between R D Burman and lyricist Gulzar. Also released in 1972 Jawaani diwaani was a hit. Songs like Abhi nahi, Jaan-e-jaan dhoondhta phir raha and the title track were all chart-busters that year.

1973 saw fourteen more R D Burman soundtracks, of which the most successful ones were Yaadon ki baraat, Shareef badmash, Heera panna and Anamika. In 1974, sixteen movies with R D Burman music were released. Aap ki kasam and Ajanabee were major hits.

In 1975, there were nine movies with R D Burman soundtracks including the superhit Sholay, Deewaar ,Aandhi, Khushboo and Dharam karam. In Sholay, he sang Mehbooba mehbooba, picturised on Helen and Jalal Agha. Aandhi had classic Gulzar songs sung by Kishore-Lata - Is mod se jaate hain, tum aa gaye ho, Tere bina zindagi se koi and others. Khushboo was another R D Burman-Gulzar materpiece with songs like O manjhi re.

R D Burman also completed the music of Mili (1975) after his father went into coma and died. In 1976, there were 8 movies with R D Burman as music director. Nine more movies were released in 1977. Naam gum jaayega (Kinara, 1977) is another of R D Burman-Gulzar gems.

In 1978, nine more R D Burman releases, including Shaalimar and Kasme vaade. Shaalimar included hits like Hum bewafa hargiz na the (Kishore Kumar) and the title track (Asha Bhosle). The title track, Mile jo kadi kadi and Aati rahengi baharein of Kasme Vaade were very popular. The title track and Raju chal Raju of Dharmendra-starrer Azaad were also moderately popular. Ghar was a huge hit for R.D. Burman-Gulzar duo with songs like Tere bina jiya jaaye na, Aaj Kal paon zameen par, Phir Wohi Raat hai.

1979 was a relatively lull year for R D Burman, although he composed music for ten films. His biggest hit was Golmaal. The most popular songs were Aanewala pal (Kishore Kumar) and the title track (Golmaal hai bhai sab golmaal hai) sung by R D Burman and his assistant Sapan Chakravorty. Few other R D Burman hit songs in 1979 were Jeevan ke har mod pe (Jhoota kahin ka), Rim jhim gire saawan (Manzil), Saawan ke jhoole pade (Jurmana) and Do lafzon ki hai dil ki kahani (The great gambler, sung by Asha Bhosle and actor Sharad Kumar).

1980s

In 1980, there were ten releases. R D Burman churned out musical hits like The burning train and Shaan, which were not successful at the box office. The burning train included popular Sahir Ludhiyanvi qawwali sung by Asha Bhosle and Mohammad Rafi - Pal do pal ka saath hamara. The film is also noted for Teri hai zameen, sung by Sushma Shrestha and Padmini Kolhapure as child-singers. Shaan had sizzlers like Pyar karne wale pyar karte hain shaan se (Asha Bhosle), Doston se pyaar kiya (Usha Uthup) and Yamma yamma (sung by Rafi and R D Burman). R D Burman also composed for Alibaba aur 40 chor (Приключения Али-Бабы и сорока разбойников in Russian), an Indo-Russian collaboration. Actor Rekha made her singing debut under R D Burman with the songs Kaayada kaayada and Saare niyam tod do in Khubsoorat (1980). The lyrics were penned by Gulzar. Other popular songs included Sun sun didi tere liye (Asha Bhosle) and Piya bavari (Asha and Ashok Kumar). The songs of Abdullah (1980) also became popular. The score is noted for Rafi-song Maine poocha chaand se, in which R D Burman modernised his father Sachin Dev Burman's tune.

The year 1981 saw R D Burman composing for fifteen films. He created two hit soundtracks with lyricist Gulshan Bawra and Universal Music India (then called Music India) - Satte pe satta and Yeh vaada raha. Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Satte pe satta was a story of 7 brothers and 7 sisters. The songs picturized on the seven brothers were sung by R D Burman, his assistants Basu and Sapan Chakravorty, lyricist Gulshan Bawra, Bhupendra, Anand Kumar C and Kishore Kumar. The songs for the sisters were sung by Asha Bhosle, Annette and Dilraj Kaur. The hit songs include Dukki pe dukki ho, Pyar hamein kis mod pe, Dilbar mere and Zindagi milke bitaayenge. R D Burman's major hit in 1981 was Sanam teri kasam. The hit soundtrack included Kitne bhi tu kar le sitam, Jaan-e-jaan and Dekhta hoon koi ladki haseen among other songs. In 1981, R D Burman also composed music for Rocky (Sanjay Dutt's debut movie) and Love story (debut film of Sanjay Dutt's brother-in-law, Kumar Gaurav). The songs from both the movies were popular. However, Rocky bombed on the box office, while Love story was a superhit. Jahan teri yeh nazar hai from Amitabh-starrer Kaalia (1981) also became very popular among listeners.

Fourteen more R D Burman soundtracks were released in 1982. The team of Nasir Hussain, R D Burman and Majrooh Sultanpuri (which had started with Teesri manzil presented Zamaane ko dikhaana hai in 1982. The songs Poocho na yaar kya hua and Dil lena khel hai dildar ka became popular. Ashok Kumar's last song Chalo haseen geet (Shaukeen, 1982) was composed by R D Burman. Angoor (1982) is noted for R D Burman's spoof on the O. P. Nayyar hit Preetam aan milo, sung by Sapan Chakravorty.

In 1983, there were fifteen R D Burman soundtracks, of which Masoom and Agar tum na hote are considered classics.

In 1984, fourteen R D Burman soundtracks were released. This year, Gulshan Kumar's T-Series made its entry into the arena of original film soundtracks. The company's first major music rights acquisition were for Pramod Chakravorty’s bi-lingual Jagir(Hindi)/Teen Murti(Bengali). The film's music was composed by R D Burman. This year, R D Burman came with somewhat disappointing scores. But he introduced a plethora of talented new singers in these years. Kumar Sanu was given his first break by R D Burman in Yeh desh (1984) as voice of Kamal Hasan. Abhijeet was given his major break by R D Burman in Anand aur Anand (1984). Although he made his debut a long time ago, Hariharan (singer) was first noticed in a duet with Kavita Krishnamoorthy, Hai mubarak aaj ka din (Boxer, 1984), which was composed by R D Burman.

In 1985, R D Burman had only two music hits among his 12 soundtracks, Sagar and Alag Alag. Mohammed Aziz, a popular Rafi clone of 1980s, made his debut with Shiva Ka Insaaf (1985) under R D Burman.

1986 is said to be the worst year of his career. None of his 9 soundtracks made a mark that year. After 1986, he started getting less work. The producers who gave him patronage suddenly seemed to have disappeared. Bappi Lahiri's lifted Western Disco tunes had taken their toll on R D Burman. The year 1987 saw only 5 releases including the brilliant Ijaazat, which failed to prevent his downfall. Ijaazat is still considered a matchless score, with classics like Choti si kahani se, Khaali haath shaam aayi hi, Katra katra and Mera kuch samaan (which won Asha Bhosle the National Award as Best Singer).

1988 saw some four more R D Burman soundtracks of which Libaas had good songs, but the producer refused to release the film. R D Burman gave music for 6 more movies in 1989, of which Parinda and Joshilaay were successful.

1990s

R D Burman's last years were not very pleasant. The few films he gave music for flopped at the box office. Subhash Ghai promised him Ram Lakhan but gave it instead to Laxmikant Pyarelal. This greatly upset Pancham. He suffered from a heart attack in 1988 and underwent heart surgery. During this period, he composed many tunes, which were never released.

R D Burman gave music for few mediocre movies in 1990 (two), 1991 (three) and 1992 (six). In 1993, there were four more releases, of which 1942: A Love Story (released after his death) has an unforgettable score. The film won him the third and last of his Filmfare awards. The music of Janam Se Pehle (1994) was also composed by R D Burman. After his death, Ghatak: Lethal (1996) was released.

2000s

After his death, in the late 1990s, the remix versions of R D Burman's hits ruled the Indian music scene. Even today, most of the Indian remix songs are his tunes remixed.

Gang (2000) was released long after R D Burman's death. He was also credited for music of few more films after his death. For example, Monsoon Wedding (credit for Chura liya hai) and Dil Vil Pyaar Vyaar (2002), which had R D Burman songs "recreated" by one of his assistants Babloo Chakravorty.

1. Ghatak(1996)
2. Sautela Bhai (1996)
3. Janam Se Pehle (1994)
4. 1942: A Love Story (1993)
5. Professor Ki Padosan (1993)
6. Gardish (1993)
7. Gurudev (1993)
8. Tum Karo Vaada (1993)
9. Drohi (1992)
10. Antam (1992)
11. Khule-Aam (1992)
12. Sarphira (1992)
13. Siyasat (1992)
14. Jhoothi Shaan (1991)
15. Indrajeet (1991)
16. Gunehgar Kaun (1991)
17. Chor Pe Mor (1990)
18. Jeene Do (1990)
19. Bahurani (1989)
20. Aag Se Khelenge (1989)
21. Dost (1989)
22. Mil Gayee Manzil Mujhe (1989)
23. Joshilaay (1989)
24. Parinda (1989)
25. Namumkin (1988) 
26. Be Lagaam (1988)
27. Chinni Krishnudu (1988)
28. Libaas (1988)
29. Rama O Rama (1988)
30. Zalzala (1988)
31. Hifazat (1987)
32. Dacait (1987)
33. Itihaas (1987)
34. Ijaazat (1987)
35. Inaam Dus Hazaar (1987)
36. "Subah" (1987) TV Series
37. Samundar (1986)
38. Anokha Rishta (1986)
39. Zindagani (1986)
40. Ek Main Aur Ek Tu (1986)
41. Jeeva (1986)
42. Musafir (1986)
43. Palay Khan (1986)
44. Saveray Wali Gaadi (1986)
45. Shatru (1986)
46. Hum Naujawan (1985)
47. Alag Alag (1985)
48. Hum Dono (1985)
49. Sitamgar (1985)
50. Arjun (1985)
51. Rahi Badal Gaye (1985)
52. Ek Se Bhale Do (1985)
53. Lavaa (1985)
54. Oonche Log (1985)
55. Ram Tere Kitne Nam (1985)
56. Saagar (1985)
57. Zabardast (1985)
58. Jhootha Sach (1984)
59. Andar Baahar (1984)
60. Zameen Aasmaan (1984)
61. Maati Maange Khoon (1984)
62. Farishta (1984)
63. Bindiya Chamkegi (1984)
64. Anand Aur Anand (1984)
65. Boxer (1984)
66. Duniya (1984)
67. Hum Hain Lajawab (1984)
68. Jagir (1984)
69. Jawaani (1984)
70. Manzil Manzil (1984)
71. Yeh Desh (1984)
72. Agar Tum Na Hote (1983)
73. Qayamat (1983)
74. Bade Dil Wala (1983)
75. Lovers (1983/I)
76. Rang Birangi (1983)
77. Ganga Meri Maa (1983)
78. Betaab (1983)
79. Daulat Ke Dushman (1983)
80. Mahaan (1983)
81. Main Awara Hoon (1983)
82. Masoom (1983)
    Mazdoor (1983)
    Pukar (1983)
83. Romance (1983)
84. Shubh Kaamna (1983)
85. Shakti (1982)
86. Teri Kasam (1982)
87. Bemisal (1982)
88. Aamne Samne (1982)
89. Satte Pe Satta (1982)
90. Angoor (1982)
91. Ashanti (1982)
92. Dard Ka Rishta (1982)
93. Daulat (1982)
94. Kachche Heere (1982)
95. Namkeen (1982)
96. Sanam Teri Kasam (1982)
97. Swami Dada (1982)
98. Yeh To Kamaal Ho Gaya (1982)
99. Yeh Vaada Raha (1982)
100. Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981)
101. Gehra Zakhm (1981)
102. Baseraa (1981)
103. Jail Yatra (1981)
104. Harjaee (1981)
105. Biwi-O-Biwi: The Fun-Film (1981)
106. Rocky (1981)
107. Mangalsutra (1981)
108. Naram Garam (1981)
109. Anusandhan (1981)
110. Ghunghroo Ki Awaaz (1981) 
111. Kaalia (1981)
112. Kudrat (1981)
113. Love Story (1981)
114. Shaukeen (1981)
115. Shaan (1980)
116. Aanchal (1980)
117. Jal Mahal (1980)
118. Sitara (1980)
119. Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980)
120. Red Rose (1980)
121. Dhan Daulat (1980)
122. Abdullah (1980)
123. Bulundi (1980)
124. The Burning Train (1980)
125. Khubsoorat (1980) 
126.  Manzil (1979) 
127. Dhongee (1979)
128. Jurmana (1979) (as R.D. Burman)
129. Gol Maal (1979) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka Hanky Panky
130. Jhoota Kahin Ka (1979)
131. The Great Gambler (1979) (as R.D. Burman)
132. Hamare Tumhare (1979) (as R.D. Burman)
133. Nauker (1979)
     ... aka Naukar (India: Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
134. Ratnadeep (1979)
     ... aka The Jewelled Lamp
135. Salaam Memsaab (1979)
136. Naukri (1978) (as R.D. Burman)
137. Ghar (1978) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka Home (International: English title)
138. Azaad (1978)
     ... aka Free (International: English title)
     ... aka Independent
139. Devata (1978) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka Devta (India: Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
140. Heeralal Pannalal (1978)
141. Kasme Vaade (1978) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka The Sworn Promises (India: English title)
142. Naya Daur (1978)
     ... aka The New Age
143. Phandebaaz (1978)
     ... aka Phande Baaz (India: Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
144. Shalimar (1978) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka Deadly Thief (video title)
     ... aka Raiders of Shalimar (USA)
     ... aka Raiders of the Sacred Stone (USA: DVD box title)
145. Kitaab (1977) (as R.D. Burman)
146. Mukti (1977) (as R.D. Burman)
147. Chandi Sona (1977)
148. Darling Darling (1977)
149. Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin (1977) (as R.D. Burman)
150. Jeevan Mukt (1977)
151. Karm (1977) (as R.D. Burman)
152. Kinara (1977)
153. Vishwasghaat (1977) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka The Betrayal
154. Bullet (1976) (as R.D. Burman)
155. Mehbooba (1976) (as R.D. Burman)
156. Bhanwar (1976) (as R.D. Burman)
157. Balika Badhu (1976) (as R.D. Burman)
158. Bandalbaaz (1976)
     ... aka Bundal Baaz (India: Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
159. Bhala Manus (1976)
     ... aka The Samaritan
160. Khalifa (1976)
161. Maha Chor (1976) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka The Big Thief
162. Dharam Karam (1975) (as R.D. Burman)
163. Sholay (1975) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka Embers
     ... aka Flames
     ... aka Flames of the Sun
164. Aandhi (1975)
     ... aka Storm (International: English title: informal literal title)
165. Deewaar (1975) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka I'll Die for Mama
     ... aka Wall
166. Kahte Hain Mujhko Raja (1975)
167. Kala Sona (1975)
168. Khel Khel Mein (1975) (as R.D. Burman)
169. Khushboo (1975)
170. Mazaaq (1975) (as R.D. Burman)
171. Warrant (1975)
172. Benaam (1974) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka The Nameless
173. Ajanabee (1974) (as R.D. Burman)
174. Doosri Sita (1974)
     ... aka Doosri Seeta (India: Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
175. Phir Kab Milogi (1974) (as R.D. Burman)
176. Aap Ki Kasam (1974) (as R.D. Burman)
177. Charitraheen (1974) (as R.D. Burman)
178. Dil Diwana (1974)
     ... aka Crazy Heart
179. Humshakal (1974)
180. Imaan (1974)
     ... aka Honour
181. Ishq Ishq Ishq (1974)
     ... aka Love, Love, Love
182. Khhotte Sikkay (1974)
     ... aka False Coins
183. Madhosh (1974)
184. Manoranjan (1974)
185. Mr. Romeo (1974)
186. Trimurti (1974) (as R.D. Burman)
187. Ujala Hi Ujala (1974)
188. Zehreela Insaan (1974)
189. Namak Haraam (1973) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka The Ungrateful
     ... aka Traitor
190. Joshila (1973)
     ... aka Zesty
191. Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973) (as R.D. Burman)
192. Raja Rani (1973) (as R.D. Burman)
193. Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1973)
194. Anamika (1973) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka Girl Without a Name (India: English title)
195. Bandhe Haath (1973) (as R.D. Burman)
196. Chhalia (1973) (as R.D. Burman)
197. Do Phool (1973)
198. Heera Panna (1973)
     ... aka Rare Jewels
199. Jaise Ko Taisa (1973)
200. Rickshawala (1973)
201. Shareef Budmaash (1973)
202. Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)
203. Parichay (1972) (as R.D. Burman)
204. Raampur Ka Lakshman (1972)
     ... aka Raampur Ka Lakshman (India: Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
205. Bombay to Goa (1972) (as R.D. Burman)
206. Apna Desh (1972) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka Your Country (International: English title)
207. Dil Ka Raja (1972)
208. Do Chor (1972)
209. Double Cross (1972)
210. Garam Masala (1972) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka Hot Spices
211. Gomti Ke Kinare (1972)
212. Jawani Diwani (1972)
     ... aka The Madness of Youth
213. Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972)
     ... aka My Life Partner
214. Parchhaiyan (1972)
215. Rakhi Aur Hathkadi (1972)
216. Rani Mera Naam (1972)
217. Samadhi (1972)
218. Savera (1972)
219. Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka Seeta and Geeta
     ... aka Sita Aur Gita (India: Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
220. Shehzada (1972) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka Shahzada (India: Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
221. Yeh Gulistan Hamara (1972)
     ... aka This Garden Is Ours
222. Haré Raama Haré Krishna (1971)
     ... aka Praise Rama Praise Krishna
223. Pyar Ki Kahani (1971)
224. Adhikar (1971/I) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka A Privilege
     ... aka Justice (International: English title: informal literal title)
225. Amar Prem (1971) (as R.D. Burman)
     ... aka Immortal Love
226. Buddha Mil Gaya (1971)
227. Caravan (1971)
228. Hulchul (1971) (as R.D. Burman)
229. Lakhon Mein Ek (1971)
230. Mela (1971)
231. Paraya Dhan (1971) (as R.D. Burman)
232. Sanjog (1971)
233. The Train (1970)
234. Ehsan (1970)
235. Kati Patang (1970)
236. Puraskar (1970)
     ... aka C.I.D. Agent (India: English title)
237. Raaton Ka Raja (1970)
238. Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (1970)
     
     
239. Aradhana (1969) (associate composer)
240. Pyar Ka Mausam (1969)
241. Waris (1969) (as R.D. Burman)
242. Abhilasha (1968)
     ... aka Desire (International: English title: informal literal title)
243. Padosan (1968)
244. Baharon Ke Sapne (1967)
245. Chandan Ka Palna (1967)
246. Pati Patni (1966)
247. Teesri Manzil (1966)
     ... aka The Third Floor
248. Bhoot Bungla (1965)
249. Teesra Kaun (1965)
250. Chhote Nawab (1961)
     

Pancham was comfortable with all types of music, be it the romantic Raat kali from Buddha mil gaya (1971), the sexy cabaret Piya tu ab to aaja from Caravan (1971), the ultimate hippie anthem Dum maro dum from Hare Krishna Hare Rama (1972) or the classical Raina beeti jaaye. It is said that Dev Anand did not include the complete version of 'Dum maro dum' in Hare Rama Hare Krishna, as he was worried the song would overshadow the film. At times, R D doubled up as a singer too. His most famous song as a singer was Mehbooba from Sholay.

Pancham was a very creative person. His percussion included a spoon against a glass (Chura liya hai from Yaadon ki baraat), desks (Masterji ki aa gayee chitthee from Kitaab) a bamboo whistle with a balloon (Abdullah) and bottles filled with water at different levels (O maajhi re from Khushboo).

Some of Pancham's songs were inspired from popular western tunes. For example,Aao twist karein (Bhoot Bangla) was a direct lift of Come lets twist again by Chubby Checker while Tera mujhse hai pehle ka naata koi (Aaa Gale Lag Ja) is said to be a copy of The Yellow Rose of Texas by Elvis Presley. There are many such other examples available at itwofs.

Pancham has also directed music for some regional films, including Bangla, Oriya, Tamil, Telegu and Marathi. He also acted in one of the Bengali film named Nayak. Pancham's non-filmi music comprises of few albums, including 'Pantera' - the international album for which he shares credit with Latin American composer, Jose Flores.

R D Burman also produced private albums, including one based on the samba. He also collaborated with Boy George. He has also composed music for an album called Pantera produced by Pete Gavankar in 1987 whose lyrics were written by Jose Flores

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