Sachin Dev Burman, often known as S.D. Burman, is a name that evokes timeless melodies in the Indian music industry. His incredible contributions to Bollywood film music made him a legend. However, there’s more to S.D. Burman than his popular tunes, and here are some lesser-known facts about the genius that shaped Indian music.
1. Royal Lineage
S.D. Burman hailed from the royal family of Tripura. Born in Comilla (now in Bangladesh) in 1906, he was the son of Nabadwipchandra Dev Burman, a prince of the Tripura royal family. Despite his aristocratic roots, S.D. Burman chose a life dedicated to music.
2. Classical Music Training
Before making his mark in film music, S.D. Burman was deeply rooted in classical music. He was trained in Hindustani classical music by stalwarts like K.C. Dey and Ustad Badal Khan, which significantly influenced his later works, particularly in how he incorporated classical ragas in film songs.
3. Folk Music Enthusiast
One of S.D. Burman’s greatest strengths was his ability to blend folk music into his compositions. He had a deep understanding of Indian folk music, particularly from Bengal and Assam, which he infused into many of his Bollywood compositions, creating a unique and earthy sound that resonated with the masses.
4. Singer-Composer Combo
Though primarily known as a composer, S.D. Burman was also a talented singer. In fact, he started his career as a singer in Calcutta in the 1930s, recording Bengali folk songs. His deep, rustic voice became iconic in later years, as he sang some of his own compositions, including the unforgettable Wahan Kaun Hai Tera from Guide (1965).
5. Late Entry into Bollywood
S.D. Burman’s entry into Bollywood was relatively late. Despite having established a successful music career in Bengal, he moved to Mumbai in the early 1940s and faced initial struggles before getting a foothold in the Hindi film industry. His big break came with the film Shikari in 1946, and there was no looking back after that.
6. Mentor to Iconic Singers
S.D. Burman played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of some of Bollywood’s most beloved playback singers. He was instrumental in launching Kishore Kumar as a singer in Hindi cinema, giving him a break with Arzoo (1950). Burman also had a close professional relationship with Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, crafting unforgettable melodies for both singers.
7. Loyalty to Select Lyricists
S.D. Burman believed in strong composer-lyricist partnerships. He worked closely with lyricists like Majrooh Sultanpuri, Shailendra, Sahir Ludhianvi, and later Anand Bakshi. His deep collaboration with lyricists allowed him to create music that was not just melodious but also rich in meaning and context.
8. A Composer of Minimalism
Despite the grandeur of his compositions, S.D. Burman was a master of minimalism. He had a keen sense of simplicity and often used fewer instruments to enhance the emotional quality of his songs. His ability to evoke powerful emotions with minimal orchestration is a hallmark of his work, seen in songs like Tere Mere Sapne from Guide and Megh De Bol from Do Bigha Zameen.
9. Father-Son Duo in Bollywood
S.D. Burman and his son, R.D. Burman, became one of the most successful father-son duos in Bollywood. While S.D. Burman was known for his soulful, classical-based compositions, his son, R.D. Burman, revolutionised Bollywood music with his contemporary, western-inspired tunes. Despite their contrasting styles, the two collaborated on various projects, and R.D. Burman assisted his father on many iconic films.
10. Never Watched His Own Films
Surprisingly, S.D. Burman was known to avoid watching films, even those for which he composed music. He believed that the creative process of composing music was enough for him, and he did not need to see the final film. His focus was always on creating timeless music rather than being influenced by the visual elements of filmmaking.
S.D. Burman’s contribution to Indian music is immeasurable, and his influence continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers. His ability to blend folk, classical, and modern elements made him a versatile genius, whose music remains as fresh today as it was decades ago.