Lesser known gems of RD Burman

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RD Burman is possibly the most well known music composer Bollywood has seen. He was considered a prodigy and was definitely a worthy competition to his own father SD Burman. There are movies like 'Jhankaar Beats' and 'Dil Vil Pyar Vyar' which were dedicated to the singer, composer and musician.

The great `Pancham` was also very versatile. So much so, that in one movie album one can find songs to suit all moods. Most of his songs are very popular. Many have been remixed and are still popular in discotheques across the country. Many of the songs composed by him are youth cult songs – irreplaceable by any other music composers trying their level best.

We bring to you a compilation of songs you would have rarely heard but are hidden gems worth a listen...

Humein Raasto ki Zaroorat Nahi

Movie: Naram Garam

Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee

Year: 1981

Singers: Asha Bhosle

This was one tune that Pancham composed and re used for another movie – and the song was super duper hit in the second one. The ever romantic `Saagar Kinare` from `Sagar` picturised on Dimple Kapadia and Rishi Kapoor was first composed for `Naram Garam`. Asha gave playback for this while Kishore and Lata rendered the 'Sagar' version. The melodius tune is worth listening to in both of them.

Ghar Aaja Ghir Aaye

Movie: Chhote Nawab

Director: S.A. Akbar

Year: 1961

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

This is from RD`s first movie – `Chhote Nawab`. This song is proof that Pancham was not only an expert at modern music, but also an expert in Indian classical music. Lata Mangeshkar has rendered the song with so much sweetness that you can feel the longing and love.

Yaaron Humara Kya

Movie: Abhilasha

Director: Amit Bose

Year: 1968

Singers: Bhupendra Singh & Manna Dey

`Abhilasha`, the movie also had a another popular song `Wadiyan Mera Daman`. This song never became popular but was a fantastic composition with a peppy western tune. Check out the Spanish twang in the song.

Mamaiya Kero Kero Kero Mama

Movie: Arjun

Director: Rahul Rawail

Year: 1985

Singers: Bhupendra Singh and chorus

This energetic tune starts with a long intro, but this was a great song to mirror the mood of the movie. Sunny Deol as a rough and tough youngster in this song with his friends became very popular. There was a time when the youth identified with this song and many who were teenagers in the 80s would definitely remember this one well.

Main Ladki Tu Ladka

Movie: Dil Diwana

Director: Narendra Bedi

Year: 1974

Singer: Asha Bhosle 

This really eclectic song has Pancham written all over it. There was no one who could portray youth in such a colorful song. It was funny and has Jaya Bachchan in a never before avatar paired opposite Randhir Kapoor. Jaya`s character is supposedly high, and the songs madness has a loud-comical quality that suits the song perfectly.

Meri Patni Mujhe Satati Hai

Movie: Pati Patni

Director: S.A. Akbar

Year: 1966

Singers: Manna Dey, Mehmood and Surendra

RD was the best at making songs that can make you laugh. This song is the epitome of that emotion. Added to the comedy in the song itself are the incomparable Mehmood and Om Prakash – who are joined by Johnny Walker later. Enjoy the music, listen to the lyrics and laugh your heart out.

Dhanno Ki Aankhon Mein

Movie: Kitaab

Director: Gulzar

Year: 1977

Singers: RD Burman

The madness that was Pancham is fantastically portrayed in 'Dhanno ki Aankhon Mein'. Not only does it have a haunting train beat in the back ground, but the song also has some of the most interesting instruments that accompanied the playback sung by RD himself. Not very popular but trust me, this is one catchy tune.

Seeli Hawa Choo Gayi

Movie: Libaas

Director: Gulzar

Year: 1988

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar

This hauntingly melodious track is one of the most soothing songs made in Bollywood. The beautiful track has been sung by Lata in her characteristic soft tones. This happens to be one of lyricist Gulzar's favourite songs too.

Dekhiye Sahibo Woh Koi Aur Thi

Movie: Teesri Manzil

Director: Vijay Anand

Year: 1966

Singers: Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle

Rafi and Asha sing this rather unknown song from a movie in which every other song was a super duper hit and catapulted RD Burman to fame. Shammi Kapoor with his high voltage mannerism made sure that each of the songs were a hit. Must listen.

Jogi O Jogi

Movie: Lakhon Mein Ek

Director: S.S. Balan

Year: 1971

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar

Another Mehmood gem, this fun song was sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. This was an interesting mix between a classical and western tune. This song features Mehmood and Radha Saluja. This dream sequence like song was a hit at its time but has faded from memories over the years.