Lata remembers RD Burman on his 72nd birth anniversary

Mumbai: Remembering the legendary musician Rahul Dev Burman on his 72nd birth anniversary, veteran playback singer Lata Mangeshkar today shared her fond memories with the late music director.

Son of the eminent music director Sachin Dev Burman, R D was fondly referred to as `Pancham Da`. "Today, I remember, a 13-14 year old boy, wearing khaki shorts and a white shirt had come to take my autograph. I remember, I was recording a song with S D Burman sahab when the small boy came and Burman dada told me he was his son - Pancham...and that he is learning to play sarod. This was the first time I had met Pancham," Lata said on micro-blogging site Twitter. Music director R D Burman, one of the most loved composers of Bollywood, started his journey with `Chhote Nawab` (1961). After that, he brought a refreshing change with his extraordinary compositions like `Raat Kali`, the sensual song `Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja`, the ultimate hippie anthem `Dum Maro Dum` and the classical `Raina Beeti Jaaye` among others. "I was surprised when Mehmood (comedian-filmmaker) Sahab told me that Pancham is giving the music for the film `Chhote Nawab` and my song was `Ghar Aaja Ghir Aayi`. I felt good after listening to the song and I was thinking how this small boy has given such a good music. Since then we worked together several times," the melody queen said. "He died at a young age. I feel very sad for it. Pancham was a very talented music director and today on his birth anniversary I just want to say that you will always remain alive in our memories," she said. Today, in his memory Lata dedicated the first -- `Ghar Aaja Ghir Aayi` (From the film `Chote Nawab` - 1961)-- and the last song - `Kuch Na Kaho`(From the film - `1942: A Love Story` -- 1994) that she sang with him to the music director`s innumerable fans. Burman married singer Asha Bhosle, Lata`s younger sister. PTI