The Other Burman- SD

Amid all the adulation that RD Burman receives, we sometimes tend to undervalue the senior-SD Burman. He is a classic case of how looks can be deceptive. His music is completely youthful in tenor, even if he looked grandfatherly. His tunes encompass such lovely ones as Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechaara from Jewel Thief (which I can recognize from the music before the words come on), to the rumbunctious ones from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi- from Paanch Rupiah Baarah Aana, to Babu, Samjho Ishare, and from Hum The Woh Thi Aur Samaa Rangeen Samajh Gaye Na..to Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka.

Teen Deviyan saw him in his element, with Khwaab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat, and Are Yaar Meri Tum Bhi Ho Ghazab. Guide had many hits, among which Gaata Rahe Mera Dil and Wahaan Kaun Hai Tera, Musafir, Jayega Kahaan (sung by him) stand out. Sharmeelee had some great songs, like Khilte Hain Gul Yahaan, Kaise Kahen Hum Pyaar Ne Hum Ko,Kya Kya Khel Dikhaye. Aradhana had a line of super hit numbers that catapulted Rajesh Khanna to the top, like Roop Tera Mastana, Mere Sapnon Ki Rani and Kora Kagaz Tha. Gambler had the classic Dil Aaj Shaayar Hai, and Chudi Nahin Yeh Mera Dil Hai.

I am sure there are countless others, but this small sample illustrates what a terrific composer he was. And his songs were mostly based on either folk or classical music.