This day the music died! Pancham's death anniversary

In the Pancham Unmixed DVD package is included a DVD of the songs of RD Burman – The Great RD Blast. These are original film videos of 30 of his best songs and the sound quality for the music is exceptional. I have often wondered why it is that CDs of old music have shrill and screechy sound, while the same songs heard in a film DVD, or even on Youtube, will often sound so much better. The old music is all in analog form up-converted to digital, so why does the type of source make a difference? Anyway I digress. On to the DVD full of music!

Celebrating the birthday of a musical genius – SD Burman

Sachin Da was born in the family of the then Raja of Tripura, and after his BA did extensive training in music.  Here is what Wikipedia has to say about his training:

He started his formal music education by training under the famous musician K. C. Dey from 1925 to 1930; thereafter in 1932 he came under the tutelage of Bhismadev Chattopadhaya, who was only three years his senior. This was followed by training from Kahifa Badal Khan, Sarangi player, and Ustad Allauddin Khan [2]. Eventually he got K.C. Dey, Ustad Badal Khan and Allauddi Khan into Agartala, noted Bengal poet laureate, Kazi Nazrul Islam also spent time in their family home, Comilla House, in Agartala.

This makes his facility with composition no surprise, but what is astonishing is the amount of talent, the versatility and the fact that he fathered a son called Rahul Dev Burman!  Very rarely does one find a father son duo where you are hard-pressed to pick who was better.
Any attempt to pick the best of SD Burman would soon get bogged down in sheer length an the difficulty of having to make choices.  So I thought I would get started with the songs that Sachin Da sang – these were invariably uniquely poignant and soulful:

Rajesh Khanna – the end of a legend!

(Many thanks to Illusionist for bringing this documentary to my notice)
The man who mesmerized women of all ages for almost a decade, got letters from them written in their own blood, and caused mass hysteria wherever he went, Rajesh Khanna, is the subject of this documentary:

BBC reporter Jack Pizzey managed to get exceptional access to Rajesh Khanna and the result is this fascination documentary – Rajesh Khanna – Bombay Superstar.

Part 1:


Hrishikesh Mukherjee and his entire set are waiting for the superstar to arrive for the filming of Namak Haraam. When he does arrive a game of one-upmanship begins and it Rajesh who blinks first.

Part 2:


After making the filming crew wait for five days with appointments he does not keep, he finally meets up with them for this documentary. When asked - How do you stay on top? His response is - You have to be cruel, I am impulsive, do things by intuition. His sudden decision to marry 15-16 year old Dimple, one film old, is described at length in this clip – is it true love or the result of a night with 14 drinks? Gossip columnist Devi (Devyani Chaubal) from Star and Style thinks it is the latter.

Part 3:


Next the film-makers talk to J Om Prakash and a new film he is about to make with Rajesh. On location in Kashmir, Rajesh talks about that “expression” in his eyes, that smile, that acts as a lure for women!

Part 4:


The leading lady is Mumtaz! The crowds on location jostle to see what is going on. Rajesh says he loves the attention. Mumtaz simply shrugs and pouts. Lata sings the song that is to be filmed, before that the microphone is garlanded by Pancham. Mumtaz can turn the smile and pout on and off like a TAP! The bitchy gossip columnist, Devi (an outspoken lady) says Rajesh was better before but all superstars become a bore and they have nothing to offer to anyone. The narrator feels that picturizing a song is an impressively thorough and exhausting business.

Part 5:


We go through 20 takes on one step onto a rock in time to the music! Rajesh talks of how his voice is similar to Kishore Kumar’s and getting the movement perfectly matched to the beat is what gets “seeti” moments in the theater. Then we see poison pen Devi talk about Mumtaz, and how we only know of Naz, her mother, but nothing about her father. Mumtaz decides to take her to court, and says the classic line (the resonates even today in film journalism) “All they want to do is sell magazines!!!” She is also extremely grounded and talks of how one day she may wake and after 5 years at the top it is suddenly ALL OVER.

Part 6:


Things look on the downside for Rajesh as he is not awarded the Filmfare that year. Fans threaten to boycott buying FF and the star arranges a rival party on the awards night. Many show up at the party, even though news is doing the rounds that Rajesh is ill and may not show at either the awards or the party! He does arrive at the party with his young wife in tow. Amitabh is talking the best actor award while the party goes on at the other end of town, with Rakhi, Dilip Kumar and a small number of lesser stars. A king is being dethroned.

Part 7:


When asked what he felt as he attended a rival party while the Filmfares were being awarded, Rajesh replies – “It was a coincidence, it was not planned!!!” His latest film Daag is about to release after 5 flops in a row, and Rajesh is worried. He is looking at different roles, he is introspective about falling from grace. The Daag premiere night and Dimple is getting ready, gushing about loving premieres as her hair is put into an elaborate do. They arrive at the premiere.

Part 8:


More HERE

Rajesh Khanna – the end of a legend!

(Many thanks to Illusionist for bringing this documentary to my notice)
The man who mesmerized women of all ages for almost a decade, got letters from them written in their own blood, and caused mass hysteria wherever he went, Rajesh Khanna, is the subject of this documentary:

BBC reporter Jack Pizzey managed to get exceptional access to Rajesh Khanna and the result is this fascination documentary – Rajesh Khanna – Bombay Superstar.

Part 1:


Hrishikesh Mukherjee and his entire set are waiting for the superstar to arrive for the filming of Namak Haraam. When he does arrive a game of one-upmanship begins and it Rajesh who blinks first.

Part 2:


After making the filming crew wait for five days with appointments he does not keep, he finally meets up with them for this documentary. When asked - How do you stay on top? His response is - You have to be cruel, I am impulsive, do things by intuition. His sudden decision to marry 15-16 year old Dimple, one film old, is described at length in this clip – is it true love or the result of a night with 14 drinks? Gossip columnist Devi (Devyani Chaubal) from Star and Style thinks it is the latter.

Part 3:


Next the film-makers talk to J Om Prakash and a new film he is about to make with Rajesh. On location in Kashmir, Rajesh talks about that “expression” in his eyes, that smile, that acts as a lure for women!

Part 4:


The leading lady is Mumtaz! The crowds on location jostle to see what is going on. Rajesh says he loves the attention. Mumtaz simply shrugs and pouts. Lata sings the song that is to be filmed, before that the microphone is garlanded by Pancham. Mumtaz can turn the smile and pout on and off like a TAP! The bitchy gossip columnist, Devi (an outspoken lady) says Rajesh was better before but all superstars become a bore and they have nothing to offer to anyone. The narrator feels that picturizing a song is an impressively thorough and exhausting business.

Part 5:


We go through 20 takes on one step onto a rock in time to the music! Rajesh talks of how his voice is similar to Kishore Kumar’s and getting the movement perfectly matched to the beat is what gets “seeti” moments in the theater. Then we see poison pen Devi talk about Mumtaz, and how we only know of Naz, her mother, but nothing about her father. Mumtaz decides to take her to court, and says the classic line (the resonates even today in film journalism) “All they want to do is sell magazines!!!” She is also extremely grounded and talks of how one day she may wake and after 5 years at the top it is suddenly ALL OVER.

Part 6:


Things look on the downside for Rajesh as he is not awarded the Filmfare that year. Fans threaten to boycott buying FF and the star arranges a rival party on the awards night. Many show up at the party, even though news is doing the rounds that Rajesh is ill and may not show at either the awards or the party! He does arrive at the party with his young wife in tow. Amitabh is talking the best actor award while the party goes on at the other end of town, with Rakhi, Dilip Kumar and a small number of lesser stars. A king is being dethroned.

Part 7:


When asked what he felt as he attended a rival party while the Filmfares were being awarded, Rajesh replies – “It was a coincidence, it was not planned!!!” His latest film Daag is about to release after 5 flops in a row, and Rajesh is worried. He is looking at different roles, he is introspective about falling from grace. The Daag premiere night and Dimple is getting ready, gushing about loving premieres as her hair is put into an elaborate do. They arrive at the premiere.

Part 8:


More HERE

Pancham Magic – The great RD Blast

In the Pancham Unmixed DVD package is included a DVD of the songs of RD Burman - The Great RD Blast. These are original film videos of 30 of his best songs and the sound quality for the music is exceptional. I have often wondered why it is that CDs of old music have shrill and screechy sound, while the same songs heard in a film DVD, or even on Youtube, will often sound so much better. The old music is all in analog form up-converted to digital, so why does the type of source make a difference? Anyway I digress. On to the DVD full of music!


I have searched out the youtube videos for my favorites among these songs! ENJOY!





















More HERE

Pancham Magic – The great RD Blast

In the Pancham Unmixed DVD package is included a DVD of the songs of RD Burman - The Great RD Blast. These are original film videos of 30 of his best songs and the sound quality for the music is exceptional. I have often wondered why it is that CDs of old music have shrill and screechy sound, while the same songs heard in a film DVD, or even on Youtube, will often sound so much better. The old music is all in analog form up-converted to digital, so why does the type of source make a difference? Anyway I digress. On to the DVD full of music!


I have searched out the youtube videos for my favorites among these songs! ENJOY!





















More HERE

Melodies and memories

LINK

‘Pancham Unmixed’ is a moving tribute to the musical genius.

Singer Asha Bhonsle remembers, “He was fond of original sounds and experimentation.” Writer-director Gulzar says, “He was intense and passionate about Life.” Santoor wizard Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma recalls, “He liked throwing challenges at his musicians and then allowed them complete freedom!” Jazz pianist Louis Banks believes ‘his intuitive knowledge made him a genius.' “There was never a dull moment when he was around,” is singer Shailendra Singh's take.

The man in question is the composer par excellence… R. D. Burman.

What made RBD, better known as Pancham, the genius he was? How did he go about making music come alive? What was he like when he was not in his music mode? How much do we know about the man who was one of the pioneers of fusion in film music?

Filmmaker and self-confessed Pancham fan Brahmanand Singh set out on a music quest to try and unravel the psyche of the genius, and two years later, it resulted in ‘Pancham Unmixed,' a collector's edition comprising two DVDs and a book titled ‘Strings of Eternity'.

Using interviews and archival material, Singh brings alive once again for all Hindi music buffs R.D. Burman… the man, his music and his rather short life.

The first DVD aptly called ‘Mujhe Chalte Jaana Hai…' weaves memories with evergreen musical moments. It is nostalgia time for long-term associates who remember a man, often lonely despite being in a crowd but at his happiest whilst creating a melody. He loved to play pranks, and ensured recording sessions were happy occasions for everyone. He had the ability to put everyone at ease.

The second DVD, ‘The Great R.D. Blast,' is a collection of 30 gems from Pancham's oeuvre – ‘Dum Maro Dum', ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar', ‘Rimjhim Gire Saawan' and so on…

Recall mode

Gulzar, whose friendship with Pancham took roots when they were assistants to S.D. Burman and Bimal Roy respectively, recollects, “He would say, ‘You have to nourish a song, nurture it… you have to cook it! I think it is a big lesson for today's composers.”

Manohari Singh, who was with Pancham's orchestra from the beginning till ‘1947: A Love Story' has this to say about his dear friend: “He had a spontaneous and artistic bent of mind in everything… He loved to experiment… For example, he jokingly started playing with water in a bottle and then used the blowing sound in the song ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba' (Sholay). Similarly, he used cups and saucers to create that tinkling effect in ‘Churaliya Hai.' He was a great buddy…”

The thoughts and memories of 40 such personalities make it to the coffee table tome, ‘Strings of Eternity.' Peppered with rare black and white photographs, including one of Burman Sr. holding Baby Rahul and the two working together, the book is a delightful read. Priced at Rs. 999, the pack is marketed by Shemaroo.

Raag or riff, Pancham composed effortlessly. The fact that his songs have stood the test of time and are still popular with the iPod Gen is proof of his genius. Truly, Pancham lives on…

Melodies and memories

LINK

‘Pancham Unmixed’ is a moving tribute to the musical genius.

Singer Asha Bhonsle remembers, “He was fond of original sounds and experimentation.” Writer-director Gulzar says, “He was intense and passionate about Life.” Santoor wizard Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma recalls, “He liked throwing challenges at his musicians and then allowed them complete freedom!” Jazz pianist Louis Banks believes ‘his intuitive knowledge made him a genius.' “There was never a dull moment when he was around,” is singer Shailendra Singh's take.

The man in question is the composer par excellence… R. D. Burman.

What made RBD, better known as Pancham, the genius he was? How did he go about making music come alive? What was he like when he was not in his music mode? How much do we know about the man who was one of the pioneers of fusion in film music?

Filmmaker and self-confessed Pancham fan Brahmanand Singh set out on a music quest to try and unravel the psyche of the genius, and two years later, it resulted in ‘Pancham Unmixed,' a collector's edition comprising two DVDs and a book titled ‘Strings of Eternity'.

Using interviews and archival material, Singh brings alive once again for all Hindi music buffs R.D. Burman… the man, his music and his rather short life.

The first DVD aptly called ‘Mujhe Chalte Jaana Hai…' weaves memories with evergreen musical moments. It is nostalgia time for long-term associates who remember a man, often lonely despite being in a crowd but at his happiest whilst creating a melody. He loved to play pranks, and ensured recording sessions were happy occasions for everyone. He had the ability to put everyone at ease.

The second DVD, ‘The Great R.D. Blast,' is a collection of 30 gems from Pancham's oeuvre – ‘Dum Maro Dum', ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar', ‘Rimjhim Gire Saawan' and so on…

Recall mode

Gulzar, whose friendship with Pancham took roots when they were assistants to S.D. Burman and Bimal Roy respectively, recollects, “He would say, ‘You have to nourish a song, nurture it… you have to cook it! I think it is a big lesson for today's composers.”

Manohari Singh, who was with Pancham's orchestra from the beginning till ‘1947: A Love Story' has this to say about his dear friend: “He had a spontaneous and artistic bent of mind in everything… He loved to experiment… For example, he jokingly started playing with water in a bottle and then used the blowing sound in the song ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba' (Sholay). Similarly, he used cups and saucers to create that tinkling effect in ‘Churaliya Hai.' He was a great buddy…”

The thoughts and memories of 40 such personalities make it to the coffee table tome, ‘Strings of Eternity.' Peppered with rare black and white photographs, including one of Burman Sr. holding Baby Rahul and the two working together, the book is a delightful read. Priced at Rs. 999, the pack is marketed by Shemaroo.

Raag or riff, Pancham composed effortlessly. The fact that his songs have stood the test of time and are still popular with the iPod Gen is proof of his genius. Truly, Pancham lives on…