S.D. Burman

S.D. Burman Biography

S.D.Burman – one among the most heard names of 50’s and 60’s who ha sgiven significant contribution to Indian cinema through amazing compositions. Born as a Bengali, he has contributed a lot to Bollywood as well as Bengali music. His son R.D.Burman is also a famous composer of 70’s and 80’s and Asha Bhosle, famous playback singer is his daughter-in-law. If you are asked to name the three most talented music directors of Bollywood all time, no doubt, S.D.Burman’s name will be taken. His most famous works of Bollywood include trendsetter Aradhana, Guide, Abhimaan, Chupke chupke, Bandhini, Sharmilee, Pyaasa, Kaagal ka phool, Devdas, Baazi, Chalthi ka naam gaadi, Kaala pani, Jewel thief, Tere ghar ke samne, Prem pujari, Taxi driver and Sujatha. He was a genius in Indian classical music and took enough care of melodies, whenever he has composed songs.

He has been the favourite music composer of Dev Anand with whom he has made wonderful songs of Guide, Jewel thief, Prem Pujari, Gambler, Bambai ki babu, Tere ghar ke samne, Kaala pani, Taxi driver and Teen deviyan. Among all singers, Lata Mangeshkar and Mohd.Rafi were his favourites. Yet during the later phase of his life, he has given opportunity to Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle also. As a singer also, he has proved his talent through songs like ‘Suno mere bandoo re’ of Bandini, ‘Wahan kaun hai tera’ of Guide and ‘Safal hogi teri aradhana’ of Aradhana. Though Aradhana was the biggest blockbuster of the year, giving two superstars to Bollywood – Kishore Kumar and Rajesh Khanna, it failed to achieve Filmfare awards. But S.D.Burman won National Awards for singing category for the song, ‘Safal hogi teri aradhana’ thus proving himself to be a finest playback singer too.        

His debut to music composition was through Suderer Priye of 1935 and his last works include Prem nagar, Chupke Chupke, Aradhana (Bengali), Mili, Tyaag, Deewangee, Sagina and Arjun Pandit. He went ill during late 60’s and most of his works including Aradhana were completed by his son R.D.Burman, who stepped into his father’s shoes later. Among his works, still hot debates go on why his notable works – Guide and Aradhana couldn’t win Filmfare awards. He has won it twice for Abhimaan and Taxi driver. He left this world on October 31, 1975.

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Updated: January 06, 2014