been together forever.
Of late his career had reached a stalemate. Did his health slow him down?
Not to the extent of affecting his career. But the industry is a harsh place, if
a couple of your films do well, you are put on a pedestal. One flop and you're
pulled down into the gutter.
How did he react when other music directors copied him and raced ahead?
He would get angry about this but wouldn't say anything. He knew some people
were imitating his style of music and getting away with it. At times when I came
home after a recording, he'd smile, "Aaj tumne mere style mein gaana gaaya kya?"
Couldn't you have refused to do such songs?
I was helpless. I had to do what the music directors told me.
Wasn't he upset when his regulars like Shakti Samanta and Dev Anand switched
to other music directors?
He couldn't possibly have gone out and begged for work. Pancham was a very
self-respecting man. He didn't like what was happening, but he was also very
conscious about maintaining his dignity. After all, he was a raja's son.
Which are your favourite R.D.Burman's compositions?
It is impossible for me to single out four or five songs. I used to love his
jazz music. It's easier for me to remember the music of his films which kept me
enthralled - Mere Jeevan Saathi, Teesri Manzil, Ghar and Kati Patang. And now
there's 1942 - A Love Story.
Do you think enough is being done to keep R.D.Burman's memory alive? What
would you like the music companies to do?
Music companies are taking an interest... but what more will they do than bring
out one cassette after another? It's sad, when a ..... |
