Rahul Devbarman's influence on Indian music is immeasurable
Sankha Subhra Devbarman
January 18, 2025
The legacy of Rahul Dev Burman, affectionately known as Panchamda, is undeniable. His innovative approach to music direction has left an indelible mark on the industry. One of his most distinctive contributions was the incorporation of unconventional sounds and instruments into his compositions. For instance, he famously used the sound of cups and plates in some of his most popular songs. Moreover, he experimented with the sounds of human breathing, laughter, and even gasping. The result was a unique and captivating sound that continues to enthrall audiences to this day. Rahul Devbarman's music is characterized by its intensity, interest, and effectiveness. Despite realizing early in his career that his voice was not suited for Hindi film songs, he continued to use his voice in innovative ways. He modulated his voice to create a distinctive, aggressive-crackling tone that became a hallmark of his style. Examples of this can be heard in songs such as Mehbooba from Sholay and ‘Tum Kya Jano’ from Hum Kisise Kam Nahin. Burman's use of simple, yet effective language in his songs is also noteworthy. The song ‘Mehbooba’, for instance, features a simple yet captivating melody that has become iconic in Indian popular culture. To create the song's distinctive rhythm, Rahul Devbarman blew into a beer bottle. Similarly, in the song Chura Liya from Yaadon Ki Baaraat, he used the tingling sound of a cup-plate to create a memorable melody.Rahul Devbarman’s innovative approach to music direction was not limited to his use of unconventional sounds and instruments. He also experimented with new rhythms and melodies, often incorporating elements of Western music into his compositions. For example, he used the sound of a comb rubbing against a surface to create a distinctive melody in the song ‘Mere Samnewali Khidki Mein’ from Padosan. Rahul Devbarman's collaborations with other musicians were also noteworthy. He worked closely with singers such as Asha Bhosle, who sung many of his compositions. In fact, Rahul Devbarman even used Bhosle's laughter in one of his songs. The song ‘Ye Naina Yaad Hai ‘ from the film Manjil Manjil, released in 1984, features Bhosle's laughter as a musical element.
Rahul Devbarman's influence on Indian music is immeasurable. He is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential music directors in Indian cinema. His music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
It is to be mentioned that beside music, Rahul Devbarman was good in acting too. Rahul Devbarman's multifaceted talent is an inspiration to us all. Not only is he renowned for his incredible music, but he also showcased his acting prowess in two Hindi movies. His journey in acting began with the 1965 horror-comedy film Bhoot Bangla, where he played the role of Stocky, a Youth Club member. He also made a notable appearance in the film's song, Main Bhookha, beside composing the music for film. Rahul Devbarman's second film as an actor featured the iconic song ‘Tum Bin Jaoon Kahaan’, which was recorded by legendary singers Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar. His uncredited appearance as a comic sidekick in this film is a testament to his versatility. What's remarkable is that RD Burman was also offered the lead role of Bhola in Mehmood's 1968 film Padosan, but he chose to focus on his music career instead.
In the eighties, R.D. Burman faced a pivotal moment in his career. Despite the challenges posed by new composers willing to work at lower rates, he remained resilient. However, it was during this time that he began to struggle with depression and health issues. Fortunately, Vidhu Vinod Chopra recognized R.D.'s immense talent and offered him the opportunity to score the music for "1942-A Love Story". This proved to be a turning point for R.D., who seized the chance to rediscover his creative spark and produce music that would be remembered for years to come. Rahul Devbarman died on 4 January 1994, before the movie released on 15 July. But the tunes he created for this movie remain favourites to this day.
Rahul Devbarman's music embodied innovation and creativity, breaking conventions by masterfully blending Indian melodies with Western influences. A true pioneer, he fearlessly experimented with diverse styles, drawing inspiration from jazz, rock, disco, and Latin music, and infusing them with traditional Indian sounds. His music brought an electrifying energy to Bollywood, crafting a unique sound that was both vibrant and emotionally resonant. With an extraordinary ability to transcend generations, Rahul Devbarman's music inspired a sense of timelessness. . Rahul Devbarman was not merely a musician, but a visionary who dared to dream big. While his father Sachin Devbarman’s music touched the soul, Rahul Devbarman's music accelerated heartbeats. Nevertheless, their styles complemented each other seamlessly. Rahul Devbarman thus remains one of the rare talents who successfully emerged from his father's shadow and shone with comparable, if not greater, brilliance.
As a tribute to his birth anniversary, it is worth remembering the immense contribution he made to Indian music. Born on June 27, 1939, Rahul Devbarman n passed away in 1994, but his music remains timeless and continues to enthrall audiences to this day. Despite the passage of time, Rahul Devbarman's music remains equally relevant, a testament to his innovative spirit and creative genius.
(Tripurainfo)