Sachin Dev Burman - The Monk and His Music

RD Burman on his late father:

Baba, my father, is gone. All that remains now are his songs and the memories. The memories keep coming back, and it’s those memories that I want to share with all of you.

His love for me was absolute and unconditional, so much so that he couldn’t bear the sight of me being even slightly upset or hurt, ever. There were numerous occasions growing up when I would do something wrong or reckless, or would simply disobey him-never once did he lift a finger or get angry with me.

After I grew up, I came to Bombay (Mumbai) hoping to become his assistant. I loved fast cars and would zoom around town in them whenever I had a chance to. Baba would often have to listen to a litany of complaints from people who were disapproving of my gallivanting ways-＂Burman sahab, he is a spoilt child!＂ they’d say.

Baba would say, ＂Yes, I know-but who isn’t at that age? Let him fool around as much as he wants to now. When he is older, he will surely learn to handle all the curveballs that life throws at him.＂

Once, he was traveling out of Mumbai. I remember he had told me, ＂Pancham, I keep hearing a lot of things about you from people. I don’t believe a word of what they say. But I do want you to realize that I am not going to be around forever. And remember-when I’m gone, it will be up to you to preserve my honor. Please do not ever do anything that would hurt my soul, my name.＂

Gradually, I understood the full import of his words. I should always strive to live up to his expectations of me and never indulge in anything that could cause him heartburn or disappointment.

And now he is indeed gone forever, bequeathing his exalted legacy to me-a monumental responsibility that I shall try my best to fulfil.

Courtesy: Ameen Sayani

[Transliterated from Hindi by Anindya Roychowdhury]