Born in 1906 in Comilla, British India (in present-day Bangladesh), Sachin Dev Burman was a legendary Indian music composer and singer whose magical melodies left a lasting impression on Bengali and Hindi cinema.
By birth, he was a member of the Tripura Royal family — the son of Nabadwipchandra Dev Burman, who was the 2nd son of Ishan Chandra Manikya — the Raja of Tripura.
His mother, Rajkumari Nirmala Devi, hailed from the royal family of Manipur. Despite his aristocratic lineage, S.D. Burman chose a life of music over luxury.
Musical Training and Influences
Burman learnt classical music under the tutelage of maestros such as Krishna Chandra Dey, Bhishmadev Chattopadhyay, Ustad Badal Khan and Allauddin Khan. He developed a distinct style that blended the charm of folk music with the depth of classical music.
His compositions were deeply rooted in the musical traditions of Bengal, yet unorthodox.
Beginnings in Calcutta
Burman began his career as a singer at the Calcutta Radio Station. His first record, a 78-rpm shellac disc, was released by Hindusthan Record.
From 1937 to 1944, S.D. Burman worked as a music director in Calcutta. Thereafter, he moved to Bombay, where he went on to become an imaginative film composer— exceptionally original and responsive to the industry.
Rise in Bombay’s Film Industry
His genius unfolded in films such as Do Bhai (1947), Devdas (1955), Pyaasa (1957), Kaagaz ke Phool (1959), Guide (1965), Aradhana (1969), Prem Pujari (1970), and Abhimaan (1973) — to name a few.
Burman’s collaborations with singers like Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, and Mohammed Rafi produced timeless musical hits.
Timeless Collaborations
S.D. Burman’s legacy was carried forward by his son, Rahul Dev Burman, one of the greatest directors of the Hindi film music industry.
Sachin Dev Burman, a royal by lineage, was the Prince of music in his own right, carrying the true royalty of melody.
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