No family has impacted Indian film music quite like the Burmans. Between the father and son, SD Burman and RD Burman gave Bollywood its most iconic numbers for almost 50 years. Centrestage paid the maestros a grand tribute with Burmania at Science City Auditorium on June 10
All photos by Amit Datta
The evening was a reflection of its inspirations, it began with 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' Season 1 winner, Sanjeevani Bhelande’s melodious voice. “I’m very grateful to have received the chance to sing these songs in Bengal, where its legendary composers hail from,” she smiled, singing the opening notes of 'Rangeela Re'. Current 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' winner Ashmita Kar took over the reins from her, crooning the lyrics of 'Phoolon Ke Rang Se'. “The beauty of Kolkata’s audience is that it is very knowledgeable about music. They hummed with me throughout making the concert a grand one”
K for Kishore winner Arnab Chakraborty enthralled audiences with his rendition of Kishore Kumar’s classic, 'Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara'. “The Burmans were not only a powerhouse of talent, but also musical knowledge. Their songs have an amazing blend of melody and rhythm, and they truly understood the value of good lyrics. It is an honour to sing their music”
Sayantan Adhikary, another alumnus from 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' took the tempo up a notch by belting out some peppy beats. “This night is extra special because it is my first performance at the Science City Auditorium. It’s impossible to pick a favourite when it comes to Pancham da’s music, but I’m glad to have sung 'Sach Mere Yaar Hai' and 'Khoya Khoya Chand', 'Khula Aasman', both of which particularly move me,” he smiled
Upcoming Kolkata talents Dipaayan Banerjee and Anushka Patra paid homage to the evergreen duo of Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle with 'Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka'. “This is the first time I'm doing a special theme-based show. The fact that we are getting to sing with the Burmans’ Mumbai-based band elevates the sound into a symphony,” said Dipaayan. “Performing with our seniors today feels very special, and these songs are the ones we have grown up singing. RD and SD Burman are like our Gods,” Anushka added.
The evening ended with eminent Kolkata singers Sispiya Banerjee and Imran Akhtar singing some Rajesh Khanna classics. While the former won hearts with her sombre rendition of 'Na Koi Umang Hai', the latter brought a playful melancholy to 'Gun Guna Rahe Hai Bhanvare'. “The Burmans composed music unlike anyone else, and every song brought something new. You can see their talent in how their tunes remain very contemporary for the new generation, even after decades of their release,” Sispiya signed off
