S.D. Burman: The Prince Musician

• Author Name:

  Balaji Vittal +1

• Book Type:
  
• Description: SD, or Sachin Dev Burman, is arguably the most mysterious figure in Indian film history, credited with shaping the grammar of Hindi film music. As a young heir of the Tripura royal family, he ventured into cinema and popular music amidst challenging times. His unconventional career choices and marriage to a 'commoner' led to family ostracism, and despite formal training, he faced rejection. This detailed biography honors his artistry and investigates what made his music exceptional. It goes beyond listing hits, revealing little-known stories behind classics like 'Mera sundar sapna beet gaya' (Do Bhai, 1948), 'Thandi hawaein' (Naujawan, 1951), and others. The book offers insights into SD's life, work, and understanding of Hindi cinema. Though he was an outsider with limited Hindi and Urdu, he introduced Sahir Ludhianvi to the world and recognized Kishore Kumar's talent. His adaptability to modern sounds, belief in Lata Mangeshkar's virtuosity, close ties with Dev Anand, and controversies over nepotism and plagiarism highlight his complex persona. S.D. Burman: The Prince-Musician provides unique insights into one of India's greatest composers and a vital chapter in cinematic history, making it essential for every film music enthusiast.
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