R D Burman, Thanks For the Music, Says Google Doodle

New Delhi: Google paid tribute to legendary Bollywood composer R D Burman on his 77th birth anniversary on Monday with a Doodle.

R D Burman, lovingly called Pancham Da, was born on June 27, 1939 in Kolkata to music composer S D Burman and wife Meera.

Pancham Da, an innovator, is celebrated for infusing Bollywood's soundtracks with disco beats and jazz, introducing a new sound to a genre of music that had till then drawn inspiration from classical and folk music.

After assisting his father on films like Guide, R D Burman struck out on his own with 1961's Chhote Nawab. His first hit is said to be 1966's Teesri Manzil, starring Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh. Pancham Da's tunes were also a major catalyst for the rising fame of superstar Rajesh Khanna.

Several of R D Burman's greatest hits were sung by his wife Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar. Beloved tracks include Yeh Shaam Mastani, Yeh Jo Mohabbat Ha , Chura Liya Hai Tumne, Dilbar Mere Kab Tak Mujhe, Mere Samne Wali Khidki Mein, Musafir Hoon Yaron and Dum Maro Dum.

R D Burman died at the young age of 54 on January 4, 1994. His last soundtrack was for Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 1942: A Love Story, for which he won a posthumous Filmfare Award.