Mumbai, June 25 : R.D. Burman was a musical
genius whose experiments and innovativeness made him one of the most
beloved musicians of his time. Remembering him on his 72nd birth
anniversary on June 27, the likes of Hema Malini and Aamir Khan feel
that he gave the Hindi film industry an imperishable treasure trove.

Son
of Sachin Dev Burman, Rahul was fondly referred to as Pancham and
started his journey with "Chhote Nawab" (1961). After that, he worked
continuously for 33 years and brought a refreshing change with his
extraordinary musical work like "Raat kali" ("Buddha Mil Gaya"), the
sensual cabaret number "Piya tu ab toh aaja" ("Caravan"), the ultimate
hippie anthem "Dum maro dum" ("Hare Rama Hare Krishna") and the
classical "Raina beeti jaaye" ("Amar Prem").

Bollywood remembers the legend, who died Jan 4, 1994:

Hema
Malini: I used to be very busy during the times Burmanji was very
active. I never had a chance to sit and talk to him at length. At
parties, we would meet briefly, but I never really chatted with him. But
I still remember the melodies and the great songs he created that are
still so fresh. "Mehbooba" in "Sholay" was one of the best songs he
composed. Songs for "Khushboo" and "Kudrat" were also great. We don't
get to hear that kind of music any more.

Aamir Khan: From a very
young age I had seen him (R.D. Burman) working with my father (late
filmmaker Tahir Hussain) . When I worked as an assistant director with
my father, I got a chance to work with him as well. I'm so glad I got
that opportunity. Most of the songs that he composed became hits. He was
a great composer.

Pritam Chakraborty: Panchamda has been the
main inspiration for me...I also had an R.D. Burman fan club in Kolkata.
He has brought a revolution in the music industry. His music will
always have an impact on Bollywood.

Minissha Lamba: I am a huge
fan of Panchamda. His music has been a milestone in the Indian music
industry. One of my all-time favourite songs by him is "Tere bina
zindagi se koi shikva". The song is absolutely beautiful, romantic and
melodious.

Kailash Kher: R.D. Burman is the man behind the
international sound in Indian films and he is the one who explored all
genres by experimenting. He and his music were always ahead of its time.
He is immortal and lives with us through his music even today.

Abhijeet
Bhattacharya: Oscars or Grammys can't be the highest awarding bodies of
music because they failed to discover R.D. Burman's music. It's very
unfortunate. He would remain a competitor for the present and the future
composers for another 300 years. R.D. Burman is still alive...Everybody
in some way or the other copies R.D Burman. R.D Burman will be there
for ever.

Shamir Tandon: His music has a huge influence on
today's music industry. Songs which were composed decades ago still
manage to connect with today's youth. Music composed today can't be
absolutely independent of R.D. Burman. His music is so versatile that
every music created after him and in future would carry some of his
ingredients.

Kainaz Motivala: I remember R.D. Burman as a
legendary composer who gave our industry some of the most melodious
songs that are remembered even today. After so many decades, "Chura liya
hai tumne jo dil ko" has to be one of my all time favourite songs even
today.(IANS)