‘Knowing Pancham & Pancham Unmixed’ is a new collection by director Brahmanand Singh, who also produced the well documented ‘Pancham Unmixed’ – Mujhe Chalte Jaana Hai….. (an unending journey……) - a Two Disc collection and Coffee Table book (Strings of Eternity) in 2009 which was released by Shemaroo Entertainment.

The latest collection brought out exclusively by his company Mobius Film is ‘Knowing Pancham & Pancham Unmixed’ which covers five hours of mesmerizing conversations on RD Burman from the archives of ‘Pancham Unmixed’. The pack also includes an all new Coffee table book titled ‘Diamonds & Rust’ full of interesting anecdotes, diary jottings and rare pictures of RD Burman.

Well what can we say about the documentary, but tell you that its a must watch and nostalgic trip down memory lane for all of RD Burman’s fans who have loved his music.

Celebrating the legendary composer’s 80th birth anniversary (June 27th), ‘Knowing Pancham & Pancham Unmixed’ promises to be a treat for his fans around the globe.

The first disc is ‘Pancham Unmixed’ the National Award winning film that explores through a gripping narrative, how RD captured the musical imagination of an entire subcontinent like none before. It shows that almost two decades after his demise, his work is remixed and imitated endlessly till date making him the most 're-mixed man' of the Indian music industry. He is one of the only composers who is still idolized endlessly even today. In the film we see for ourselves why RD was such a successful composer. Known for his exemplary contribution in the field of music from the 60’s to the 90's. His ability to capture the attention of audience by reviving jazz, opera and western music in the entire subcontinent is phenomenal.

Disc Two and Three delves into a collection of insights, observations and anecdotes from renowned artists like Asha Bhosle, Gulzar, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Bhupinder Singh, Ismail Darbar, Kersi Lord, Leslie Lewis, Louis Banks, Manna Dey, Usha Uthup, Javed Akhtar, Shammi Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Vishal Bharadwaj and many more.

Born in Calcutta on 27th June, 1939, in the then Calcutta, Pancham da’s father was the legendary music director S D Burman. And in a rarity, he carried on the musical legacy, though some would deny, a tad better than his father. In a nation besotted with dance numbers and peppy tracks, his music came with a harmony; uniqueness and an intrigue that made everybody sit and notice. Be it the classic Iss Mod Se Jaatey Hain or Oh Haseena Zulfon Waali, R D Burman’s musical revelry, just like him, had many facets; each in complete contrast with each other.

A trendsetter by all means, R D Burman was a magician with musical notes. He changed the sound of music by bringing in Latin sounds, cabaret, psychedelic vibes, retro disco and funk sounds, though copying a lot from western music songs. His music was often referred to as “ahead of its times”, and true to the epithet, his songs are still remembered and sung by the youth; musicians take to remake and remix.

He gave legendary singers Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar some of the best tunes to lend their voices to.

This collection brings back fantastic memories of a golden era in Bollywood. Awesome R D Burman and his inimitable style. You will get to know so much about this Genius called R.D.Burman that you would never ever know if you read anywhere. Absolutely must watch. It’s a must see if you love old Hindi songs.

A great Tribute to India's legendary composer. RD Burman died at the age of 54 on 4th January, 1994.

Rating: *****

Format: NTSC - All regions; aspect ratio 16:9. Hindi: [Special edition gift pack)

Duration: 3 discs (approximately 463 min.)

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira