05 January,2009 09:54 AM IST | | Vivek Sabnis
Langarkande and Shinde recently went to Mumbai to name a square after the music maestro
SANJEEV Langarkande, an IT professional with Gemini Software, and his friend Mahesh Shinde, employed with Sunrise Crafts, are not the only fans of legendary music director late R D Burman. The two, however, recently took the initiative in naming a square in Mumbai after this great composer. They are also planning a grand musical show Forever Pancham in Pune as a tribute to the maestro.
On the occasion of Panchamda's 15th death anniversary, the two named a square after him. Asha Bhosale unveiled the nameplate. The function was also attended by noted poet Gulzar, acclaimed compere Harish Bhimani and noted saxophone player Manohari Singh.
According to Langarkande, many IT professionals in Pune love Panchamda's music. "He was a true boss and the best in Bollywood," Langarkahde said. "He was always ahead ofu00a0 his time and the best part is that his music was just as Indian as it was western," Shinde chipped in.
RD had a close association with Pune. He used to visit the historic Film and Television Institute of Indian (FTII) and National Film Archieves of India (NFAI). Like Raj Kapoor and Mohammad Rafi, the Pune music lovers also wish to have a unique memorial in his name in the city.
To begin with, a unique musical show of 60-piece instrumental artists including 24 violinists has been planned. "During the show RD's best songs will be played on instruments only. This has already been proved to be successful in Singapore in August 2008," said Langarkande.
Now, this will be possible in Pune on the ILS Law College ground in the presence of over 15,000 music lovers. "We plan to use artists who had accompanied Panchamda for his recording in the 60s and 70s popular films," Langarkande said.
