Big B, Lata Mangeshkar share memories of Pancham

New Delhi, On the 72nd birth anniversary of composer Rahul Dev Burman, megastar Amitabh Bachchan and Lata Mageshkar remembers him fondly.

The 68-year-old star who has worked with the music maestro in films like 'Satte pe Satta', 'Kaalia', Sholay', 'Shaan' to name a few, feels nostalgic of their time together.

"We used to sit together. He was too good. He used to come up with tunes so quickly. With him around we never felt like we were working. It was so much fun.

"He had this amazing quality of mixing classical, folk and modern music at will. Today his music lives on with and is appreciated even more," he said.

Burman died on January 4, 1994 at the age of 54. Son of the legendary music director Sachin Dev Burman, Rahul was fondly referred to as 'Pancham' and started his journey with 'Chhote Nawab' (1961). He also married singer Asha Bhosle in 1980. Together, they recorded many memorable tunes and staged many live performances.

Even after his death, the remix versions of his hits continue to rule Indian music scene.

Veteran playback singer Lata Mangeshkar today shared her fond memories with the late music director.

"Today, I remember, a 13-14 year old boy, wearing khaki shorts and a white shirt had come to take my autograph. I remember, I was recording a song with SD Burman sahab when the small boy came and Burman dada told me he was his son - Pancham...and that he is learning to play sarod. This was the first time I had met Pancham," Lata said on micro-blogging site Twitter.

He brought a refreshing change with his extraordinary compositions like 'Raat Kali', the sensual song 'Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja', the ultimate hippie anthem 'Dum Maro Dum' and the classical 'Raina Beeti Jaaye' among others.

"I was surprised when Mehmood (comedian-filmmaker) Sahab told me that Pancham is giving the music for the film 'Chhote Nawab' and my song was 'Ghar Aaja Ghir Aayi'. I felt good after listening to the song and I was thinking how this small boy has given such a good music. Since then we worked together several times," the melody queen said.