When Rajesh Khanna defended RD Burman’s legacy: ‘Pancham ke geeton ko kharab mat karo’

Veteran playback singer Sudesh Bhosale recently opened up about an incident that revealed late superstar Rajesh Khanna’s unwavering respect for legendary composer R.D. Burman.

"It was a beautiful evening. Balu ji had organised it"

Speaking on Radio Nasha, singer Sudesh Bhosale remembered an event in Hyderabad called Ye Shaam Mastani, where he had been invited to perform Kishore Kumar's songs. “It was a beautiful evening. Balu ji had organised it, and I was the only singer from Mumbai. The rest of the artists were from the South,” he recalled.

Among the chief guests that night were lyricist Gulzar and Rajesh Khanna himself. “When Kaka (Rajesh Khanna) came on stage to be felicitated, I remember clearly what he said,” Sudesh shared. “He looked at the audience and said, ‘Pancham ke geeton ko badlo mat… unhein kharab mat karo’.”

Remix Culture Lacks Respect, Says Sudesh

Sudesh Bhosale didn’t stop there. He used the moment to highlight how Bollywood’s current remix trend often erases the legacy of original composers. He pointed out how many modern producers purchase rights but fail to give credit.
Referring to the hit remix Aankh Marey, Bhosale said, “They called Viju Shah and told him we’re using your father’s song. He simply asked for credit. But they replied, ‘We’ve bought the rights—we don’t owe credit.’ That’s the problem.”

‘Original Creators Deserve Recognition’

Bhosale also recounted a disturbing moment from an awards function. “I was sitting next to Anandji and his wife. On stage, a new-age music director was receiving an award for Apni Toh Jaise Taise—a song Anandji had composed. No mention of the original creators. It hurt.”


He ended with a reminder: “It’s okay to be inspired. But never forget who created the music in the first place. They deserve that respect.”