Gowariker unveils collection of R.D. Burman's interviews

Ahead of legendary music director R.D. Burman's 76th birth anniversary on June 27, director Ashutosh Gowariker unveiled at an event here a collection of interviews titled "Knowing Pancham".

A coffee table book - Diamonds and Rust - was also launched at Blue Frog (Lower Parel, Mumbai) on Tuesday night. Ashutosh Gowariker was the chief guest and unveiled the book as well as DVD of the collection of remarkable video interviews along with director Brahmanand S. Siingh.

Some of the guests who appeared for this event included Ketan Mehta with wife Deepa Mehta, Romu Mazumdar, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Sumeet Raghavan, Roop Durgapal, Sandeep Anand, Joy Sen Gupta, Manoj Bajpai, Arfi Lamba, singer Purnima and Dolly Thakore.

Directed by Brahmanand S. Siingh, the video consists of five hours of priceless anecdotes, insights and observations about the powerhouse musician.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee while interacting with media said: "I think it's about time we stopped ignoring talent based on box-office and start appreciating them while they are alive. This documentary teaches us to appreciate talent, to respect talent. It also teaches us that when Pancham-da, a legend in true sense, was with us we did not respect him, and now that he is not around, we miss him."

Sachin Pilgaonkar and Sumeet Raghavan sang R.D. Burman's songs and left audiences spellbound.

Often considered one of the finest music directors in the history of Indian cinema, R.D. Burman enthralled listeners with his soulful and melodious compositions over almost four decades from the '60s to the '90s.

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

He died at the age of 54 on January 4, 1994.