Fondly called Panchamda, Rahul Dev Burman (R.D. Burman) remains an iconic figure in the annals of Indian music history. His compositions have not only stood the test of time but have also continued to enchant and inspire new generations of music lovers. Known for his innovative use of instruments and his ability to blend Indian and Western musical traditions, Burman’s work is a testament to his prodigious talent and creative genius. However, like many great artists, Burman’s career is not without its controversies, particularly regarding the originality of some of his most famous compositions.

The Genius of R.D. Burman

R.D. Burman was born into a musical family, being the son of the legendary music director S.D. Burman. His entry into the world of music seemed almost preordained, and he quickly carved out a niche for himself with his distinctive style. Burman’s ability to fuse rock, disco, jazz, and classical music with traditional Indian sounds was revolutionary. His work in movies like “Sholay,” “Amar Prem,” and “Yaadon Ki Baaraat” showcased his versatility and his knack for creating timeless melodies.

His innovative approach to music can be seen in songs like “Dum Maro Dum,” which incorporated psychedelic rock influences, and “Mehbooba Mehbooba,” with its Middle Eastern undertones. Burman’s music was not just about entertainment; it often pushed the boundaries of what was expected in Bollywood at the time, bringing a fresh perspective to film scores and soundtracks.

The Shadow of Plagiarism

Despite his towering achievements, R.D. Burman has often been accused of drawing heavily from Western music, leading to allegations of plagiarism. This aspect of his career, while controversial, highlights a broader trend within Bollywood, where the lines between inspiration and imitation often blur.

1. “Mehbooba Mehbooba” and Demis Roussos’s “Say You Love Me”: The iconic song from “Sholay” (1975) bears a striking resemblance to Demis Roussos’s “Say You Love Me” (1974). The melody and structure are notably similar, showcasing Burman’s knack for adapting and Indianizing Western tunes.
2. “Tumse Milke” and Leo Sayer’s “When I Need You”: The romantic ballad from “Parinda” (1989) mirrors the melody of Leo Sayer’s 1976 hit.
3. “Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko” and Bojoura’s “If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium”: This beloved song from “Yaadon Ki Baaraat” (1973) closely follows the tune of Bojoura’s 1969 track.
4. “Mil Gaya Humko Saathi” and ABBA’s “Mamma Mia”: The 1977 song “Mil Gaya Humko Saathi” draws from ABBA’s famous 1975 hit.
5. “Jeevan Ke Din” and Francis Lai’s “Love Story Theme”: The theme from “Love Story” (1970) can be heard in “Jeevan Ke Din” from “Bade Dilwala” (1983), again reflecting Burman’s eclectic influences.
6. “Aao Twist Karein” and Chubby Checker’s “Let’s Twist Again”: The 1965 song from “Bhoot Bungla” is a clear adaptation of Chubby Checker’s 1961 hit, highlighting Burman’s ability to infuse Western rock and roll into Bollywood music.
7. “Tera Mujhse Hai” and Elvis Presley’s “The Yellow Rose of Texas”: The melody of this 1973 song from “Aa Gale Lag Jaa” is reminiscent of Elvis’s 1964 rendition.

Bollywood’s Culture of Borrowing

R.D. Burman was not alone in this practice; Bollywood has a long history of borrowing from Western music. This trend can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Western music often provided a rich repository of melodies and rhythms that were novel to Indian audiences. Secondly, the film industry’s fast-paced nature sometimes necessitated quick solutions, making adaptations a practical choice. Lastly, there was an inherent cultural exchange, with Bollywood constantly evolving through the integration of diverse musical influences.

While such practices raise ethical questions about originality and artistic integrity, they also underscore a broader phenomenon of cultural assimilation and transformation. The adaptations often resulted in a unique sound that, while rooted in Western traditions, bore the distinct imprint of Indian musical aesthetics.

Did you know, that Pritam has copied 45+ songs too? Click here to know more.

In a world where music transcends language and culture, Pranavi Madaan stands as a testament to the power of melody and lyrics. She’s not your typical artist; she’s a regular person navigating the complexities of life while using music as her guiding light. Pranavi’s journey into the world of music is a story of innate talent, family influence, and a passion that has been burning within her since childhood.

Growing up in a musical family, Pranavi was surrounded by the enchanting tunes of legends like Jagjit Singh, Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Rafi, Sonu Nigam, and more. Her parents were not just music enthusiasts; they were brilliant singers themselves. Evenings and car trips were a symphony of timeless melodies, laying the foundation for Pranavi’s deep connection to music. Her father’s familiarity with Western pop music introduced her to the likes of Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, and Backstreet Boys at a young age.

Pranavi’s musical journey began to take shape when she discovered her own talent for singing. From an early age, she could effortlessly recreate songs by ear on the keyboard and mesmerize audiences with her soulful voice. Her first taste of the stage came at the tender age of 5 or 6, when she began participating in school competitions, consistently winning several awards until she reached grade 12. Her teachers recognized her exceptional talent and encouraged her to pursue music professionally, but her parents insisted on her completing her education and securing a stable job.

As she grew older, her passion for music never left her. It was always there, quietly beckoning her to take the leap into the world of professional music. The dream of making music was a constant presence, a beacon that guided her path.

Pranavi’s creative process is deeply rooted in real-life experiences and emotions. Her songs often originate from personal feelings or scenarios she envisions. Her recent creation, “Mere Ware,” is a poignant reflection of the longing for closure after a separation. The lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever wondered if the person they once loved still thinks about them, even when it’s best for both parties to move on.

The phrase “Das ki haal hai tera, Mere Ware soch ke” (loosely translated to “tell me if it hurts when you think about me, too”) became the cornerstone of the song, and the melody flowed seamlessly from there. Pranavi’s ability to translate raw emotions into lyrics and music is what sets her apart as a truly gifted artist.

As for what’s next for Pranavi Madaan, she remains uncertain about the path ahead. However, one thing is clear: her dedication to making music that resonates deeply with listeners is unwavering. She aspires to carve out an alternate genre for her unique style of songs, especially in an industry where uniformity often prevails. Pranavi’s goal is to create feel-good music that is relatable and has the power to evoke a profound emotional response in her audience.

In a world where music can touch the soul, Pranavi Madaan’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of melodies and lyrics. As she continues to explore her passion for music, there’s no doubt that her creations will continue to captivate hearts and inspire others to follow their own dreams, one soulful note at a time. Pranavi Madaan is not just an artist; she’s a storyteller, a dreamer, and a musical force to be reckoned with.

“If I would’ve invested the same amount that I did here in Canada, in India, I would’ve had better opportunities in consideration to what I see in Canada” these are the sentiments being echoed by Indian students who spent a good amount of money to migrate to Canada for higher education. 

The Canadian Experience, a documentary made and produced by Insight in collaboration with the Centre for Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) with ANI as Media Partner, sheds light on the reality of Indian students’ life in Canada. With a huge housing crisis, crumbling healthcare, nominal employment opportunities, and a fee discrepancy, Indian Students now would much prefer to stay and study in India rather than migrate to Canada which ranks among the most preferred countries for higher education. 

Along with the USA and UK, Canada has been in the top three most preferred places for pursuing higher education for Indian students. Every year almost 3 Lakh students migrate to Canada, what is so special about it? Is it the lifestyle? Job opportunities? Quality Education? Our documentary exposes that it is none of the above and rather, just the good marketing and the glossy picture being painted by these ‘agencies’ that make families spend lakhs on fulfilling their children’s “Canadian Dream.” 

This documentary interviews two Indian students Ms. Vrinda Kathore and Mr. Namra Shukla who pursued higher education in Canada, and these two students tell tales of not only monetary loss but also lack of basic amenities and racial discrimination. 

Our objective through this documentary is to expose that one realises their mistake almost instantly when they land in Canada. The country has minimal livelihood in its northern part due to the harsh weather conditions, and it is there that the majority of the population has accumulated in Southern Canada, giving rise to a major housing crisis. The year 2022 saw the lowest vacancy rate in the country while rents kept on increasing due to high demand. 

The Rental Market report by CMHC suggests that there has been a 9.6% increase in rental prices from April 2022 to April 2023, i.e., A student who would be paying $1827 in April 2022 now had to pay $2004 in April 2023 for the very same property. It is because of this that international students have to compromise on decent living, and have to often live in overcrowded small apartments with no personal space or hygiene maintained. 

Canada has created an image of a country well-equipped with world-class healthcare facilities but in reality, it is crumbling. Vrinda tells us how her friend who got a burn had to sit in the waiting room for 5-6 hours just to even be looked at by the doctor. She herself got a waiting time of 4-5 months for something as simple as an X-ray since it is classified as a ‘non-emergency’ case.

Canada’s 65% of land is covered in snow, it has long harsh cold winters and short cool summers. It gets difficult for an Indian for whom sunlight is such an essential part of daily life. Seasonal Depression is common in international students who have to spend months with temperatures reaching -40 degrees cel. Namra, who had to live in a basement, shares how he did not see sunlight for days if he didn’t step out, and snow-covered roads make it difficult to commute on a daily basis while the buses halt their operations.

Most students dream that getting good jobs comes with the ‘abroad package’, but the reality is strikingly different, there is a severe lack of job opportunities due to which even the brightest of minds have to work in low-paying jobs just to sustain themselves and pay off their debts. In India, almost all colleges have a placement cell in place that offers internships and job opportunities, however, such is not the case in Canadian colleges [Georgian College, Barrie in this case] which boast of high-paying jobs on their websites. 

Another factor that contributes to Indian students regretting their decision is the discrepancy in fee structure where an international student is paying significantly higher than a domestic student. Where an international student is paying $8000 for a semester, a domestic student is paying $1500 for the same. It is worth noting that while Indian colleges waived or decreased the fee during online classes in the pandemic, no such luxury was given to these students in Canada. It has been calculated that Indian students contribute 8 Billion dollars to the Canadian Economy. 

What will shock you the most is the revelation that Cape Breton University in Nova Scotia admitted students beyond its capacity and is now making Indian students study in nearby Cineplex due to a lack of infrastructure. What should be called out is being marketed as an ‘innovation’ by the college in question. As Vrinda fairly points out- they are running a ‘facade’ in the name of quality education.

Why should a student invest a hefty amount and not even get a proper return? Why should a person choose a place so miserable when they can get far better education and facilities in their own country?

The question remains- Is the Canadian Experience worth it?

Watch the full documentary, made in collaboration with the Centre of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) and released via Asian News International (ANI) to experience what has yet been unseen and unheard. This documentary went on to feature on a prime time show on NDTV within 24 Hours of release, with subsequent coverage on CNN-News18.