Rajesh Khanna and RD Burman shared a creative relationship that spanned decades. Add Kishore Kumar to the mix, and you have one of the most iconic and impactful trios the Bombay film industry has ever witnessed. Their collaborations were not just professional but grounded in deep mutual respect, especially Rajesh Khanna’s admiration for RD Burman. Recently, singer Sudesh Bhosale recalled a memorable incident that highlights Khanna’s protective stance towards Burman’s music. Sudesh told Radio Nasha, "Many years ago, Balu ji organized a show in Hyderabad called 'Ye Shaam Mastani.' All the artistes were from the South, and from Mumbai, only I was invited to sing Kishore Da’s songs. The chief guests were Rajesh Khanna and Gulzar sahab. When Rajesh Khanna was called on stage to be felicitated, I clearly remember him saying, 'Don’t alter Pancham’s songs.'" Also Read | ‘Humiliated’ by Bollywood, how RD Burman created 1942 A Love Story; teared up when music was called ‘bullsh*t’ Sudesh Bhosale further elaborated on the current trend in Bollywood, where old songs are frequently remixed without proper credit to the original composers. He shared a striking example, "Nowadays, this song ‘Aankh Marey’ was very popular. So they called Viju Shah saying we are taking this song, and he said, 'What can I do now? Just give me credit.' But they said, 'We can’t give you credit because we have bought all the rights.'" Sudesh also recounted an incident at an awards function where an original composer was overlooked: "I have seen it myself at award functions where I was sitting next to Anandji and his wife, and on stage, a music director was given an award for the song ‘Apni Toh Jaise Taise’ while the original composer was sitting right there. Look, there is no problem with being inspired… everyone has been inspired. But the one who gave birth to that creation should be given the credit."
