When RD Burman sent Asha Bhosle flowers ‘anonymously’ for years, his ‘face fell’ as she wanted to ‘throw them away’

Veteran singer Asha Bhosle had once spoken about how her ex-husband, musician RD Burman sent her flowers ‘anonymously’ for years. In an old interview, Asha recalled an incident when she received the flowers at home while RD Burman and poet-lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri were present. Asha also spoke about their love for music and how they would sing songs by John Coltrane, Rolling Stones, Earth Wind and Fire, among others. (Also Read | When Asha Bhosle said she wanted to quit singing)

RD Burman was married to Rita Patel in 1966 but divorced her in 1971. He married Asha in 1980 but parted ways a few years later. The duo, throughout their career, recorded many hit songs together and also performed at live shows.

In an interview with The Quint, Asha had said, “Once he scared the daylights out of me by wearing an Afro-wig in the dark. He’d mimic everyone, including me. For years, he’d send me flowers anonymously. One day, the roses were delivered in the presence of Majrooh saab and Pancham. I said, ‘Throw them away. Some fool keeps wasting his roses on me.’ Pancham’s face fell. That’s when Majrooh saab laughed, ‘It’s this fool who’s been sending you the roses’.”

Asha also spoke about their love for music, “Music was the basic foundation of our marriage: We could listen to Bismillah Khan, the Beatles, Shirley Bassey..and so many more for hours and hours. Pancham would emerge from his shower, in a lungi kurta, at 9.30 am and till 3 pm, we’d be humming together to the albums of John Coltrane, Earth Wind and Fire, Sergio Mendes, Santana, the Rolling Stones, Blood Sweat and Tears, Chuck Correa, Osibisa…oh so many. Our taste for music was eclectic, and that was our everlasting bond.”

RD Burman composed music for Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963), Bandini (1963), Ziddi (1964), Guide (1965) and Teen Devian (1965). He worked as an independent music director for Chhote Nawab (1961). He went on to create music for Teesri Manzil (1966), Baharon Ke Sapne and Jewel Thief (1967), Padosan (1968), Pyar Ka Mausam (1969), Kati Patang and Prem Pujari (1970), Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971), Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Sholay and Aandhi (1975).

He also composed music for Kasme Vaade and Ghar (1978), Gol Maal (1979) and Khubsoorat (1980) among many others. He received his first Filmfare Best Music Director Award for Sanam Teri Kasam (1981). In 1981, he also composed music for Rocky, Satte Pe Satta and Love Story. The music of 1942: A Love Story (1994) was released after his death.