On his 33^rd death anniversary which is on the 4^th January, (27^th June 1939 – 4^th January 1994) we remember the legend who gave us some of the best music in Bollywood.

From the back board: "One of the most versatile composers the Hindi Music Industry has ever seen, RD Burman brought about a revolution in the popular music of his time in the late '60s. . . . For the next two decades he captured the musical imagination of an entire subcontinent like none before. . . . and almost a decade after his demise, he continues to be remixed and emulated endlessly."

This classy coffee table book ‘Strings of Eternity’ – Pancham written by Brahmanand S Siingh and Gaurav Sharma with some captivating text and rare photographs, is an asset delight for all those who want to know the legendary composer even better. From the interviews conducted for the film "Pancham Unmixed", lots of exciting material could not be incorporated into the film due to length and other technical constraints. From these, the editors have extracted and compiled a whole lot of anecdotes, insights and emotions that some of RD Burman’s closest colleagues and friends had poured out.

Right from the entertainment seeking popular masses to the connoisseurs of classical Hindustani and Western, Jazz, Opera and Pop music, the legendary composer is kept immortal almost a decade and a half after his demise,  as he continues to be re-mixed and imitated endlessly (he's the most re-mixed man of the Indian Music Industry.)

This collection is a tribute to Pancham as well as the friends, colleagues and admirers who share their unforgettable memories with the legendary musician.

The thoughts and memories of 40 such personalities make it to the coffee table book, peppered with black and white photographs, including one of Burman Sr. holding Baby Rahul and the two working together, the book is a delightful read.

The film ‘Pancham Unmixed’ is a must watch before you read the book. It takes an incisive look not only at the body of work of the legendary composer, but also reveals various facets of RD Burman that you would never know The film is not only a nostalgic trip down memory lane for friends of the late composer. But it's also a cinematic tribute to one of the greatest music directors Bollywood has ever known.

The fact that his songs have stood the test of time and are still popular with the iPod Gen is proof of his genius. Truly, Pancham lives on…

Book: Strings of Eternity

Author: Brahmanand S Siingh & Gaurav Sharma

Publisher: Shemaroo Entertainment Pvt Ltd.

Hardcover: 89 pages

Price: Rs. 999/- (This Collector’s Edition Pack is complete with Pancham Unmixed Film DVD + Pancham Magic Songs DVD + Coffee Table Book ‘Strings of Eternity’. Not to be sold individually)

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira