Tripura CM Manik Saha paid tribute to legendary composer SD Burman on his birth anniversary, calling him a timeless genius and son of Tripura. The commemorative event featured floral tributes, cultural performances, and reflections on Burman’s enduring musical legacy.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday paid glowing tributes to legendary music director and composer Sachin Dev Burman on his birth anniversary, describing him as a “timeless genius” whose melodies continue to inspire generations. The commemorative programme was organized by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan, where dignitaries, artists, and admirers gathered to honor the iconic maestro.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Saha said that Sachin Dev Burman, popularly known as SD Burman, was not only a legendary personality of India but also a cultural treasure for the world. “He was born in Comilla and spent a large part of his childhood and youth there. But still, he is the son of Tripura. Nobody can deny that,” the Chief Minister said, emphasizing the deep cultural ties between the state and the maestro’s heritage.
Dr. Saha noted that music, as a universal language, transcends geographical and social boundaries. “Music fulfils the spiritual needs of people and helps us overcome mental depression. SD Burman’s melodies help people discover themselves,” he remarked.
Highlighting Burman’s illustrious career, the Chief Minister recalled that between 1933 and 1975, he composed music for eight Bengali films and as many as 89 Hindi films. Apart from this, he recorded nearly 200 songs, leaving behind a rich legacy of evergreen melodies. His compositions, blending classical traditions with folk influences, continue to hold a timeless charm.
SD Burman was one of the most successful composers in the Indian film industry, collaborating with celebrated singers such as Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, and Mohammed Rafi. His music not only shaped Bollywood’s golden era but also inspired countless young musicians. The maestro was recognized with prestigious honors, including the Padma Shri and multiple Filmfare Awards, for his outstanding contribution to Indian music.
Dr. Saha also underlined the social role of music, pointing out that songs played a crucial role in uniting people during the freedom struggle. “Music has always been more than entertainment. It was a force that inspired national unity and emotional strength during difficult times. Young artists must take inspiration from SD Burman’s work and create their own unique legacies,” he urged.
The event saw participation from key officials and cultural leaders. Dr. Pradip Kumar Chakraborty, Secretary of the ICA Department, praised Burman as one of the greatest legends of Indian music whose creations continue to touch millions of hearts even decades after his passing. “His music is not bound by time. It has the power to evoke emotions and connect people across generations,” he said.
Vice Chairman of the State Cultural Advisory Committee, Subrata Chakraborty, and ICA Director Bimbsar Bhattacharya were also present at the commemorative programme. The dignitaries collectively echoed the sentiment that SD Burman’s connection with Tripura was unbreakable, despite his birthplace being Comilla, now in Bangladesh.
The event began with floral tributes at the bust of SD Burman in Rabindra Bhavan. This was followed by a series of cultural performances by artists from SD Burman Smriti Government College of Music and other cultural organizations. The performances included renditions of some of the maestro’s most memorable songs, which filled the auditorium with nostalgia and reverence.
Audience members, including music students and cultural enthusiasts, described the programme as a moving tribute to the genius of SD Burman. Many highlighted how his songs have been a part of everyday life, celebrating love, struggle, joy, and human resilience.
| Also Read: Jackie Shroff pays tribute to S.D. Burman on 119th Birth Anniversary |
By remembering SD Burman on his birth anniversary, the state of Tripura reaffirmed its cultural pride and deep emotional connection with the maestro. The Chief Minister’s message resonated strongly, reminding everyone that while Burman was born in Comilla, his roots, legacy, and influence firmly belong to Tripura and to India’s cultural identity.
As the evening concluded with a standing ovation for the artists, it was clear that SD Burman’s legacy remains eternal—an enduring bridge between tradition and modernity, between personal emotions and collective identity, and between Tripura’s cultural heart and India’s musical soul.
