Music Maestro R.D. Burman’s Biopic in the Works, Neeraj Pandey to Direct (EXCLUSIVE)

Even as Kishore Kumar's biopic has been in the making for years, another legendary Indian musician is set to have his life chronicled on screen. Variety India has exclusively learned that a biopic on R.D. Burman is in the works, with Neeraj Pandey as its director. 

Pandey, best known for his edge-of-the-seat thrillers such as “A Wednesday,” “Special 26” and “Baby,” will return to the biographical genre a decade after delivering a box-office success with “MS Dhoni: The Untold Story,” based on the life of the former Indian cricket captain, MS Dhoni. While Pandey hasn't yet responded to our text for comment, sources say he has finished scripting for the film and has even completed a recce in Scotland and Budapest.

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Casting hasn't been finalized yet, but the makers have initiated talks with a leading actor, who has already headlined a critically acclaimed Hindi biopic, regarded as one of the finest in the genre. Shooting timelines will be finalized depending on the availability of the lead actor.

Fondly remembered as Pancham Da, R.D. Burman is regarded as one of the greatest composers of Indian cinema. An unpredictable music composer who defied the conventions of his time, he was a trendsetter who introduced a fusion of Western rock and jazz with Indian classical music. His career spanned from the 1960s to the 1990s, during which he composed musical scores for more than 300 films, collaborating with legendary singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar.

From the electrifying “Dum Maro Dum” and “Mehbooba Mehbooba" to the soulful “Tumse Naraz Nahi Zindagi” and “Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko", as well as timeless melodies like “Chand Mera Dil” and “O Mere Dil Ke Chain”, he composed music of all kinds for audiences of every age group. Whether the film itself was a blockbuster or a flop, his music always stood out. His groundbreaking sound reshaped the trajectory of Hindi film music, influencing generations of composers and continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide.