You cannot call yourself a lover of Hindi music without appreciating the musical genius of the late RD Burman. There are some who call him overrated, but those are the people who have never tried to explore the kind of songs he gave to Bollywood and Indian cinema. There is a reason why his songs are so often considered for remixed and recreations - many of his tracks have that lively vibe that blends with every generation.

It is therefore of no surprise when you ask people what their favourite old Hindi song is, and most of them come out with songs that are composed by this legend. Dil Kya Kare (Julie), Neele Neela Ambar (Kalakaar), Chura Liya Hai Tumne (Yaadon Ki Baaraat), Kuch Toh Log Kahenge (Amar Prem), Ek ladki Ko Dekha (1942 - A Love Story).... I could write down the endless hits that Pancham Da has produced and the day would not end. And it is not just the romantic, lively tracks that RD Burman used to specialise in; he used to experiment with sounds and genres. Also, Pancham Da is an awesome singer too!

On his 79th birth anniversary, let's talk about some of his less popular but equally brilliant songs that this generation needs to listen to understand what good music is!

Piya Baawri

Movie: Khoobsurat

RD Burman might be known for those remix-worthy, foot-tapping songs, but his flair for semi-classical songs should be equally appreciated. Like this lovely song from one of Rekha's best films!

Yeh Safar

Movie: 1942 - A Love Story

I cannot reiterate how much I love this beautiful, haunting song from Vidhu Vinod Chopra's period love story. Definitely, Pancham Da's best work before he left us for a better world!

Joshilaay

Movie: Joshilaay

Inspired by the scores of the great Ennio Morricone for many westerns, RD Burman spun his own magic for this Shekhar Kapur movie. You can really feel the josh when you hear this title track from the film. A trivia - this also happens to be the last sung the great Kishore Kumar sang for RD Burman, before he sadly passed away.

Pyar Ke Mod Pe

Movie: Parinda

We love the song Tumse Milke so much from this Vidhu Vinod Chopra classic that we nearly forget that Parinda has another brilliant song in Pyaar Ke Mod Pe. Sung beautifully by Asha Bhonsle, this song is a must-listen!

Yeh Mera Dil Toh Pagal Hain

Movie: Gardish

SP Balasubramanyam might be more associated being Salman Khan's singing voice in the early '90s. But he also has sung for other Bollywood actors, like for Jackie Shroff in this sweet romantic ditty in Gardish, composed by...who else, Pancham Da!

Yeh Zameen Gaa Rahi Hai

Movie: Teri Kasam

I prefer RD Burman's softer songs like Tumse Milke, Kuch Toh Log Kahenge etc. So I can't help but fall for this amazing melody sung by Amit Kumar, who shows he is as brilliant as his father Kishore Kumar.

Yeh Zindagi Kuch Bhi Sahi

Movie: Romance

Let's end the list with a song that also shows the versatility of RD Burman as a singer too. He may be known for his throaty singing in songs like Mehbooba Mehbooba (Sholay), Tum Kya Jaano (Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahi), Yamma Yamma (Shaan) etc. But he can also go restrained and gracefully soft when required, like this lovely track!

We miss you, Pancham da! Thanks for all those wonderful songs that you gave us and hope Bollywood doesn't ruin more of them by remixing!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 27, 2018 12:07 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).