03-08-2025
Shammi Kapoor Nearly Turned Down RD Burman From Teesri Manzil, THIS Song Changed Everything
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On Friendship Day, we revisit how RD Burman songs from Teesri Manzil were nearly lost — until one filmmaker's belief turned everything around.
Some of Bollywood's most unforgettable songs weren't just the result of talent or timing — they were born from unexpected friendships. One such moment involved RD Burman, Shammi Kapoor and Nasir Hussain. And on this Friendship Day, there's no better time to look back at how a simple act of trust gave Hindi cinema one of its most iconic soundtracks.
RD Burman Wasn't the Obvious Choice — Shammi Kapoor Had Other Plans
By the 1960s, Shammi Kapoor was already a full-blown star. Known for his electrifying screen presence and unforgettable dance moves, he had strong opinions about everything — especially music. So when Teesri Manzil was being put together, Shammi wanted the music to be composed by Shankar–Jaikishan, the popular composer duo who had worked closely with his brother Raj Kapoor. He wasn't interested in experimenting with someone new.
But producer and filmmaker Nasir Hussain had a different idea. He was convinced that a young RD Burman — still trying to make his mark in the industry — was the right person for the job. At that point, Burman had composed for films like Bhoot Bungla and Teesra Kaun, but he wasn't a household name yet. Getting Shammi Kapoor to agree was not going to be easy.
Trying to win him over, Nasir Hussain reportedly said, 'Ek naya ladka hai. Burman Dada (S. D. Burman) ka beta. Zara sun toh lo." That one line — a gentle push to just give the music a listen — changed everything.
RD Burman Teesri Manzil Songs
Although hesitant at first, Shammi eventually agreed to hear Burman's music. What he heard completely shifted his thinking. The tracks were sharp, fresh, full of energy — and yet emotionally rich. Once the music was locked in, there was no looking back. The songs of Teesri Manzil went on to become classics in their own right.
From O Haseena Zulfonwali Jane Jahan to Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar Tera, every track made a mark. Songs like O Mere Sona Re, Tumne Mujhe Dekha, and Deewana Mujhsa Nahin weren't just popular — they became part of Bollywood's golden era of music. The album was so impactful that it helped Teesri Manzil turn into a major box office hit, with RD Burman's sound being one of the biggest reasons for its success.
This wasn't just the start of a successful film — it was the beginning of a lasting partnership. RD Burman and Nasir Hussain went on to collaborate on at least nine films over the years. Their creative chemistry gave Bollywood hits like Caravan, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Hum Kisise Kum Naheen, Pyar Ka Mausam, Manzil Manzil, Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai, and Zabardast.
A Bond That Defined a Generation of Music
Looking back, it's hard to imagine what Bollywood music might have missed if Shammi Kapoor had stuck to his original choice. If not for Nasir Hussain's quiet confidence and RD Burman's talent, the soundtrack of Teesri Manzil.
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