An impassioned online campaign is gaining momentum as fans of legendary music director RD Burman and his father SD Burman rally to save their childhood home at 36/1 South End Park, Kolkata. The century-old house, revered as a cradle of Indian film music heritage, has reportedly fallen into alarming disrepair after years of neglect.
Online petition gathers traction
The movement, initiated by music enthusiasts and supporters, has swiftly picked up steam with an online petition calling for the preservation and conversion of the property into a museum dedicated to the Burmans’ musical legacy. In just one week, the petition has attracted over 7,000 signatures, reflecting widespread public concern and admiration for the late composers’ contributions to Indian cinema. The petition describes the house as not just brick and mortar but a place that echoes with melodies which shaped Indian music, urging that it be protected as a cultural landmark nurturing future generations.
A history of broken promises
Calls to conserve the house are not new. Relatives and long-time supporters have pointed out that previous assurances by authorities, including a 2021 decision to rename the adjoining road Sangeet Sarani in the Burmans’ honour, resulted in symbolic gestures but little substantive action. Promises of a commemorative blue plaque or a transformation into a museum have yet to materialise, leaving the historic building vulnerable to decay.
Wider cultural significance
The South End Park residence is intimately linked with the evolution of Indian music. Both SD and RD Burman lived there during formative years, and the house frequently hosted illustrious musicians such as Guru Dutt. Local residents and artists, including filmmaker Abhijit Dasgupta who started the petition, have stressed the importance of preserving the site as a living museum and a cultural space that honours their genius and nurtures future talent. Dasgupta emphasised the contrast between the international efforts to preserve buildings linked to cultural icons and the lack of action on home territory.
Growing public response
The campaign has rallied significant support from the public, as well as personalities from the music and film industries. Tributes have poured in on social media, especially on RD Burman’s birthday, further intensifying calls for immediate intervention to save the site from irreparable ruin. Advocates argue that unless authorities step in soon, a vital piece of India’s rich musical history may be lost forever.
No official response has been confirmed from state or local authorities as of this report. However, campaign organisers remain hopeful that the groundswell of support will prompt concrete measures to restore and protect the landmark for future generations.
