A controversial title is seen in the musical shows listings on the Book My Show app. The show’s title – “R D Burman – the Copycat?” – is bound to raise eyebrows of music lovers, especially the R D Burman fans.
But, one look at the poster and two things strike you. One is the red coloured question mark after the title, and the name of the anchor – Madhav Vijay – a well known personality, amongst the fans of the maverick composer.
When asked, Madhav Vijay clarified – “This show is not about showing any disrespect to the legendary composer. It is more about going in depth into his influences and his way of working. In other words, we try and explore that “red question mark” in the title.”
This show, scheduled at 9.30 pm on Saturday, 24th January 2026, at Prof.Ramkrishna More Auditorium, Chinchwad, is being presented by Alaap Entertainment & Events. Apart from Madhav’s anchoring, the show will also feature live music with singers like Prasshanth Salvi, Makarand Patankar, Kkomal Krishna, Sameer Nagarkar, Tushar Rithe and child singer Aarambhi Rithe. The orchestra led by Chintan Modha, has an impressive line up of musicians like Aman Sayyad, Asif Khan, Deepak Kale, Vishal Thelkar, Somnath Phatke, Vijay Murthy, Nitin Shinde, Harshan Ganbote, Kevin Rubdi and Nilesh Deshpande.
During talks, Madhav confessed, “The word “Copycat” did invite a lot of ire from music lovers. But I was very sure, I wanted that word. There are so many videos on the internet accusing Panchamda of copying his songs with that very word in the title. I felt, a program meant to go into the details of it, ought to have the very same word, which has been so commonly used to highlight the influences in his music.”
He further adds – “This show is not only about Panchamda. It is also a tribute to the global artists, who were revered by him and influenced the colossal creativity of the legendary R D Burman.”
Madhav has done many shows under the same title before this, in Mumbai. But this will be the first time he is doing this outside Mumbai.
Knowing Madhav Vijay and his deep study about music in general, and R D Burman in particular, it is definitely going to be a treat for music connoisseurs in Chinchwad, Pune and around.
Music Composer/ arranger Madhav Vijay
A not to be missed evening for sure!