In the history of Hindi cinema, the 1966 release Teesri Manzil stands as a major landmark. The film's musical score proved to be the ultimate turning point in the career of legendary music director RD Burman. Originally, director Vijay Anand intended to make the movie with his brother Dev Anand in the lead role. However, after Dev Anand exited the project due to unspecified reasons, star Shammi Kapoor stepped in as the leading actor. This casting change immediately triggered an intense debate regarding who would compose the soundtrack.
Vijay Anand's Faith Versus Shammi Kapoor's Hesitation
During that era, Shammi Kapoor's hit films typically featured music composed by either OP Nayyar or the composer duo Shankar Jaikishan. Consequently, Shammi Kapoor was strongly opposed to hiring RD Burman, who was relatively new to the industry and just starting his independent musical career. The established star was unwilling to take a commercial risk on an unproven newcomer. On the other hand, director Vijay Anand possessed unwavering faith in RD Burman's talent. RD Burman had worked extensively as an assistant to his father SD Burman, who regularly composed music for Vijay Anand's banner Navketan. Having closely observed his creative potential, Vijay Anand had previously promised SD Burman that he would offer his son a major break in a high profile project.
Producer Nasir Hussain's Challenge and the Gumnaam Benchmark
Despite the conflicting opinions between Vijay Anand and Shammi Kapoor, RD Burman was ultimately signed for the film. However, a formidable obstacle soon presented itself. Film producer Nasir Hussain issued a direct challenge to the young composer. In 1965, the movie Gumnaam had achieved massive popularity, driven largely by the rock and roll track Jaan Pehchan Ho Jeena Aasaan Ho, composed by Shankar Jaikishan. Inspired by that track's runaway success, Nasir Hussain insisted that Teesri Manzil required an equally high energy rock and roll song that could captivate audiences nationwide.
The Creation of Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyaar Tera
RD Burman readily accepted Nasir Hussain's challenge and set out to create a masterpiece. The result was the iconic track Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyaar Tera, rendered with extraordinary energy by legendary singer Mohammed Rafi. Listening closely to the mukhda or opening section of Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyaar Tera reveals a clear influence of Shankar Jaikishan's composition from Gumnaam. Both tracks share remarkably similar orchestra arrangements, brass patterns, and rhythmic structures. Interestingly, both celebrated rock and roll numbers featured the versatile vocals of Mohammed Rafi.
Unprecedented Success and Career Breakthrough
Upon its release, the entire soundtrack of Teesri Manzil became a staggering success, with every song dominating the music charts. RD Burman's fresh approach to rock and roll rhythms resonated deeply with listeners across the country. The massive victory of Teesri Manzil catapulted RD Burman into the top tier of music directors in Hindi cinema. Despite Shammi Kapoor's initial skepticism, the album's success vindicated Vijay Anand's belief in RD Burman's exceptional genius.
