Fans Launch Online Petition To Save RD Burman's Crumbling Childhood Home In Kolkata

The property, which once served as the home to two of the most prolific Indian music composers, SD Burman and RD Burman, located in Kolkata, is in shambles, and despite repeated appeals, the authorities have conveniently turned a blind eye towards it. In an attempt to save and preserve the structure, fans of the Burmans have now launched an online petition, demanding that the house be converted into a museum.

The house, located at 36/1 South End Park, was once a shrine to music lovers, but it is now in the most sorry state. RD Burman's uncle, Abhijit Dasgupta, told Telegraph, "We were promised a museum. We were told a blue plaque would be installed. In 2021, they even renamed the street Sangeet Sarani. But nothing beyond symbolism has happened."

He went on to question, "If the Ministry of External Affairs can offer help to restore a Ray-linked building in Mymensingh, why can’t our own state protect this house steeped in musical history?"

The petition, which has garnered over 7000 signatures in a week, reads, "This house is not just brick and mortar — it echoes with melodies that shaped Indian music. Instead of being lost to time, it deserves to be turned into a living museum, a cultural space that honours their genius and nurtures future talent."

In January 2021, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had renamed South End Park as Sangeet Sarani, and the prospect of converting the house into a museum had cropped up then. However, the promises clearly remained unfulfilled over the years.

When asked about the petition to Swapan Samaddar, Member, Mayor-in-Council (Environment & Heritage), he replied, "I have not received any such petition. If I do, I’ll take necessary steps."

When reminded that the plan dates back to 2021, he stated, "I didn’t have the portfolio back then."

The fans, however, are firm on getting a solution this time. "This time we’re determined to see it through," Dasgupta, who started the petition, said.