A grassroots campaign is gaining momentum to preserve the iconic residence at 36/1 South End Park, where legendary music directors Sachin Dev Burman (S.D. Burman) and his son Rahul Dev Burman (R.D. Burman) once lived and composed some of Indian cinema’s most enduring melodies.

The house, now in disrepair, is at risk of being lost to redevelopment. In response, filmmaker Abhijit Dasgupta, a relative of the Burmans, has initiated a Change.org  petition urging authorities and citizens to protect the building and convert it into a museum and cultural center honoring the musical legacy of the Dev Burman family.

“This is not just a house—it’s a living archive of India’s musical soul,” Dasgupta said. “We’ve seen the Ministry of External Affairs support heritage restoration abroad. Why not show the same urgency for our own legends at home?”

The residence served as a creative hub for decades. S.D. Burman lived there until 1952 before relocating to Mumbai, while R.D. Burman—affectionately known as Pancham—continued to reside there. The house hosted visits from luminaries like Guru Dutt, whose centenary is being celebrated this year.

Supporters of the campaign include scientist-turned-filmmaker Bedabrata Pain, who grew up in the neighborhood. “I pass by the house with sadness. It deserves to be a museum, not a forgotten relic,” he said.

In 2021, the road outside the house was renamed Sangeet Sarani, and promises were made to install a commemorative plaque. However, no restoration work has begun, and the building remains shuttered and structurally vulnerable2.

The IndoUS Tribune joins the chorus of voices calling for action. We urge readers to sign the petition and support the transformation of this historic home into a space that celebrates India’s rich musical heritage.