Watch: What is an RD Burman composition doing in the new Apple iPhone X advertisement?
No, it’s not a lift, it’s all official and acknowledged.
“Unexpected” might be the most appropriate word to describe every new advertisement put out by Apple. Just a few days ago, the company released a surreal Spike Jonze-directed commercial for their HomePod. And now, the latest advertisement for the iPhone X features music composed by India’s very own RD Burman.
The edgy visuals in the video above, which depict the phone’s face-recognition system, are accompanied by a track that may sound all too familiar here in India.
To be sure, the official credit for the music goes to Pete Cannon, for his song Bang Bang. However, many people instantly recognised the strains of the RD Burman song Meri Nazar Hai Tujh Pe from the 1980 film The Burning Train.
And on Twitter, Cannon acknowledged his inspiration as soon as the criticism began:
Hi Guys, I just want to address the sample used in the new Apple iPhoneX advert. It samples a track from the great R D Burman's 'Burning Train’ and it's a MAGICAL piece of music! It was cleared/licensed via Blurred Recs courtesy of Saregama. Everyone is on board and loves it. ;)
— Pete Cannon (@petecannonbeats) March 19, 2018
Here are the two songs: