India’s Top 10 Legendary Music Composers You Should Know
What transforms an ordinary song into a legendary composition? Is it the melody, the lyrics, or the emotions it displays? The answer lies in Indian film music, which is much more than just sound—it’s the storytelling saga.
From Mughal-e-Azam’s grand performances to Dil Ses experimental beats, legendary Composers have truly reshaped the musical landscape of Cinema. With over 1,000 films released every year, music remains the heartbeat of every Indian. Today, aspiring Musicians turn to Music Production Courses to master composition techniques.
As technology evolves, these Music Production Courses help bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, ensuring the creation of timeless melodies. In this blog, we will uncover 10 renowned Music Composers who have completely redefined Indian film music and inspired generations to come.
Top 10 Indian Music Composers & Directors All Time Redefining Music Like Never Before
- A. R. Rahman
| Birth Date | January 6, 1967 |
| Years Active | 1992–present |
| Year & Reason for Death (if applicable) | N/A |
| Total Music Composed | Over 150 film scores |
| Genres | World Music, Classical, Rock, Electronic,, Indian Classical, Jazz |
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- 30+ Years in Education
- 250+ Faculties
- 30K+ Alumni Network
- 10th in World Ranking
- 1000+ Celebrity
- 120+ Countries Students Enrolled
A. R. Rahmans journey as a legendary Indian Music Composer has redefined contemporary Indian music and gained international recognition. He began his career at a very young age and rose to fame with the movie “Roja,” which was released in 1992—earning him a National Award as an unprecedented feat for a debut Composer.
With time, Rahman has composed India’s most iconic film songs, like Bombay, Dil Se, Lagaan, and Jodhaa Akbar. He also worked in Slumdog Millionaire (2008 Bollywood movie) and 127 Hours (another Bollywood movie released in 2010), earning him numerous prestigious awards.
Beyond the cinema realm, Rahman has contributed to musical theater with the iconic songs for Bombay Dreams and The Lord of the Rings stage production. He has also collaborated with several global Artists, including Mick Jagger, Hans Zimmer, and Michael Jackson. His compositions have been performed by major symphonies worldwide.
Furthermore, his impact also extends to education and Philanthropy, with initiatives like the KM Music Conservatory and the A. R. Rahman Foundation. These foundations nurture musical talent worldwide alongside supporting underprivileged children. If you are looking to be one among them, exploring Music Production Courses Near Me can be the first step toward mastering techniques like Rahman.
- Ilaiyaraaja
| Birth Date | June 2, 1943 |
| Years Active | 1976–present |
| Year & Reason for Death (if applicable) | N/A |
| Total Music Composed | 1,000+ film scores |
| Genres | Indian Classical, Folk, Western Classical, Jazz, Funk, Rock |
Ilaiyaraaja introduced innovative techniques like Synthesizers, allowing Western Classical music to blend with Tamil Folk traditions. His compositions are widely known for their intricate harmonies, depth, and unique musical layers, setting a new Indian cinema benchmark.
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Ignite Your Ambitions- Seize the Opportunity for a Free Career Counseling Session.Some of the acclaimed films like Mouna Raagam and Nayakan have remained milestones in Indian music history. He also collaborated with renowned Filmmakers, especially Mani Ratnam (Thalapathi), who played a crucial role in shaping both their careers.
Legendary Singers like S.P. Balasubrahmanyam brought his compositions to life, adding to the musical emotional impact. His significant work continues to be remembered for its originality, technical excellence, and lasting influence on Indian film music.
- R. D. Burman
| Birth Date | June 27, 1939 |
| Years Active | 1958–1994 |
| Year & Reason for Death (if applicable) | January 4, 1994; Heart Attack |
| Total Music Composed | 300+ film scores |
| Genres | Bollywood, pop, Rock, Jazz, Disco, Funk |
R. D. Burman introduced innovative sounds through genres like Jazz, Rock, and Disco. His unique experimental approach included using unconventional objects like glass bottles and Typewriters to add unique composition textures.
Moreover, iconic tracks like ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’ (Sholay, 1975) and Chura Liya Hai Tumne (Yaadon Ki Baaraat, 1973) have created timeless melodies that remain popular among all generations.
His deep creative Kishore Kumar’s partnership resulted in some of the all-time best classics, from Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai to Yeh Shaam Mastani (one of the best Rajesh Khanna’s performances; an iconic Bollywood Actors).
- S. D. Burman
| Birth Date | October 1, 1906 |
| Years Active | 1932–1975 |
| Year & Reason for Death (if applicable) | October 31, 1975; complications from Diabetes |
| Total Music Composed | Over 100 film scores |
| Genres | Bengali Folk, Hindustani Classical |
S. D. Burman blended Bengali Folk traditions and Indian Classical Music gracefully. His compositions for the films Guide (1965) and Bandini (1963) captured human emotions impactfully while blending the aura of simplicity and elegance. He also collaborated with Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar to produce some of Bollywood’s most cherished melody songs ever.
- Naushad Ali
| Birth Date | December 25, 1919 |
| Years Active | 1940–2006 |
| Year & Reason for Death (if applicable) | May 5, 2006; Cardiac Arrest |
| Total Music Composed | 65+ film scores |
| Genres | Hindustani Classical, Folk |
Naushad Ali has a pioneering Indian film musical role, where he skillfully merged Indian Classical traditions with modern symphonies. He played a critical role in mixing traditional ragas and mainstream cinema together to create culturally rich and emotionally-driven Compositions.
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Naushad was also the first to introduce a full orchestration in Indian cinema, where he blended Western symphony elements with Indian Ragas. This innovative approach not only elevated the film music’s grandeur but also influenced long-trail generations of Composers who have completed their Music Production Courses.
- Shankar-Jaikishan
| Birth Date | Shankar: October 15, 1922 Jaikishan: November 4, 1929 |
| Years Active | 1949–1971 (Jaikishan)1949–1987 (Shankar) |
| Year & Reason for Death (if applicable) | Jaikishan: September 12, 1971; CirrhosisShankar: April 26, 1987; heart attack |
| Total Music Composed | 200+ film scores |
| Genres | Bollywood, Classical, Western, Jazz |
Shankar-Jaikishan had an influential role in Hindi film musical reshaping, where they elegantly introduced grand symphony and Western musical elements under one platform. Additionally, their compositions for films like Barsaat (1949) and Chori Chori (1956) showcased their versatility in blending romantic ballads with energetic dance numbers.
The duo formed a historic partnership with Actor Raj Kapoor and Lyricist Shailendra to create some of the most memorable Bollywood songs in history.
These include albums like Awaara and Sangam, demonstrating their ability to craft melodies that continue to captivate audiences across generations. Additionally, their innovative style set new trends, making them one of the most celebrated Indian cinema Composer duos ever.
- Laxmikant-Pyarelal
| Birth Date | Laxmikant: November 3, 1937Pyarelal: September 3, 1940 |
| Years Active | 1963–1998 (Laxmikant) 1963–present (Pyarelal) |
| Year & Reason for Death (if applicable) | Laxmikant: May 25, 1998; Kidney Failure |
| Total Music Composed | 500+ film scores |
| Genres | Bollywood, Classical, Folk, Western |
Laxmikant-Pyarelal had exceptional Indian film musical versatility, and they created songs that catered to diverse musical tastes. From soulful melodies like Zindagi Ka Safar (Safar, 1970) to high-energy tracks like Jhoom Jhoom Baba (Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki, 1984), they had proficiency in a wide range of genres, making their Music cross-generational accessible and memorable.
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They also collaborated with Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar to produce some more timeless hits. With roughly over 500 film scores to their credit, their contribution to Bollywood music is significant.
- Kalyanji-Anandji
| Birth Date | Kalyanji: June 30, 1928 Anandji: March 2, 1933 |
| Years Active | 1954–2000 (Kalyanji)1954–present (Anandji) |
| Year & Reason for Death (if applicable) | Kalyanji: August 24, 2000; Cardiac ArrestAnandji: N/A |
| Total Music Composed | 250+ film scores |
| Genres | Bollywood, Classical, Folk, Western |
Kalyanji-Anandji was a versatile Music Composer duo that created songs across different genres. Their hits like Zindagi Ka Safar and Yaari Hai Imaan Mera showed their ability to adapt to various musical styles. They played a key role in modernizing Bollywood music by introducing Electronic instruments.
They were pioneers in introducing Electronic instruments in Bollywood, which played a crucial role in shaping the industry’s modern sound. Their impactful background scores for Amitabh Bachchan’s early superhit films significantly contributed to his “Angry Young Man” persona, reinforcing the intensity of his performances.
- O. P. Nayyar
| Birth Date | January 16, 1926 |
| Years Active | 1949–1995 |
| Year & Reason for Death (if applicable) | January 28, 2007; Cardiac Arrest |
| Total Music Composed | 73+ film scores |
| Genres | Bollywood, Punjabi Folk, Western |
O.P. Nayyar was a unique and innovative Music Composer who brought a lively, rhythmic, and Western-influenced sound to Hindi film music. His songs, like Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu and Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan, stood out for their energetic beats and minimal string instrumental use.
He had a strong working relationship with Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhosle, the prominent singers of all time, to create several timeless hits. Notably, he never collaborated with Lata Mangeshkar, yet his success proved that musical excellence is driven by innovation rather than any single voice.
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His bold and unconventional approach made him one of the most influential composers in Indian cinema. Today, many budding Musicians looking to experiment with sound and create their own signature style turn to Music Production Courses Near Me to develop their skills and gain industry insights.
- Madan Mohan
| Birth Date | June 25, 1924 |
| Years Active | 1950–1975 |
| Year & Reason for Death (if applicable) | July 14, 1975; Liver Cirrhosis |
| Total Music Composed | 100+ film scores |
| Genres | Bollywood, Ghazal, Classical |
Madan Mohan was a legendary Composer known for his soulful Ghazals in Indian cinema. He worked with great poets like Kaifi Azmi and Raja Mehdi Ali Khan to create deeply emotional and poetic songs. His timeless classics, like Woh Kaun Thi? and Main Toh Tum Sang Nain Mila Ke, continue to be cherished.
Despite facing commercial challenges, Madan Mohan stayed true to his artistic vision, prioritizing quality over mass appeal. His music played a crucial role in introducing Semi-classical styles to mainstream audiences, making complex ragas and Ghazals more accessible through Music Production Courses.
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His dedication to melody and refinement continues to inspire generations of Musicians, cementing his legacy as one of Indian cinema’s finest Composers.
Conclusion
Indian cinema would not be the same without the legendary music Composers who brought stories to life with their melodies. Their contributions remain unmatched, and their songs continue to echo through time.
For anyone who dreams of making music, their journey proves that passion, dedication, and creativity can turn melodies into history.
Take your passion further with a Music Production Course in Delhi at AAFT (Asian Academy of Film and Television). With expert training and hands-on experience, AAFT helps you transform your Music Composing dreams into reality!
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