7 Bollywood Music Directors Who Still Believe in Original Compositions

Updated : February 17, 2019 11:37 AM IST

Avipsha Sengupta

7 Bollywood Music Directors Who Still Believe in Original Compositions

If Bollywood is the body then music is perhaps the soul. One of the most distinguishing factors of Bollywood that sets it apart from the rest of the film industries in the world is the emphasis on music and the popularity it enjoys. Thus, Bollywood has given us not only some of the most iconic songs but the creator of those iconic tunes also form an integral part of Bollywood. Without music directors rendering their soulful tunes to films Bollywood simply would not be Bollywood enough.

However, although the plagiarism in music is not exactly a modern problem, but of late music directors in Bollywood have mostly resorted to being 'inspired' by other compositions or simply restricted themselves to re-creating popular tunes from the days of yore or worse rehashing their once popular tunes in the name of composing music for films. While the number musician who has chosen this is tragically high, there are few who still believe in creating original and authentic music that not only enhances the films they are a part of but enrich what people know as Bollywood music. Quirky, modern yet steeped in Indian sensibilities these are some of the music directors of Bollywood who stand out for creating original music.

Amit Trivedi

One of the most prolific music composers of recent times, Amit Trivedi has brought a style of music in Bollywood that was previously unheard off. From Dev D to Udta Punjab his compositions have become the anthem of new age music in Bollywood.

A. R. Rahman

The music maestro of India, he is probably the most respected music composer that the industry has ever produced. He draws inspiration from different sources but has never been accused of plagiarizing. From Bombay to Jodha akbar, the Mozart of Madras can be credited for some of the most iconic music moments in the history of Indian cinema. The Oscar sure didn't came his way for nothing.

Sneha Khanwalkar

In a profession that is mostly male dominated in Bollywood, Sneha Khanwalkar has made a niche for herself due to her penchant for unique and original music that is out of the box in every sense of the term. Some of her most noted works include Gangs of Wasseypur, Khoobsurat and Oye Lucky Lucky Oye.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Before he stunned us with his musical sensibilities in Guzarish we just knew him to be one of the most prolific directors of Indian cinema. But with Guzaarish and then later on with Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani and recently in Padmaavat he has showed us the brilliant music composer that lurks behind his reputation as a director. He draws a lot of influence from the rich reserve of Indian classical and folks and blends them with Bollywood sensibilities in the most unique and original ways.

Shantanu Moitra

He first came into notice because of his work in Parineeta. Songs like Piyu Bole and Nayi Nahi Ye Baatein became overnight sensation and his original and melodious tunes were loved by all. Since then Moitra has given us several mellifluous composition films like 3 Idiots and PK among others. He is one of the music directors in Bollywood who still believes in old school romantic tunes.

Ram Sampath

Another music composer to introduce a new sound in Bollywood music is Ram Sampath. His creations like Bhaag D.K. Bose from Delhi Belly, Jiya Laagey Na from Talaash or Dhingana from Raees are all very different from what we expect from run of the mill Bollywood music. Quirky, unique and original, Ram Sampath is surely one music director we need hear more from.

Vishal Bharadwaj

One might remember Vishal Bharadwaj as the director of masterpieces like Omkara and Haider, but he will always be one of the most unique music composers of Bollywood. His songs like Beedi Jalayi Le, Dhan Te Nan or Chapa Chapa Charkha Chaley are not only some of the best original tracks Bollywood has ever produced but also goes to show his versatility as a music director.