Top 16 Best Indian Music Directors of All Time

Author : Aarohi Agarwal

“Music begins where the possibilities of language end” and nobody understands it better than the music directors. When it comes to music, it is perhaps a daily element in every Indian household. A greater influence of Indian music comes from the cinemas only as the Indian film industry is well revered for its exceptional composition and soundtracks. Behind all hit melodies that are still buzzing among music lovers, there are music directors and their precious contributions. These talented personas are well renowned for their legacy and exceptional creations which have kept the listeners engaged for decades. Now, it is time to explore more about the famous Indian music directors of all time.

Top 16 Best Indian Music Directors of All Time

   16.  S.D Burman

Another talented Burman who created a storm in the Bollywood film industry with his hit compositions. Born in a Royal family of Tripura, S.D. Burman has composed music for more than 100 films and his musical career spanned over three decades. Mohd. Rafi and Kishore Kumar were his favorites and most of his musical creations were sung by them only. Burman’s emphasis on rhythm instead of hefty instrumentation is truly inspiring and it offers a new sensitive mood to embrace for the listeners. He received the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his timeless creations.

Notable Works

• Devdas (1955)
• Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958)
• Sujata (1959)
• Aradhana (1969)
• Abhimaan (1973)

   15. Madan Mohan

If any music director brought modern influences in the good old days, then that would be none but Madan Mohan. This legendary music composer has worked with numerous artists and Lata Mangeshkar was his favorite. Mohan is best known for his usage of classical instruments and traditional Indian music in his compositions, mainly for ghazal and other kind of songs. The sense of melancholy and romance is evident in most of his creations.

Notable Works

• Wo Kaun Thi (1964)
• Veer Zaara (2004)
• Aankhein (1950)
• Dekh Kabira Roya (1957)

   14 . Shankar Ehsaan Loy

Shankar Ehsaan Loy is the most powerful trio that took Bollywood music to a whole new level with contemporary creations. They combined Indian music and vocal elements with Western pop influence; giving birth to a new and refreshing fusion style. The uniqueness and versatility of the compositions make this trio stand out among all. While they offer a perfect Indian vibe, there are plenty of global hues too. The trio has worked in various languages such as Hindi, English, Telugu, Tamil, and Marathi.

Notable Works

• Rock On (2008)
• Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
• Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
• Kal Ho Na Ho (2003)
• Taare Zameen Par (2007)

    13.  Jatin – Lalit

If you love good old Bollywood romantic songs then probably you are listening to Jatin & Lalit’s magical creations. This duo has reigned the Bollywood Film Industry as the music directors and composers of most hit films at that time. Whether it is a movie by Shahrukh Khan or Aamir Khan; the music director would be Jatin & Lalit. Their melodic creations with romantic flavors resonated with the mass audience, making each track a hit. Most of their musical creations are known to everyone.

Notable Works

• Kabhie Kushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
• Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995)
• Mohabbatein (2000)
• Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar (1991)
• Fanaa (2006)

   12.  Anand – Milind

Anand and Milind is another successful duo that made huge progress in the 2000s. This duo is best known for their unique melody that can captivate everyone. Their musical representations offer a blended essence of rhythm, style, and humor.

Notable Works

• Qayamat se Qayamat tak (1988)
• Rebel for Love (1990)
• Dil (1990)
• Beta (1992)
• Anari (1993)

      11.  Nadeem – Shravan

The good old ‘90s Bollywood tracks that can make everyone nostalgic are considered to be the timeless songs that created a huge buzz among movie buffs as well as music lovers. This duo has been producing some of the best compositions in the nineties which are still enjoyed by the listeners of this era. Although this duo did not last long in the industry; their exceptional creations make them stay in listeners’ hearts. With their signature moves and a great sense of original music, these two artists made significant progress within a short duration.

 Notable Works

• Saajan (1991)
• Raja Hindustani (1996)
• Pardes (1997)
• Aashiqui (1990)
• Dhadkan (2000)

  10. O P Nayyar

O P Nayyar is perhaps the most underrated music director in the Indian Music industry who created some hit masterpieces that are still ear-soothing to most Indian listeners. Most of his works are dominant in the 1950s and 60s which offered a different take on classical Bollywood music. He also partnered with Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhosle and offered listeners some of the timeless creations. Its music, tunes, and orchestration are what make his music even more alive and interactive.

Notable Works

• MR and Mrs’ 55 (1955)
• Naya Daur (1957)
• CID (1956)
• Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)

9.  Naushad Ali

Naushad Ali is a gem of the Bollywood Film Industry whose musical creations helped the industry with some of the best and most hit soundtracks. Naushad’s adaption and instrumentation of classical Indian music were quite different than the music used in Bollywood cinemas at that time. Ali could be mostly found experimenting with sitar, mandolin, flute, clarinet, and many other instruments with any in-between.

Notable Works

• Pakeezah (1971)
• Mother India (1957)
• Mughal E Azam (1960)
• Ganga Jamuna (1961)
• BaijuBawra (1952)

   8. Vijayabhaskar

Well known for his paramount contributions to the South Indian Music Industry, Vijayabhaskar is one of the most talented music directors whose work range in various language and film industry. Starting from Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil, to Marathi, Konkani Tulu, and Kannada; his musical work could be found in every regional language. However, he mostly worked in Kannada movies and helped it grow musically.

Notable Works

• Belli Moda (1967)
• GejjePooje (1969)
• Malaya Marutha (1986)
• SanthaThukaram (1963)
• Thoogudeepa (1966)

7. K V Mahadevan

K V Mahadevan’s songs are still played in most Telugu and Tamil households. His musical works span over four languages and over 50 successful years which helped to enrich the Indian Music Industry. Each of his musical creations offered listeners an engaging combination of melodic musical arrangement and beautiful lyrics. He has collaborated with the director K Viswanath and this musical partnership was one of the turning points of his career.

Notable Works

• Swathi Kiranam (1992)
• Adimai Penn (1969)
• Sankarabharam (1979)
• Sirivennala (1986)
• MoogaManasulu (1964)

 6. C Ramchandra

C Ramchandra is one of the pioneers of Indian Film Music who worked in the early stage. Although this person started his career as an actor, he soon found his passion in music. There are several duets and singles made by him which are still buzzing the playlists of music lovers. The phrase ‘Old is Gold’ is true when it comes to the musical works of this legend. Most of his musical creations consist of an amazing blend of harmonica, trumpet, and guitar. His works with Lata Mangeshkar are the most popular ones.

Notable Works

• Anarkali (1953)
• Navrang (1959)
• Albela (1951)
• Aasha (1957)
• Khazana (1951)

   5.  M S Viswanathan

Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Viswanathan is one of the great pioneers of Tamil music. He started from nothing and then became one of the best music composers with his sheer talent, skills, and hard work. He started his life as a hawker in the streets and then finally became one of the top Indian Music Directors which is quite phenomenal. From rags to riches, this person released directorial music albums during the 1970s and 1980s. With a perfect blend of traditional hymns, catchy melodies, and orchestra; Viswanathan brought a new musical taste in the industry.

Notable Works

• RaasathiKalyanam (1980)
• AboorvaRagangal (1975)
• MuthanaMuthallavo (1976)

      4.  Ilayaraja

Maestro Ilayaraja is the Guru of A R Rahman and there’s no doubt that he learned from the finest. Ilayaraja is the music director and composer from more than 1000 films whose work is mainly oriented on classical and traditional music. The music director has experimented with Indian folk music and introduced other elements to make it sound even more unique and strangely refreshing. His musical magic prevails eternally through melodies that can inspire more generations.

Notable Works

• Thalapathi (1991)
• Rudraveena (1989)
• SagaraSangamam (1984)
• Bhairavi (1986)
• Nayagan (1987)

 3. R.D. Burman

In every musical era some legends are born just to inspire to world with their work and R.D. Burman is one of the top of them. Burman’s sense of original music was unparalleled and he introduced contemporary musical elements back in the ‘70s which shows his foresightedness of the industry. He was the music director of most Indian Bollywood movies from the 1970s-90s and songs are still relevant in this age. His creative melodies and unique tunes make people go back to the same songs again and again yet they seem to like it as if it’s a fresh creation. His musical creations consist of elements from Latin, Oriental, and Arabic music too. To this date, Burman is the biggest inspiration for the music artists.

Notable Works

• Amar Prem (1971)
• Sholay (1975)
• Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971)
• A Love Story (1994)
• YaadonkiBaarat (1973)

2.  M.M.Keeravani

Keeravani has recently won an Oscar for his music highly energetic musical creation for the movie ‘RRR’. It is not required to say that the whole world started grooving to the tune of ‘Natu Natu’ as soon as the song came out. His musical works can be found in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi film industry but most of his creations are in Telegu films only. This talented person has been working in the industry for more than 3 decades now and still pushing his limits to bring more catchy tunes in the coming days.

Notable Works

• KshanaKshanam (1991)
• AllariPriyudu (1993)
• Chatrapathi (2005)
• Magadheera (2009)
• Bahubali (2015)
• RRR(2022)

1.  A R Rahman

A R Rahman is an all-in-one music artist who is well revered around the globe for his sheer talents and creative psyche that meanders through his musical creations. Being a legendary director, composer, and singer as well; this musical maestro has a separate fan base. Most of Rahman’s work includes a fine blend of classical elements with contemporary tunes which makes it sound strangely beautiful every time. Throughout his musical career till now, Rahman has received several applauds and awards internationally including a Grammy and a BAFTA Award. He received the Academy Award or Oscar for his notable work in the movie ‘Slumdog Millionnaire’. He is one of the best music composers and he is going to remain that way for the rest of his career and even after.

Notable Works

• Roja movie (1992)
• Bombay movie (1995)
• Guru movie (2007)
• Lagaan movie (2001)
• Slumdog Millionnaire (2008)
• Rockstar (2011)

The Indian Music and Film Industry is blessed with some of the best and most talented music composers. The aforementioned music directors have inspired and now, the legacy is followed by others. With constant evolution and creativity, it is safe to say that the industry is going to have more legends in the coming days.

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