Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment launches Excel Music
Mumbai, August 3
Excel Entertainment, founded by filmmakers Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, has announced the launch of Excel Music, a new music label that will handle original film soundtracks and scores.
The label has been launched by Excel Entertainment with Universal Music Group coming on board as a strategic shareholder as well as its marketing and distribution partner.
The first release under Excel Music will be the soundtrack album of 'Mirzapur: The Movie', which is set to hit theatres on September 4, 2026. The album's first song will feature Haryanvi singer Dhanda, who will be making his Bollywood debut. The track is scheduled to release later this week.
For more than two decades, Excel Entertainment has been behind several popular films, including Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Rock On!!, Karthik Calling Karthik, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadakne Do, Baar Baar Dekho, Raees, and Gully Boy. The production house said its new music label will not only release music from its own films but also work with filmmakers and production houses from across India.
Speaking about the new venture, founders Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar said music has always been an important part of their work and that launching a dedicated label was a natural step forward.
Universal Music Group also shared its excitement about the partnership. Sanujeet Bhujabal, Managing Director, India & South Asia, Universal Music Group, said Excel Entertainment has built a strong place in Hindi cinema over the years, and the company is looking forward to working together on the new label.
With the launch of Excel Music, Excel Entertainment is expanding its work beyond films and into the music space, beginning with the soundtrack of Mirzapur: The Movie.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Excited for Mirzapur: The Movie soundtrack! The series had such a raw and gritty vibe, I hope the music matches that energy. Also, having Universal on board is a big deal - this could really help Indian music reach global audiences.
This is great news for Bollywood music. For too long, we've seen labels churn out repetitive remixes. Excel Music should bring back original, meaningful soundtracks. Looking forward to Dhanda's Bollywood debut - Haryanvi singers are adding so much flavor to Hindi films lately.
Impressive move by Excel Entertainment. The combination of their storytelling legacy with Universal's global distribution network could be a win-win. This might open doors for more Indian soundtracks to get international recognition.
As someone who grew up humming "Dil Chahta Hai" songs, this feels like coming full circle. Farhan has a way of connecting music to emotion. I just hope they don't go too commercial and lose that indie vibe which made Excel special. 🙏
Good move strategically. But I hope they focus on giving upcoming artists a platform rather than just signing big names. The indie music scene in India needs more backing from such established houses. Let's see how it plays out!
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