Best of the best. Review on Ten Best Hindi Music Directors

Songs and dances are an integral part of our films. Thus, it is needless to say that music directors have a huge responsibility on their shoulders. But, a music director simply does not mean composer of songs and good melody, rather he/she should also be familiar with the situations, should have a good rapport with lyricists and should consider the persona of the lead characters of the film for which he /she is composing. Keeping these things in mind here are my top ten in chronological order: -

1. Naushad:-  He was truly a pioneer of film music in India. From composing memorable bhajans to using a 100-piece orchestra in the film AAN, he had an enviable range. Naushad saab loved composing raag based tunes which could be as simple as tu ganga ki mouj or as complex as man tarpat . Notable film albums:- Baiju Bawra, Mughal-e-Azam and Dil Diya Dard Liya etc.

   
   




2. S. D. Burman: - A personal favourite, dada Burman’s greatest asset was the simplicity of his tunes. He once told his assistant  that “ I compose tunes which can be hummed even by my servant”. And yet, they were so rich in terms of quality of composition and melody. He was more comfortable working with specific banners like Navketan Films, Bimal Roy films and Guru Dutt Films and always gave his best in their films like Taxi Driver, Guide, Pyaasa, and Sujata. Notable film albums:- Guide, Aradhana and Abhimaan.

   
   




3. Salil Chowdhury:- A celebrated music maestro from Bengal, Salil Chowdhury created sheer magic through his compositions in some Hindi films as well. He was adept at both folk music and western music and he blended them both beautifully. He has influenced many music directors including R. D. Burman. Notable film albums:- Madhumati, Anand and Annadata.

   
   




4. Shanker – Jaikishen:- They ruled throughout the 1950’s and 60’s with their versatility and strong knowledge of Indian sangeet and western melody. Shammi Kapoor and Raj Kapoor have become immortal in cinegoer’s minds partially because of their compositions picturized on them. No wonder directors like Raj Kapoor, Mohan Kumar and Ramanand Sagar kept coming back to them. Notable Film albums: - Shree 420, Asli Naqli and Gumnaam.

   
   




5. O. P. Nayyar:-   He is so talented and yet so humble. Besides being the only music director who has never used Lataji’s golden voice to be successful he is also immortal for giving us perhaps the highest number of films which were superhits only for their music, so nayyar saab can take 100% credit(strictly a personal opinion). He has made stars out of Biswajeet and Joy Mukherjee through his extremely ear friendly songs.

   
   

Notable Film Albums:- C.I.D., Ek musafir ek hasina and Kashmir ki Kali.

1. Madan Mohan:-  I got to know from mouthshut itself that he never received any classical training for composing music. Strange, considering he has created such classical gems like nainon mein badra and baiyyan na dharo and many more. He, in my opinion has composed some of the most immortal songs of  Lataji. His songs sung by Rafi and Kishore are superb too. He was truly a genius and that is why a great director like Yash Chopra has used his unheard tunes in Veer Zaara. Notable film Albums:- Mera Saaya, Dastak and Mausam.

   
   




2. R. D. Burman:- What can I say about Panchamda? He had a colossal talent along with a rebellious streak of experimenting crossing the barriers and that is why he is my most favourite music director. Only a genius could compose a Hum kisise kum nahin and a Kinara in the same year. Not only his songs but his background music remain etched in the memory forever. Javed Akhtar once rightly remarked that “there are no sharp edges in pancham’s compositions, they are smooth and rounded gems.” I have a huge collection of his songs which are my companions in all kinds of moods. Notable film albums:- Amar Prem, Aandhi and Yaadon Ki Baarat.

   
   




3. Laxmikant – Pyarelal:- This music director duo have ruled the roost for more than three decades by virtue of their orchestration and an uncanny intuition of ‘what the masses want to hear’. A single composition by them can give you a lifetime of entertainment. They have composed some of the best songs sung by Rafi, Kishore, Asha and Lata ever. Notable film albums:- Dosti, Karz and Amar Akbar Anthony.

   
   




4. A. R. Rahman:- He is a child prodigy who has only improved over the passage of time. New innovations with sound, different genres of melody and right use of playback singers have given him an iconic status among music lovers. He is often accused of being repetitive but at least he is refreshingly original. Notable film albums:- Roja, Lagaan and Saathiya.

   
   




5. Shankar Ehsaan Loy:- This trio are new to the film industry but their talent is unquestionable. They are really experts in composing songs for any kind of mood and situation in a film. The unconventional voice of Shankar Mahadevan has only added the necessary difference between them and their contemporaries. Notable film albums:- Dil Chahta Hai, Kuchh Na Kaho and Kal ho naa ho.