Sunday, May 25 2025 | Time 23:52 Hrs(IST)
EntertainmentPosted at: May 25 2025 6:31PM


Laxmikant Kudalkar: Maestro of Bollywood’s golden melodies

New Delhi, May 25 (UNI) Laxmikant Shantaram Kudalkar, one half of the legendary composer duo ‘Laxmikant-Pyarelal’, was a towering figure in Hindi cinema whose music shaped generations.
As the driving emotional force behind the duo’s sound, Laxmikant’s influence helped define the golden era of Bollywood music—from the 1960s through the 1990s.
Born on November three, 1937 in Mumbai to a family of modest means, Laxmikant’s early life was marked by hardship. Orphaned young and raised in poverty, music became his anchor. He began learning the mandolin as a child, later mastering the violin under the guidance of legends like Hussain Ali and Husnlal.
His prodigious talent led him to the world of film orchestras, where he worked with stalwarts such as C Ramchandra, S D Burman, and Shankar-Jaikishan. It was through the Mangeshkar family’s music school that he met Pyarelal Sharma, forming a lifelong partnership that would revolutionise Bollywood’s musical identity.
Laxmikant’s early artistic journey also included work as a child actor in films like ‘Bhakt Pundalik’ (1949), ‘Aankhen’ (1950) and several Gujarati films. Decades later, he made a memorable cameo as himself in ‘Teri Kasam’ (1982), underscoring his multifaceted involvement in the industry.
The duo’s breakthrough came with the 1963 film ‘Parasmani’. Its massive musical success marked the beginning of a run that saw them compose over 3,000 songs across nearly 500 films. Their genius lay in versatility—they delivered classical ragas, disco beats, soulful ballads, devotional hymns, and foot-tapping folk numbers with equal flair. Whether it was the stirring intensity of ‘Dosti’, the vibrant energy of ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’, the rock-n-roll of ‘Shagird’, or the haunting melodies of ‘Karz’, Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s compositions left an indelible mark.
Their work dominated the radio waves, especially on ‘Binaca Geet Mala’, and earned them seven Filmfare Awards for Best Music Director, alongside over 30 nominations—a testament to their sustained brilliance.
Laxmikant, who often focused on vocal arrangements and emotional depth, was the heart of the duo’s melodic storytelling.
Laxmikant passed away in 1998, but the music lives on. Through his unmatched contribution to Indian cinema, both behind the scenes and briefly on screen, he ensured that the name Laxmikant-Pyarelal would forever echo in the annals of Bollywood history.
UNI ANV SS
Tags: #Laxmikant Kudalkar: Maestro of Bollywood’s golden melodies
More News

Remembering Laxmikant Kudalkar: Maestro of Bollywood’s golden melodies

25 May 2025 | 8:48 PM

New Delhi, May 25 (UNI) Laxmikant Shantaram Kudalkar, one half of the legendary composer duo ‘Laxmikant-Pyarelal’, was a towering figure in Hindi cinema whose music shaped generations.

see more..

Teaser of ZEE 5's new original web series 'Chhal Kapat: The Deception' out

25 May 2025 | 8:02 PM

Mumbai, May 25 (UNI) ZEE 5 has released the tantalising teaser of its upcoming original webseries, "Chhal Kapat: The Deception", set to premiere this June.

see more..

Shalini Pandey heads to Manali for 2nd filming schedule of 'Rahu Ketu'

25 May 2025 | 7:58 PM

Mumbai, May 25 (UNI) Bollywood actress Shalini Pandey has set off for Manali to commence the second schedule of her upcoming dark comedy "Rahu Ketu", featuring Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma.

see more..

Sydney Sweeney teases new update for ‘Euphoria’ Season 3

25 May 2025 | 7:09 PM

Los Angeles, May 25 (UNI) Sydney Sweeney has teased a wild return for her character Cassie in the long-awaited third season of HBO’s ‘Euphoria’, promising fans an even more chaotic version of the already turbulent teen.

see more..

Kunal Khemu celebrates his birthday in Maldives

25 May 2025 | 7:08 PM

Mumbai, May 25 (UNI) Renowned Bollywood actor-director Kunal Kemmu celebrated his birthday with a tranquil retreat to Maldives, away from the spotlight and surrounded by his beloved family.

see more..