Monday, May 26 2025 | Time 01:52 Hrs(IST)
EntertainmentPosted at: May 25 2025 8:48PM


Remembering 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.
We remember the musical wizard on his 27th death anniversary.
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 on May 25, 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 RN
Tags: #Remembering Laxmikant Kudalkar: Maestro of Bollywood’s golden melodies
More News

Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam unveil audio of 'Thug Life'

26 May 2025 | 12:54 AM

Chennai, May 25 (UNI) The audio launch of "Thug Life", the upcoming cinematic extravaganza helmed by iconic filmmaker Mani Ratnam and headlined by the legendary Kamal Haasan, took place in a grand ceremony at Sri Sairam Engineering College in city.

see more..

Alan Yentob, visionary BBC broadcaster & patron of arts, passes away at 78

26 May 2025 | 12:41 AM

London, May 25 (UNI) Alan Yentob, the prolific BBC broadcaster and documentarian whose name became synonymous with the Corporation's artistic output, has died at the age of 78.

see more..

Tripti Dimri to headline Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Spirit' with Prabhas

25 May 2025 | 9:02 PM

Mumbai, May 25 (UNI) Bollywood actress Tripti Dimri is set to share the frame with South Indian superstar Prabhas in director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film "Spirit".

see more..

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..