Mumbai: Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar-led Excel Entertainment has announced the launch of Excel Music, its dedicated music label, marking a strategic expansion of the production house’s creative portfolio. The label has been launched by Excel Entertainment with Universal Music Group (UMG) as a strategic shareholder and its marketing and distribution partner.
The new label will serve as a platform for original film soundtracks and background scores from Excel Entertainment’s productions, while also collaborating with leading filmmakers and production houses across India. The move extends the company’s storytelling beyond cinema into the music business.
Excel Music’s first release will be the soundtrack album of Mirzapur: The Movie, which is slated to hit theatres on September 4, 2026. The album’s first track, featuring Haryanvi music artist Dhanda, will mark his Bollywood debut and is scheduled for release this week.
Over the past two decades, Excel Entertainment has built a strong musical legacy through films such as Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Rock On!!, Karthik Calling Karthik, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadakne Do, Baar Baar Dekho, Raees and Gully Boy, with music playing a central role in its storytelling.
Founders of Excel Entertainment Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar said, “Music has always held a special place in our creative journey. Launching Excel Music is a natural extension of that passion, and we’re excited about the possibilities it brings. We look forward to collaborating with some of the finest creative talent and creating music that resonates with audiences across generations.”
Universal Music Group will support Excel Music through its global marketing, distribution and artist ecosystem as part of the strategic partnership.
Sanujeet Bhujabal, Managing Director, India & South Asia, Universal Music Group, said, “Excel Entertainment has shaped contemporary Hindi cinema for over two decades through storytelling that has resonated across generations. As strategic partners in the company we are delighted to partner with Excel on the launch of Excel Music and help build a distinctive destination for exceptional music across genres. Leveraging Universal Music’s global artist roster, iconic catalogue, and world class marketing and distribution capabilities, we look forward to taking Excel Music to audiences across India and around the world.”
With the launch of Excel Music, Excel Entertainment aims to strengthen its presence in the music ecosystem by creating a dedicated destination for film soundtracks and original music, while leveraging Universal Music Group’s global reach to expand its audience in India and international markets.
