Ritesh Sidhwani & Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment Launches Excel Music with Mirzapur: The Movie

Mumbai, 3rd August 2026: After redefining Indian cinema with some of its most iconic films, Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment has officially entered the music business with the launch of Excel Music. Backed by Universal Music Group (UMG) as a strategic shareholder and its global marketing and distribution partner, the new label marks a major milestone in the production house’s creative evolution. With a vision to become a destination for original film soundtracks, background scores and music from leading filmmakers across India, Excel Music is poised to become one of the country’s most exciting new music labels.

The label will make its debut with the soundtrack album of the highly anticipated Mirzapur: The Movie, which arrives in cinemas on September 4, 2026. Leading the album is its first single featuring Dhanda, one of the biggest names in the Haryanvi music scene, who is set to make his much-awaited Bollywood debut. The track, releasing this week, signals Excel Music’s ambition to bridge regional music with mainstream Hindi cinema while introducing fresh voices to a wider audience.

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”. 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”.

For over two decades, Excel Entertainment has consistently delivered memorable music that has become inseparable from its storytelling. From timeless albums like Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Rock On!!, Karthik Calling Karthik, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadakne Do, Baar Baar Dekho, Raees, and the culture-defining Gully Boy, the studio has created songs that continue to resonate across generations. With Excel Music, the company now aims to extend that legacy beyond films, building a catalogue that celebrates compelling storytelling through music while collaborating with some of India’s finest composers, singers and creators.