Bollywood films now have multiple music directors

It came as a surprise when 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham' (2001) not only boasted of a multi-starcast, but also had a long list of music composers. Cut to 2013 and this phenomenon isn’t surprising anymore. In fact, it has become the latest B-Town fad to have multiple music directors composing for one film. Be it 'David', 'Nautanki Saala', 'Shootout at Wadala', 'I Me aur Main', 'Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns' or 'Murder 3', 'Himmatwala' and 'Rangrezz', the number of music composers are only increasing.
While Bollywood music is witnessing a phenomenal change in its production value, technical expertise and the number of talented names flooding the recording studios, industry insiders are happy with the options available to them. Musician Ehsaan Noorani feels it’s a director’s prerogative to decide on the numbers. He says, “A lot of directors prefer to have different musicians as it brings a vibrant palette to the music.” The introduction and acceptance of new age cinema where song and dance is not a part of the storyline has also changed the dynamics.
Gone are days when one could recognize the music director from the music of a film. The recognition value of a music director is no more a luxury they can enjoy as the music is spread across various musicians ranging from Bollywood music directors to independent musicians.While some musicians like Anu Malik still detest the loss of signature style of a musician, not all agree. Ehsaan adds, “I prefer giving music for an entire film because I feel the songs have a common thread. But as far as signature style is concerned, it can become repetitive and multiplicity brings newness to every song. You need to keep reinventing yourself.”
And it’s this very newness which is driving filmmakers to make such choices. Director Mohit Suri, feels that having more than one music director has worked well for him. “I feel more comfortable with multiple music directors as it brings variety,” he says. Singer Sukhwinder Singh says, “Not everyone can compose for all genres of music. If you can use different people to compose for various situations, then it’s a good idea.”
With Bollywood opening up for even independent musicians, it works well to not to adhere to any one music director. Music producer Mikey Mccleary clears the air, “There is no hard and fast rule which says you have to have only one music director. Many filmmakers are including an already existing song (read songs from indie bands/artists) in their films. Which is in a way good because it helps in promoting indie talent. ”
So with no one really complaining, the trend seems to be on a song.