Ehsaan Noorani Turns 63: Celebrating The Guitarist And Composer Of Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy

Indian guitarist and composer Ehsaan Noorani, a key member of the celebrated musical trio Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, turns 63 on October 12, 2026. Known for his distinctive guitar work and contribution to contemporary Hindi film music, Noorani has played an important role in shaping the sound of some of Bollywood’s memorable musical compositions.

As part of Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, alongside vocalist-composer Shankar Mahadevan and composer Loy Mendonsa, Noorani has helped create a musical identity that blends Indian classical influences, rock, jazz and contemporary sounds. The trio has earned recognition for its versatility across film soundtracks, independent compositions and live performances.

Over the years, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy have delivered music for several prominent Hindi films, including Dil Chahta Hai, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Bunty Aur Babli, Taare Zameen Par, Rock On!! and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Their work has spanned multiple genres, from soulful melodies and romantic ballads to energetic rock compositions and experimental sounds.

Noorani’s guitar work has been an important element of the trio’s musical arrangements, helping bring a distinctive instrumental character to its compositions. His experience as a guitarist, including his association with the music production company Mumbai-based Ehsaan Noorani Music, has also contributed to his standing within India’s music ecosystem.

The trio’s contribution to Hindi film music has been recognised with several industry honours, including National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards. Their work on Kal Ho Naa Ho and Taare Zameen Par, among other projects, demonstrated their ability to combine strong melodies with varied musical influences.

Beyond individual compositions, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy have remained a notable presence in India’s live music circuit, bringing their film repertoire to audiences through concerts and performances. Their collaborative approach has also made them an influential example of how composer partnerships can develop a recognisable musical identity across different projects.

As Noorani marks his 63rd birthday, his journey reflects the contribution of instrumentalists and composers to the evolution of contemporary Indian film music, where experimentation, collaboration and distinctive musical arrangements continue to shape the industry’s soundscape.