Ritesh Sidhwani And Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment Launches Excel Music

Excel Entertainment has announced the launch of Excel Music, its dedicated music label, marking the production house's foray into the music business. The label is backed by Universal Music Group (UMG) as a strategic shareholder, as well as its marketing and distribution partner.

The label will debut with the soundtrack of Mirzapur: The Movie, which is slated to hit theatres on September 4, 2026. The album's first single, featuring Haryanvi music star Dhanda in his Bollywood debut, is set to release later this week.

Known for producing some of Hindi cinema's most acclaimed films over the past two decades, Excel Entertainment has built a strong musical legacy through soundtracks from 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 Excel Music, the company aims to expand that legacy by releasing original film soundtracks and scores from its own productions, while also collaborating with leading filmmakers and production houses across India.

Commenting on the launch, Excel Entertainment founders Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar said music has always been central to the company's storytelling, adding that the new label is a natural extension of its creative vision. They expressed enthusiasm about working with leading creative talent to produce music that connects with audiences across generations.

Sanujeet Bhujabal, Managing Director, India & South Asia, Universal Music Group, said the partnership reflects a shared vision of building a distinctive destination for quality music. He added that UMG will leverage its global artist roster, catalogue, and marketing and distribution capabilities to help take Excel Music to audiences in India and worldwide.

The launch of Excel Music marks a strategic expansion for Excel Entertainment, extending its storytelling beyond films into the music ecosystem through a dedicated label supported by one of the world's largest music companies.