What is the story about?
As 2026 begins, conversations around Indian music are subtly shifting from constant output to creative intention. In an era shaped by speed and saturation, there’s a growing appetite for composers whose work once prioritised melody, emotional architecture, and musical identity over instant virality. Here are five composers we hope will create more magic in 2026.
Adnan Sami
Adnan Sami’s music has always thrived on restraint. His piano led compositions allowed melody and phrasing to take centre stage, creating songs that unfolded patiently rather than demanding attention. Tracks like Tera Chehra, Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein, and Lift Kara De showcased a composer who understood the pulse of his listeners. From soulful melodies to rhythmic songs, Sami has not only delivered hits but also defined the music pop culture scene.
A. R. Rahman
A. R. Rahman remains one of India's most globally recognised composers, reinventing music and sound with each album he puts out. From Roja and Dil Se to Jai Ho and Kun Faya Kun, Rahman’s music has consistently redefined emotional scale and sonic ambition. 2026 is already looking exciting for his audiences as he is set to perform his wonderment tour across the country and is set to deliver scores for some of the most anticipated films (Ramayana, Peddi, Lahore 1947 and D56)
Pritam
Few composers understand popular taste as intuitively as Pritam. His ability to craft melodies that feel immediate yet emotionally layered has resulted in songs like Tum Hi Ho, Ya Ali, and Channa Mereya. While his catalogue is vast, we’re looking forward to what he will serve in 2026.
Amit Trivedi
Amit Trivedi’s compositions have always existed slightly outside conventional frameworks. From the raw experimentation of Dev.D to the folk inflected textures of Iktara, Namo Namo, and Love You Zindagi, his music balances innovation with emotional accessibility. As the industry looks for authenticity over repetition, Trivedi’s composer driven approach feels primed for a creatively expansive phase.
Shankar Mahadevan
As part of Shankar Ehsaan Loy and as a standalone musical force, Shankar Mahadevan has helped shape some of Hindi cinema’s most emotionally resonant soundscapes. Songs like Breathless, Mitwa, and Kal Ho Naa Ho reflect his deep grounding in classical music and vocal driven composition. One is hopeful of an exciting drop from the composer in 2026.
Adnan Sami
Adnan Sami’s music has always thrived on restraint. His piano led compositions allowed melody and phrasing to take centre stage, creating songs that unfolded patiently rather than demanding attention. Tracks like Tera Chehra, Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein, and Lift Kara De showcased a composer who understood the pulse of his listeners. From soulful melodies to rhythmic songs, Sami has not only delivered hits but also defined the music pop culture scene.
A. R. Rahman
A. R. Rahman remains one of India's most globally recognised composers, reinventing music and sound with each album he puts out. From Roja and Dil Se to Jai Ho and Kun Faya Kun, Rahman’s music has consistently redefined emotional scale and sonic ambition. 2026 is already looking exciting for his audiences as he is set to perform his wonderment tour across the country and is set to deliver scores for some of the most anticipated films (Ramayana, Peddi, Lahore 1947 and D56)
Pritam
Few composers understand popular taste as intuitively as Pritam. His ability to craft melodies that feel immediate yet emotionally layered has resulted in songs like Tum Hi Ho, Ya Ali, and Channa Mereya. While his catalogue is vast, we’re looking forward to what he will serve in 2026.
Amit Trivedi
Amit Trivedi’s compositions have always existed slightly outside conventional frameworks. From the raw experimentation of Dev.D to the folk inflected textures of Iktara, Namo Namo, and Love You Zindagi, his music balances innovation with emotional accessibility. As the industry looks for authenticity over repetition, Trivedi’s composer driven approach feels primed for a creatively expansive phase.
Shankar Mahadevan
As part of Shankar Ehsaan Loy and as a standalone musical force, Shankar Mahadevan has helped shape some of Hindi cinema’s most emotionally resonant soundscapes. Songs like Breathless, Mitwa, and Kal Ho Naa Ho reflect his deep grounding in classical music and vocal driven composition. One is hopeful of an exciting drop from the composer in 2026.
