Kachori tastes great on its own. But put some chutney over it, and that same kachori becomes ten times more delicious. That's exactly what Amit Trivedi's music does to Anurag Kashyap's films.
Cinema is a director’s medium. No matter what your art is—be it acting, music, cinematography, or editing—it’s the director who can bring out your best. And that becomes a whole lot easier when the vibe clicks. Especially with music. Take AR Rahman, for example. He is a legend in his own right and delivers magic in most films. But he is at his peak when working with Mani Ratnam. Same goes for Hans Zimmer in Hollywood, who truly shines with Christopher Nolan. And in Bollywood, that kind of explosive combo is Amit Trivedi and Anurag Kashyap. The duo is fire. Every time they collaborate; they create something unforgettable. Trivedi’s music is the soul of several of Kashyap's films. You can’t think of those films without his sound. It’s like, as mentioned before, chutney on a kachori—it completes the taste.
(Credit: Chhota Memes Bada Dhamaka)
One of India's finest music composers (or we can simply say 'storytellers'), Amit Trivedi celebrates his 46th birthday today. On this occasion, let’s discuss how his collaboration with Anurag Kashyap has redefined Bollywood music.
This was the beginning of a remarkable friendship and collaboration. Trivedi wasn’t yet a household name, but 'Dev.D' made sure he would be. While Kashyap tore apart the archetype of 'Devdas' in this film, Trivedi tore through the Bollywood soundscape that was popular at that time.
Take “Nayan Tarse” for example— distorted guitars, and electronic fuzz, layered over a Sufi-style vocal lament. More than just background music, it’s Dev’s (Abhay Deol) inner scream. Or “Emotional Attyachar”, a brass band-style satire, mocks Bollywood item songs while being catchier than most of them. Trivedi's music complemented the chaos, heartbreak, and rebellion in Kashyap’s script.
(Credit: T-Series)
In Kashyap's words, “Amit doesn’t score for scenes, he scores for emotions.” And that’s exactly what made 'Dev.D' revolutionary.
Even though 'Bombay Velvet' didn’t click at the box office, the soundtrack was a masterclass in musical world-building. Kashyap envisioned a noir-laced Bombay of the '60s, and Trivedi dived headfirst into jazz, swing, and big band sounds.
Songs like “Dhadaam Dhadaam” — sung hauntingly by Neeti Mohan — captured Rosie’s pain with the melancholy of a tragic musical. “Behroopia” is a romantic deception in both lyrics and tone, laced with silky trumpet solos and atmospheric build-ups.
Trivedi composed numerous songs for the film, even though only a few made it to the screen. He later said, “I lived inside that jazz world for months. It became second nature.”
(Credit: Zee Music Company)
As it goes without saying, the failure of the film didn’t dull the brilliance of its music — in fact, it elevated it to a cult status.
In 'Manmarziyaan', the synergy between the two went one step ahead. Kashyap explored messy millennial love, and Trivedi wrapped it in a music that was part angst, part adrenaline, and wholly Punjabi.
Songs like “Daryaa” were born out of real visual reference. Kashyap cut a sequence on Ammy Virk’s “Qismat” and asked Trivedi to beat it. And Trivedi built the tracks based on the emotional depths of the characters. Take “F For Fyaar” as well — a mashup of traditional Punjabi rhythm. It matches Kashyap’s visual narrative of love spinning out of control — almost like the music is falling apart along with the lovers.
(Credit: Eros Now Music)
'Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat' is another example that even when the film doesn't make a mark, the music hits all the right chords. Here, Trivedi mixes synth-pop, soul, and protest-like undertones to create an atmosphere that reflects youth, confusion, and hope. “Mohabbat Se Hi Toh Kranti Aayegi” is the film’s core philosophy that keeps you hooked.
Dharti ka seena phaad ke, aasman ke baadal chhant ke...Aa gayi Mohabbat...Jo laayegi Kranti! ✊🏼❤️#DJMohabbatReveal #VickyKaushalIsDJMohabbat#AlmostPyaarWithDJMohabbat in cinemas Feb 3.@vickykaushal09 @ItsAmitTrivedi @raghavcofficial #NehaTawde #Shelle @AlayaF___ pic.twitter.com/5EzXJpLyOX
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) January 29, 2023
(Credit: Anurag Kashyap)
This is perhaps Kashyap at his most idealistic, and Trivedi answers with music that is softer but equally radical. It may not be a chartbuster, but it does stay in your mind long after the film ends.
Simply put, it’s the trust. Kashyap gives his collaborators (not just the music director but everyone from actors to technicians) space, and Trivedi, a composer who thrives outside boxes, fills that space beautifully. Kashyap once mentioned, “I don’t give him boundaries. I tell him where I want the soul of the story to be.” Trivedi, with that freedom, soars.
credit: The Rahnuma-E-Deccan Daily
And their music isn't a formula like “one romantic track, one dance number, one sad song.” It merges into the narrative and makes you feel the story. In Kashyap’s words: “With Amit, I never have to explain why. He just knows.”
Happy Birthday, Amit Trivedi. Your Music Saved Many of Us!
