India’s Excel Entertainment launches record label backed by Universal Music Group

The Story in Brief

Excel Entertainment has launched Excel Music, backed by Universal Music Group as a strategic shareholder and marketing and distribution partner. The move follows Universal Music India’s acquisition of a 30 per cent equity stake in Excel in January 2026, which gave Universal global distribution rights to the production house’s original soundtracks and made Universal Music Publishing Group its exclusive publisher. Excel Music formalises those rights into a standalone label. Its first release is the soundtrack of Mirzapur: The Movie, due in cinemas on 4 September 2026; the album’s lead track features Haryanvi artist Dhanda Nyoliwala in his Bollywood debut and is set to release this week.

Founded by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar in 1999, Excel Entertainment has produced soundtracks such as Dil Chahta Hai and Gully Boy. Excel Music will also host original soundtracks and scores from Excel’s slate and work with music from other Indian filmmakers and production houses.

The Indian Opinion

Readers should note that much of the language in the article comes from company statements and is promotional in tone, emphasising opportunity and reach. The report records the 30 per cent stake and distribution and publishing arrangements but gives no financial detail or clarity on operational control, so claims about building a “distinctive destination” for music should be treated as ambitions rather than established outcomes. The piece factually notes Dhanda Nyoliwala’s Bollywood debut; whether the new label will broaden musical diversity or change market dynamics will depend on future releases, distribution choices and audience response, which remain uncertain.

Original article: Excel Entertainment Launches New Record Label Backed by Universal Music Group (RollingStoneIndia)

This story was summarised and commented on by AI from the source linked above.