Universal Music India Acquires 30% Stake in Excel Entertainment: A Major Boost for Bollywood’s Music-Film Synergy

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Mumbai, January 5, 2026 – In a landmark deal that signals deeper integration between India’s booming film and music industries, Universal Music India (a division of global giant Universal Music Group) has acquired a 30% equity stake in Excel Entertainment, the renowned production house co-founded by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. The transaction values Excel at approximately ₹2,400 crore (around $290 million), marking one of the largest minority investments in an Indian production company.

Announced today, the strategic partnership goes far beyond a simple financial investment. Universal Music Group gains global distribution rights to all future original soundtracks from Excel’s projects, while the collaboration includes the launch of a dedicated Excel music label to be distributed worldwide by UMG. Additionally, Universal Music Publishing Group becomes Excel’s exclusive publishing partner, paving the way for UMG artists to feature in Excel’s films and series.

Excel Entertainment, established in 1999, has built an iconic legacy with groundbreaking films like Dil Chahta Hai, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Gully Boy (India’s Oscar submission), the Don franchise, and the Fukrey series. The banner has also made a strong mark in the OTT space with hit series such as Mirzapur, Inside Edge, Made in Heaven, and Dahaad.

As part of the agreement, Devraj Sanyal, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music India & South Asia, will join Excel’s board. Importantly, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani will retain majority ownership and full creative control, ensuring the studio’s signature storytelling vision remains intact.

Excel CEO Vishal Ramchandani described the partnership as “a pivotal step in our journey to broaden creative opportunities and tell Indian stories with a global lens… transform Excel into a creative global studio.”

Adam Granite, CEO of UMG’s Africa, Middle East, and Asia division, emphasized the strategic fit: “Original soundtracks remain at the heart of India’s fast-growing music market… By investing in and partnering with Excel Entertainment, UMG will be uniquely positioned to contribute from the earliest stage.”

Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani jointly added: “India’s entertainment landscape continues to grow from strength to strength, and this is the perfect moment to build meaningful global collaborations. We’re excited to partner with UMG in what we believe will be a truly creative and transformative alliance—one that unlocks fresh opportunities for artists and repertoire across music, film, and emerging formats. Together, we aim to take culturally rooted stories to the world.”

This deal highlights India’s thriving entertainment ecosystem, with over 375 million OTT viewers and 650 million smartphone users driving demand for music-integrated content. Industry observers see it as a win-win: UMG strengthens its foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets (ranked 15th globally in recorded music revenue), while Excel gains resources to scale ambitious, globally appealing projects.

More details on the new music label and upcoming soundtracks are expected soon. This partnership could redefine how Bollywood harnesses music as a core element of storytelling, opening exciting new chapters for Indian cinema on the world stage.