Kalyanji-Anandji: The Famous Siblings of the Bollywood Music Industry

Kalyanji and Anandji, the sibling composers with supreme musical talent, established a strong foothold in Bollywood music for over three decades. From humble beginnings to achieving success in the nation and across the globe, Kalyanji and Anandji have done it all in their distinct way.

The beginning of their career may have been difficult as they entered the industry when the industry was dominated by notable names like S. D. Burman, Madan Mohan, Hemant Kumar, O. P. Nayyar, and Shankar-Jaikishan.

The struggle during the golden era may have inspired the duo to work with first-time directors, new lyricists, and newcomer singers without any hesitation. This story covers their professional journey and their significant role in the Bollywood music scene.

Their first breakthrough was the movie Nagin (1954). For this movie, the music director, Hemant Kumar, didn't want to use the sound of a traditional 'Been' (a musical instrument used by a snake charmer).

After this movie, Kalyanji composed music for Post Box 999 (1956) and Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960); 'Naina Hai Jadoo Bhare' and 'Mujhko Is Raat Ki Tanhai' were hit songs from these movies. Anandji was assisting Kalyanji. Satta Bazaar (1959) and Madari (1959) were the first films where Kalyanji and Anandji worked as a duo. Anandji was also credited along with Kalyanji for Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.

There were times when the brothers were unsure whether a film would work but still put their heart and soul into the song compositions. One such movie was Saraswatichandra (1968). The director was making a period black-and-white film in the colour era. Kalyanji-Anandji assumed this film would not do well in the theatres.

Still, they went ahead and composed famous songs like 'Chandan Sa Badan', 'Main Toh Bhool Chali Babul Ka Des', 'Chhod De Saari Duniya Kisi Ke Liye' and 'Phool Tumhe Bheja Hai Khat Mein'. But the film became a hit and the brothers won a National Award for Best Music Director.

Similarly, in the movie Upkar (1967), the song 'Kasme Vade Pyar Wafa Ka' with on-screen actor Pran became a hit, much to the brothers' surprise. Because they thought Pran's image as a villain won't do justice to the sad song. Upkar was actor Manoj Kumar’s first movie as a director. This movie led to the composer duo's long-lasting collaboration with Manoj Kumar.

Kalyanji-Anandji easily delivered patriotic songs, traditional folk songs, peppy dance hits, and slow sad songs. Their compositions were simple melodies created with saxophone, piano, sitar, santoor or guitar.

The composer duo had many 'firsts' in their career. They were the first to introduce the clavioline, the first music directors of Hindi cinema to win the National Award, and the first music directors to host stage shows in India and across the world.

Kalyanji-Anandji composed songs for over 250 films, several of which won Filmfare awards and are still a favourite among music lovers. In the late 90s, they collaborated with international artists like U.S. DJ Dan The Automator for Bombay the Hard Way: Guns, Cars and Sitars and with Sutrasonic DJs Harv and Sunni for Bollywood Funk.

Kalyanji-Anandji retired in the 90s, giving way to new composers and engaging themselves in charity work. In 2000, the industry lost Kalyanji Virji Shah. His brother, Anandji Virji Shah, lives on with the same passion for music and remains a revered personality in the industry. Together, Kalyanji and Anandji are still known for their versatility as artists and their humility, integrity, and generosity as humans.