Odia music director Prem Anand takes another big leap on Bollywood stage

Bhubaneswar: Bringing pride to Odisha’s music industry, acclaimed Ollywood music director and composer Prem Anand has bagged another significant Bollywood assignment, with the responsibility of being the sole music director for the upcoming Hindi film Ho Ja Zara Matlabi.

The development marks another important milestone in the musical journey of the Odisha-born composer, who has established himself as one of the prominent names in the Odia film industry.

Being entrusted with the entire musical responsibility of a Bollywood production is a significant recognition of his musical talent and creative abilities. His latest assignment is also expected to provide greater visibility to Odisha’s musical talent on the national stage.
Interestingly, this is not Anand’s first association with Bollywood.

He earlier composed music for the Hindi film Dekh Bhai Dekh (2009) and subsequently worked on two songs, ‘Baahon Mein Apne Tum’ and ‘Khuda Raazi’, for Luv U Turn (2019), directed by Harish Raut. The latter featured singers Mohit Chauhan, Aditi Paul and Jubin Nautiyal.

Anand has also worked on the Marathi film Shortcut, demonstrating his ability to work across different regional music industries.
His musical journey has been marked by experimentation, innovative arrangements and an emphasis on melody. He has also collaborated with several renowned singers, including Udit Narayan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shankar Mahadevan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sunidhi Chauhan and Mohit Chauhan.

For Odisha, Anand’s latest Bollywood assignment is more than just another professional achievement. It is an opportunity for an accomplished regional music composer to take his creative identity to a wider national audience.

Born as Prem Anand Samal on January 23, 1975, in Saanagaan village of Kendrapara district, Prem Anand developed an interest in music at an early age. He received formal musical training at Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Bhubaneswar, where he learnt under eminent gurus, including Bhikari Bal, Gopal Chandra Panda and Ramahari Das.

He began his musical career in 1993, composing for Odisha’s traditional opera (Jatra) industry. His association with several opera troupes helped him gain experience and establish his identity as a composer. He subsequently ventured into Odia cinema, making his debut as a film music director with Tu Eka Ama Saha Bharasa in 2006.
Over the years, Anand has composed music for more than 60 Odia films and numerous albums, devotional songs, television serials and Jatra productions. Some of his notable film associations include Something Something, Love Dot Com, Abhimanyu, Agastya, Chandini I Miss You, Pilata Bigidigala, Tu Mo Love Story, Abhaya and Gapa Hele Bi Sata.

He is also known for introducing innovative musical arrangements and modern programming techniques into Odia film music. In recognition of his experimental approach and contribution to music, he was conferred the title of ‘Musical Scientist’ by Dr Binaya Das, former director of the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.
Anand has received several accolades, including the Odisha State Film Award for his work in Chandini I Miss You. He has also won recognition at the Odia Filmfare and Tarang Cine Awards.

Beyond films, he composed ‘Jai Ho Hindustan Ki’, the official anthem for the 2023 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup hosted in Odisha, further showcasing his versatility.
From composing songs for Jatra productions in Odisha to working with leading Bollywood singers and taking up major Hindi film assignments, Prem Anand’s journey reflects the growing reach of Odia musical talent.