At Anara Publishing, we are passionate about bridging the gap between Indian composers and international markets. As a UK-based sync licensing and publishing company with strong ties to India, we have witnessed a significant rise in the use of Indian music in Hollywood and global entertainment. From Bollywood-inspired soundtracks to traditional ragas blending into international scores, the influence of Indian melodies, instruments, and rhythms has grown exponentially. Filmmakers and composers across the world are increasingly incorporating Indian music into their projects, creating a unique fusion of East and West.
The Growing Popularity of Indian Music Worldwide
The use of Indian music in global cinema is not a new phenomenon. Legendary composers like Ravi Shankar and A.R. Rahman paved the way for Indian musical elements to be recognised internationally. However, in recent years, the frequency and depth of its use have surged. With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, Indian music has found a larger audience in international content.
Recent Examples of Indian Music in Hollywood and International Productions
- Ms. Marvel (2022, Disney+) – This series showcased an eclectic mix of South Asian sounds, including Bollywood hits and contemporary indie tracks from Indian artists.
- Murder Mystery 2 (2023, Netflix) – The film featured an Indian song that aptly suited and elevated the Big Fat Indian Wedding scene.
- Never Have I Ever (2020–2023, Netflix) – The series featured a range of Indian tracks, from classical compositions to contemporary Indian indie music.
- Extraction 2 (2023, Netflix) – The film featured intense background scores influenced by Indian percussions and sound design.
- Bridgerton (2022, Netflix) – This series featured a classical rendition of the Bollywood song – Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham
Why is Indian Music Becoming Popular in Global Entertainment?
1. Rich Cultural Heritage and Unique Sound
Indian music, with its intricate ragas, diverse rhythms, and powerful emotions, offers something fresh to global audiences. Traditional instruments like the sitar, tabla, and flute add an exotic and immersive quality to film scores.
2. The Global Rise of Bollywood and Indian Talent
With Bollywood gaining international recognition, Indian musicians and composers are getting opportunities to collaborate with global artists. A.R. Rahman, Anoushka Shankar, and Amit Trivedi have worked on international projects, further popularizing Indian music.
3. Streaming Platforms Bridging Cultures
Thanks to the streaming-era, the increase in volume of new productions has unlocked the need for stories that transcend borders and boundaries. Indian actors are becoming a core part of the narrative, making finding the right track for the script crucial.
What does the future hold?
The increasing incorporation of Indian music in Hollywood and international films indicates that this trend is here to stay. As more Indian artists gain recognition and Western filmmakers continue to experiment with diverse soundscapes, we can expect to see Indian music play an even bigger role in shaping global cinema.
Whether it’s through classical compositions, Bollywood beats, or fusion genres, Indian music is no longer confined to the subcontinent—it is a global phenomenon influencing the world of entertainment like never before. As audiences embrace diverse sounds, Indian music will continue to enrich the global cinematic experience, adding depth, emotion, and authenticity to films and series worldwide.