Bollywood, India’s cinematic powerhouse, boasts legendary composers like A.R. Rahman and iconic singers like Lata Mangeshkar, yet it has failed to produce official musical biopics on its music legends. Despite a rich musical heritage, no films celebrate icons like Kishore Kumar or Mohammed Rafi on-screen. Why does Hindi cinema, centered in Mumbai, lag behind Hollywood’s successes like Bohemian Rhapsody? The reasons lie in commercial fears, creative constraints, and industry priorities, despite abundant talent.
In This Article:
Perceived Commercial Risks
Bollywood perceives musical biopics as risky ventures. Kumar Sanu, in an interview, noted producers doubt their profitability, believing audiences prefer action or romance over music-driven stories. Unlike sports biopics like Dangal, which grossed ₹2,000 crore, musical narratives are seen as niche, potentially failing to attract Gen Z or global audiences. The industry’s reliance on formulaic masala films overshadows experimental projects, despite the success of Western biopics like Rocketman (2019).
Creative and Logistical Challenges
Crafting a musical biopic requires balancing authentic storytelling with cinematic appeal. Unlike The Roshans (2025), a Netflix documentary series highlighting Rajesh Roshan’s contributions, biopics demand dramatized narratives, which are complex to execute. Securing rights to iconic songs is another hurdle, as music labels hold tight control, complicating permissions and raising costs. Additionally, recreating the era of legends like Asha Bhosle involves meticulous research and high production values, deterring risk-averse filmmakers.
Shift in Industry Priorities
Bollywood’s music industry, once a creative hub, now prioritizes quick, trendy tracks over timeless melodies. Lyricist Lalit Pandit lamented that producers demand “ready-made songs” via WhatsApp, stifling innovation. This focus on fleeting hits, coupled with weak writing, dilutes the depth needed for biopics. The industry’s shift toward urban multiplex audiences also favors Western-influenced narratives over traditional music stories.
Untapped Potential
Tanishk Bagchi believes biopics on legends like Rafi could inspire youth, serving as “masterclasses in emotion and artistry.” With digital platforms amplifying reach, now is the time for Bollywood to harness its composers and singers to honor its musical legacy, blending nostalgia with modern storytelling.
-By Manoj H