Universal Music India (UMI), part of global music major Universal Music Group (UMG), has entered into a definitive strategic partnership with Excel Entertainment, acquiring a 30% minority equity stake. The transaction values Excel Entertainment at ₹2,400 crore and marks a significant collaboration between the music and film production powerhouse and the global music group.
As part of the agreement, UMG will secure worldwide distribution rights for all upcoming original soundtracks produced for projects owned or controlled by Excel Entertainment. The partnership also includes the creation of a dedicated Excel music label, which will be globally distributed by UMG. Additionally, Universal Music Publishing Group will act as Excel’s exclusive music publishing partner, enabling deeper collaboration opportunities for UMG and UMI artists across future film and content productions.
The deal also brings leadership-level integration, with Devraj Sanyal—Chairman and CEO of Universal Music India & South Asia, and SVP – Strategy for Africa, Middle East and Asia—joining Excel Entertainment’s Board of Directors. Excel’s founders, Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, will continue to oversee creative vision and content decisions.
Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, Founders of Excel Entertainment said, “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.”
Vishal Ramchandani, CEO, Excel Entertainment said: “This partnership with UMG marks a pivotal step in our journey to broaden creative opportunities and tell Indian stories with a global lens. With a shared vision for innovation and excellence, we aim to transform Excel into a creative global studio—one that brings clutter-breaking, original content to audiences across platforms and geographies.”
Adam Granite, UMG’s CEO of Africa, Middle East and Asia (AMEA), said: “Today’s announcement further strengthens UMG’s position in India, a dynamic and strategically important music market for the group globally. Original soundtracks remain at the heart of India’s fast-growing music market, with Indian listeners showing a growing desire to access more music in that genre. By investing in and partnering with Excel Entertainment, UMG will be uniquely positioned to contribute from the earliest stage to Excel’s future endeavours and throughout the creative process, providing huge benefits to both parties.”
Devraj Sanyal said: “Farhan and Ritesh have built an exceptionally impressive business, and we’re thrilled to be working with them on the next phase of their journey. The Indian film scene presents a hugely exciting opportunity for music and the music-led entertainment business, and Excel is the perfect partner for us to work with going forward.”
