Universal Music India (UMI), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, formally announced that it has entered into an agreement with Indian production house Excel Entertainment. Universal has acquired a 30% stake in Excel, owned by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. The investment values Excel at ₹2400 crore ($266 million), making it one of the most valuable Indian production houses around.
Universal group enters into partnership with Excel
The partnership was announced on Monday morning at a press conference attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with the leadership from both companies.
Under the terms of the agreement, UMG will gain global distribution rights for all future original soundtracks created for projects owned or controlled by Excel. The alliance also includes the launch of a dedicated Excel music label, to be globally distributed by UMG. Universal Music Publishing Group will also become Excel’s exclusive music publishing partner.
According to a press release shared by spokespersons for Excel, the company’s founders Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar “will continue to shape creative direction and content decisions.” Devraj Sanyal – Chairman and CEO of Universal Music India & South Asia and SVP of Strategy, Africa, Middle East and Asia – will serve on Excel Entertainment’s Board of Directors as part of the agreement.
Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar said in a statement, “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.”
{{/usCountry}}Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar said in a statement, “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.”
{{/usCountry}}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. ”
About Excel Entertainment and Universal
Excel Entertainment began its journey 25 years ago with Dil Chahta Hai, which also marked Farhan’s debut as a director. Since then, Excel has delivered several big hits, including the Don franchise, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Gully Boy, and the Fukrey series. Over the last decade, Excel has successfully ventured into the OTT space with popular shows like Mirzapur, Made in Heaven, and Dahaad.
Universal Music Group, abbreviated as UMG, is a multinational entertainment conglomerate headquartered in California, with its corporate offices in the Netherlands. With an operational revenue of $11 billion in 2023, it is one of the world's biggest media corporations and is considered one of the "Big Three" record labels, along with Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group.
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