While many outsiders enter the entertainment industry to pursue a career in acting, several others harbor aspirations of becoming renowned musicians, scoring compelling music for the film industry. One such notable figure is Pritam Chakraborty, a composer who initially aspired to become an IAS officer but subsequently rose to prominence as one of India’s preeminent music composers.
Born and raised in Kolkata, Pritam Chakraborty received his foundational training in music from his father and developed a fascination for playing the guitar during his school years. His early musical influences and flair set the stage for his eventual career in the music industry. Despite his deep-seated interest in music, Pritam followed a conventional academic path, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in geology from the esteemed Presidency College. During this period, he joined a band named Jotugriher Pakhi, formed with his batchmates from Presidency College.
In a revealing interview, Pritam disclosed his initial career plan, which involved attempting the exam to become an IAS officer. He was pragmatic and had a backup plan to work in a bank if he failed to clear the IAS exam. However, the universe had different plans for him. It all changed when he came across an advertisement for a Sound Engineering course at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Though his parents were unsupportive of his musical ambitions, Pritam cleverly circumvented their disapproval by convincing them he was pursuing engineering.
Following his enrollment at FTII, Pritam’s career trajectory began to take shape. Initially, he created advertising jingles for various brands and collaborated with budding artists, gradually making a name for himself in the industry. His first significant break came with the Bollywood film “Tere Liye,” for which he composed the music. Although the songs received commendation, the film itself did not fare well at the box office.
Pritam’s big break came with his solo composition for the movie “Dhoom.
.” The soundtrack, especially the title track, became an instant chartbuster and broke geographic barriers, gaining popularity in nightclubs across the UK, USA, and East Asia. This success marked the beginning of a prolific career, solidifying Pritam Chakraborty’s status as one of Bollywood’s most sought-after music composers.
Over the span of his 23-year career, Pritam has composed unforgettable music for numerous blockbuster films including “Gangster,” “Jannat,” “Kismat Konnection,” “Jab We Met,” “Race,” “Love Aaj Kal,” “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani,” “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil,” “Cocktail,” and the recent hit “Brahmastra,” among many others. Reports suggest that he has delivered over 100 hit songs, making his mark as one of the foremost composers in the Indian music industry.
However, success often attracts its share of controversies. Pritam Chakraborty has faced accusations of plagiarism throughout his career. His first major controversy arose when the song ‘Pehli Nazar Mein’ was claimed to be copied from a Korean track. Similar allegations resurfaced with his song “Bulleya.” Despite these controversies, Pritam’s career has continued to ascend, as his musical talent and innovative compositions overshadowed the negative claims.
Pritam’s remarkable contributions to the film industry have not only brought him fame but also substantial financial success. According to reports, Pritam charges up to Rs 5 crore per film for his compositions, placing him among the highest-paid music composers in India, alongside legends like Anirudh Ravichander, AR Rahman, and Ilayaraja.
Pritam Chakraborty’s journey from an aspiring administrative officer to becoming a musical maestro is a testament to following one’s passion and navigating through the challenges that come along the way. His story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring musicians who dream of making it big in the entertainment industry. Despite the controversies, Pritam’s legacy as a music composer continues to grow, marked by his unwavering dedication and exceptional talent.
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