Salim–Sulaiman | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Salim–Sulaiman at the inaugural press meet of MTV's Super Fight League season 2 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Mumbai,Maharashtra,India |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | score composer,music director |
| Instruments | |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Website | salimsulaiman |
Salim–Sulaiman is an Indian score composer duo consisting of siblingsSalim Merchant andSulaiman Merchant. The duo compose music predominantly forHindi films.
Salim–Sulaiman's ancestral town isMundra,Kutch,Gujarat.[1] They were born inMumbai.[1] Salim Merchant was born on 3 March 1974 and Sulaiman Merchant was born on 21 December 1970.[2] They were inspired by their father Sadruddin Merchant, who used to leadIsmaili Scouts Orchestra in India.[3] Steeped in a family tradition of music as the sons of composer and veteran of the film industry Sadruddin Merchant, Salim mastered the piano on at theTrinity College of Music in London while Sulaiman took up tabla training with such legends asTaufiq Qureshi andUstad Zakir Hussain.[4] Six years after their first music composition for a Bollywood film, they received acclaim for thefilm score ofBhoot.
Salim and Sulaiman have been composing music for over a decade having scored for movies such asNeal 'n' Nikki,Chak De! India,Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi andFashion. The duo had also composed for manyIndi-pop performers includingViva, Aasmaan,Shweta Shetty, Jasmine and Style Bhai among others, composed and produced several TV commercials and collaborated with artistes such asK. S. Chithra,Ustad Zakir Hussain,Ustad Sultan Khan,Ayisha Abdul Basith.[5] After that, they have gone to do movies with well-known producers and directors likeYash Chopra,Subhash Ghai andRam Gopal Varma. They were predominantly composingbackground scores for movies, until theKaran Johar-Shah Rukh Khan productionKaal, for which their song compositions received acclaim.
Salim Merchant was one of the three judges for thefifth season ofIndian Idol onSony Entertainment Television (India).[6]
They have worked on a hollywood remix forLady Gaga's songsBorn This Way andJudas.[7][8] They also worked on I'm A Freak By Enrique. The duo did two songs for the Hollywood filmSold.[9] During the 2020 lockdown Salim–Sulaiman released Gandhi Jayanti single withRicky Kej.[10][11] The duo have produced various tracks in collaboration with a number of indie artists including Shivansh Jindal.[12]
The musical duo collaborated with South African singer Loyiso Bala and Kenyan singer and songwriterEric Wainaina to record the anthem for2010 FIFA World Cup. The anthem is the song "Africa – You're A Star".[13][4]
Salim Merchant was a judge along withAnu Malik andSunidhi Chauhan in season 5 and season 6 of Indian Idol. Salim has judged thesecond season ofIndian Idol Junior along withVishal Dadlani andSonakshi Sinha.
He was one among the four judges withCoach Shaan,Coach Benny, andCoach Neeti in the second season ofThe Voice India.
Salim and Sulaiman Merchant, renowned Indian music composers and producers, launched their own record label, Merchant Records, to nurture emerging talent and produce diverse music.[14]
This initiative reflects their commitment to artistic freedom and innovation, allowing them to explore various musical genres without industry constraints. Through Merchant Records, they have collaborated with a range of artists, contributing to the evolution of the Indian music scene. Their YouTube channel, Salim Sulaiman Music, serves as a platform to showcase their work and support new artists. In 2023, they released "Shukranallah," a film directed and written by Shakti Hasija, celebrating their 31-year musical journey.[15]
This endeavor underscores their dedication to both preserving their musical legacy and fostering the growth of upcoming talent in the industry.
Under their label Merchant Records on YouTube, Salim-Sulaiman released albums celebrated the fusion of traditional Indian music with contemporary global sounds, creating a unique auditory experience.
Released during the pandemic, Bhoomi (2020) was a musical tribute to Indian culture and spirituality, with each track blending folk traditions and modern music. The album featured collaborations with prominent and upcoming artists. Some notable tracks include:
"Bhoomi 2020 (Intro)" – A powerful instrumental piece introducing the album’s essence.
"Bismillah" featuring Sukhwinder Singh – A Sufi-inspired melody.
"Muraliya" featuring Shreya Ghoshal – A soulful track based on Lord Krishna's flute.
"Sanwal" featuring Ustad Shujaat Khan – A blend of Indian classical music and electronic beats.
"Haq Ali" featuring Raj Pandit – A qawwali-inspired song dedicated to Ali.
Bhoomi 2021 delved deeper into Indian folk roots while experimenting with diverse genres. Highlights of this album include:
"Shiv Kund" featuring Padma Shri Kailash Kher – A spiritually uplifting hymn.
"Mori Sajni" featuring Raaginder – A fusion of Punjabi folk and violin melodies.
"Aabad" featuring Salman Ali – A poignant ballad celebrating resilience.
"Tandav" featuring Ehsaan Noorani – A powerful instrumental piece inspired by Lord Shiva's dance.
"Dil Laya Dimaag Laya" featuring Sunidhi Chauhan – A modern take on a love ballad.
Released in December 2023, Bhoomi 2023 continues the duo's exploration of India's rich musical heritage. Notable tracks include:
"Dangal" featuring Srushti Tawade and Cyli Khare – A dynamic composition that fuses traditional rhythms with modern lyrical flow.
"Maari Maavadi" featuringAmit Trivedi, Osman Mir, and Aamir Mir – A vibrant track that showcases a blend of regional folk influences.
"Bulaava Aaya" – A soulful melody that resonates with spiritual undertones.
"Jaaniya" featuringArijit Singh – A romantic ballad highlighting Singh's emotive vocals.
"Ghoomar" featuringShreya Ghoshal – A rendition of the traditional Rajasthani folk dance song, enriched with contemporary arrangements.
"Rangreza" featuringHarshdeep Kaur – A Sufi-inspired track that delves into themes of divine love.
"Kesariya Balam" featuring Kaushiki Chakraborty – A modern take on the classic Rajasthani folk song.
"Naino Ki Mat Mari" featuringRekha Bhardwaj – A rustic folk tune with a contemporary twist.
"Banjara" featuringPapon – A song that captures the nomadic spirit through its melody and lyrics.
"Mast Kalandar" featuringSukhwinder Singh – An energetic rendition of the popular traditional song.
Released in early 2025, Bhoomi 2024 features collaborations with a diverse range of artists, furthering the duo's mission to bridge traditional and modern musical expressions. Notable tracks include:
"Morya" featuring Karan Kanchan, Vaishali Samant, and 100RBH – A high-energy track celebrating Lord Ganesha with a fusion of traditional chants and contemporary beats.
"Allah Ke Pyaare Nabi" featuringRicha Sharma and Salim Merchant – A devotional song paying homage to the Prophet Muhammad, blending soulful vocals with serene instrumentation.
"Chunaree" featuringAmit Trivedi,Taylor Jones, and Alawn – A cross-cultural collaboration that marries Indian melodies with global pop influences.
"Chhaila" featuringShreya Ghoshal andSunidhi Chauhan – A duet that showcases the powerful vocals of two leading singers, set against a backdrop of traditional rhythms.
"Mayavi" featuringSonu Nigam, Sanjith Hegde, and Nagarjun Sharma – A mystical composition that intertwines classical Indian music with modern soundscapes.
"Mehram" featuring Goldie Sohel andAsees Kaur – A romantic ballad that blends heartfelt lyrics with melodious tunes.
"Jaanaan" featuring Raj Pandit and Gulzar Ahmad Ganaie – A soulful track that delves into themes of love and longing.
"900 Rupiya (Never Let You Go)" featuringLoren Allred – An Indo-Western fusion that combines poignant lyrics with a captivating melody.
"Ujaan" featuringShreya Ghoshal and Srijato – A melodious song that beautifully blends Bengali poetry with contemporary music.
"Jaan Le Gayi" featuringSonu Nigam andVishal Dadlani – An energetic track that combines powerful vocals with dynamic instrumentation.
| Award | Year | Result | Awarded for | Nominated work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mirchi Music Awards | 2013 | Won | Indie Pop Song of the Year | Cheene Re Mora Chain |
| Mirchi Music Awards | 2014 | Nominated | Chulein Aasman | |
| Filmfare Awards | 2007 | Won | Filmfare Award for Best Background Score | Krrish |
| Apsara Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Apsara Award for Best Music Director | Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi |
| IIFA Awards | 2005 | Won | IIFA Best Background Score Award | Mujhse Shaadi Karogi |
| Star Screen Awards | 2003 | Won | Star Screen Award for Best Background Score | Bhoot |
| Star Screen Awards | 2004 | Won | Star Screen Award for Best Background Score | Dhoom |
| Zee Cine Awards | 2005 | Won | Zee Cine Award for Best Background Score | Ab Tak Chhappan |
| Daytime Emmy Awards | 2009 | Nominated | Daytime Emmy Award For Outstanding Original Song in a Children's Series | Wonder Pets[16] |
| Syracuse International Film Festival Awards | 2008 | Won | Best Music Director | Fashion |
| FHM (magazine) awards | 2007 | Won | Best Dressed Music Composers | |
| Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer | 2010 | Nominated | Best Singer for Shukran Allah withSonu Nigam | Kurbaan |
| Year | Songs | Album | Language | Composer | Lyricist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | ''Aashayein'' | Iqbal | Hindi | Salim–Sulaiman | Irfan Siddique | Sang the Chorus.[17] |
| 2009 | ''Shukran Allah'' | Kurbaan | Hindi | Salim-Sulaiman | Niranjan Iyengar | |
| 2009 | "Khudaya Ve" | Luck | Hindi | Salim-Sulaiman | Shabbir Ahmed | |
| 2010 | ''Aye Khuda'' | Paathshaala | Hindi | Hanif Shaikh | Hanif Shaikh | |
| 2012 | "Ishq Wala Love" | Student of the Year | Hindi | Vishal–Shekhar | Anvita Dutt |
| Year | Album | Artist(s) | No. of songs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Ragga Ragga | K.S.Chithra, Voodoo (rapper) | 8 songs | First Album |
| 1995 | Shweta – The New Album | Shweta Shetty,Shantanu Mukherjee | 8 songs | Also known asShweta – The New Album and other hits on Audio CD with the additional of 4 bonus tracks from 8 main tracks. |
| Dole Dole and Other Hits | Suchitra Krishnamurthy | 1 song | ||
| 1996 | Channel Hits | Various | 1 song | |
| 1998 | Maa | Sagarika,Shaan,Shweta Shetty,Suchitra Krishnamoorti and others As mentioned on the back of the album cover | 8+3 songs (11 songs) | |
| 2000 | Prema.com | Various | 1 song | |
| 2000 | Bhoomi | Zubeen Garg,Bhoomi,Ustad Sultan Khan and others | 8 songs | |
| 2020 | Date Kar Le | CarryMinati | 1 Song | [18] |
| 2022 | Tsunami | Khesari Lal Yadav | 1 Song | [19] |
| International | |
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| National | |
| Artists | |
