Pritam Chakraborty – a name synonymous with chart-topping hits, soul-touching melodies, and unforgettable Bollywood soundtracks – turns 54 today, June 14. Even after decades in the industry, his music continues to dominate playlists across generations. Currently, he’s making headlines once again for composing the soundtrack of Metro In Dino, Anurag Basu’s much-anticipated sequel to the 2007 hit Life in a… Metro.
The ensemble cast for Metro In Dino includes Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Pankaj Tripathi, Neena Gupta, Konkona Sen Sharma, Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Anupam Kher, Kay Kay Menon, and Saswata Chatterjee. The film is all set to premiere on July 4.
But as we celebrate his birthday, let’s also dive into a question every Bollywood fan wonders — how much does Pritam charge per film? And of course, no tribute to the maestro is complete without reliving his top 10 iconic songs.
How Much Does Pritam Charge for a Film?
Pritam began his journey in the music world with Tere Liye (2001) as a co-composer. His solo debut came in 2003 with Stumped. However, his real claim to fame was Dhoom (2004), whose electrifying title track turned him into a household name.
Over the years, he’s composed for numerous blockbusters such as Gangster, Jannat, Kismat Konnection, Jab We Met, Race, Love Aaj Kal, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Cocktail, and Brahmastra.
According to a report by DNA, Pritam currently charges ₹5 crore per film, making him one of the highest-paid music directors in India. And rightly so – his music is a genre in itself.
Top 10 Timeless Songs By Pritam
1. Tum Se Hi – Jab We Met (2007)
A heart-melting ballad that captures the essence of falling in love. Mohit Chauhan’s magical voice, Irshad Kamil’s tender lyrics, and Pritam’s soul-soothing melody make this an all-time favourite.
2. Pehli Nazar Mein – Race (2008)
A song that defines the feeling of love at first sight. Atif Aslam’s voice paired with Pritam’s gentle orchestration made it a hit across all ages.
3. Tum Hi Ho Bandhu – Cocktail (2012)
Celebrating friendship and freedom, this fun, feel-good track fuses Punjabi folk with a modern touch. Perfect for road trips and parties alike.
4. Itni Si Hasi – Barfi! (2012)
This soft, whimsical track captures the innocent love story in Barfi! with its simple yet emotionally rich music. It tugs at your heartstrings every single time.
5. Badtameez Dil – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
With infectious beats and mischievous lyrics, this anthem of carefree youth had us dancing non-stop. Ranbir Kapoor’s energy and Pritam’s groovy touch made it unforgettable.
6. Main Rang Sharbaton Ka – Phata Poster Nikhla Hero (2013)
A sweet ode to love, this mid-tempo romantic number is all about soaking in the colours of love. It’s tender, it’s hummable, and it’s classic Pritam.
7. Gerua – Dilwale (2015)
Grand, emotional, and drenched in longing, this song brought back Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s magic with Pritam’s epic instrumentation at the heart of it all.
8. Channa Mereya – Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)
An anthem of unrequited love. Arijit Singh’s haunting voice and Pritam’s melancholy-laced composition became an instant classic, evoking pain and beauty all at once.
9. Aabaad Barbaad – Ludo (2020)
A contemporary sound blending Bollywood warmth and electronic beats. The track showed Pritam’s ability to reinvent himself and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.
10. Kesariya – Brahmastra (2022)
Whether it’s the melody or the emotions, this romantic track struck a chord with fans instantly. Arijit Singh and Pritam once again proved their magical synergy.
A Legend Who Keeps Reinventing Himself
From his humble beginnings to ruling the Bollywood music scene, Pritam has come a long way. His ability to create music that feels both personal and universal is what makes him stand out. Whether it’s heartbreak or celebration, romance or rebellion, Pritam has a tune for every emotion.
Here’s wishing the maestro a very Happy Birthday — may his melodies continue to be the soundtrack of our lives for years to come.
