Universal Music India Rewrites Bollywood’s Script With Excel Partnership |

Updated: February 03, 2026 06:15

Image Source: Pitchonnet Magazine

Universal Music India has invested nearly ₹2,400 crore ($267 million) to acquire a 30% stake in Bollywood powerhouse Excel Entertainment. This strategic partnership aims to merge global music expertise with Indian cinema, expanding Universal’s footprint in storytelling, digital content, and distribution while strengthening Bollywood’s global reach.

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music company, has officially re-entered Bollywood with a landmark investment in Excel Entertainment, co-founded by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. The deal, valued at approximately ₹2,400 crore, marks one of the most significant collaborations between a global music giant and an Indian film studio.

Key Highlights

Universal Music India has acquired a 30% stake in Excel Entertainment, valued at ₹24 billion.
The investment amounts to $80 million (₹7.2 billion), forming a strategic partnership to accelerate Excel’s growth.
Excel Entertainment, known for films like Dil Chahta Hai, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, and Gully Boy, has consistently pushed creative boundaries in Bollywood.
The collaboration will integrate Universal’s global music distribution network with Excel’s cinematic storytelling, enhancing cross-platform opportunities in streaming, digital, and live entertainment.
Universal Music aims to leverage India’s booming entertainment market, which is projected to grow rapidly with rising demand for music-driven narratives and global collaborations.
Industry experts view this as a transformative moment, blending Bollywood’s cinematic appeal with Universal’s global music dominance to create new avenues for content innovation.
The partnership is expected to strengthen Bollywood’s international presence, making Indian films more accessible to global audiences through Universal’s distribution channels.

This move highlights Universal Music’s ambition to expand beyond traditional music into holistic entertainment, while Excel Entertainment gains access to international resources, technology, and creative collaborations. Together, they aim to redefine how stories are told in Bollywood, with music playing a central role in shaping narratives for both Indian and global audiences.

Sources: Bloomberg, Economic Times, Sounds Space

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