Bollywood music composer and violinist, Ismail Darbar, is a renowned artist in the Indian music industry. Kicking off his career with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, which brought him to the forefront, Darbar has also won several accolades for his music. Ismail Darbar also bagged a National Award and there has been no looking back ever since.

Darbar’s music compositions perfectly complemented Bhansali’s grand visuals and dramatic storytelling. Their partnership remains a significant moment in Bollywood music history, leaving behind iconic soundtracks that continue to be enjoyed by audiences.

As the musical genius celebrates his 60th birthday today, let’s take a deeper look into his career in the entertainment industry, including his top songs as a music director, TV shows he was a part of and much more.

Ismail Darbar’s Journey

Hailing from Surat, Ismail Darbar started his career as a professional violinist for many leading music directors like Laxmikant Pyarelal, Kalyanji Anandji, Bappi Lahiri and Rajesh Roshan.

He got his major break with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 1999 film, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.

Later, he went on to give music to Bhansali’s other acclaimed project Devdas, following which he worked on a few more films, but with little success to his credit.

In 2005, he was brought aboard for Subhash Ghai’s Kisna: The Warrior Poet, reportedly after AR Rahman left the project midway. Upon Ghai’s insistence, Rahman did come back, but the two worked independently on the film’s music.

Apart from his work in the film industry, Ismail Darbar has been a part of music reality shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007, Amul Star Voice of India 2 and Bharat Ki Shaan: Singing Star Season 2.

Later, he also appeared on the popular reality show Bigg Boss Season 3.

Ismail Darbar’s Success As Music Director

The music composer-director holds major credit for helming the tracklist of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, including songs like Chand Chupa Badal Mein, Nimbooda, Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje and Tadap Tadap.

Later, he also worked as a music director in the 2002 film Devdas, featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit.

Ismail Darbar’s Awards

Ismail Darbar won his first National Award for Best Music Direction in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. In the same year, he was also honoured with the Filmfare RD Burman Award for New Music Talent, besides being nominated for the Filmfare Best Music Director Award.

In 2002, he won the Screen Award for Best Music Director for his work in Bhansali’s Devdas and was even nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director.

Ismail Darbar’s Upcoming Project

Presently on a long break, Darbar is all set to make his much-awaited comeback with an upcoming series titled Amrapali, featuring Ankita Lokhande.