Legends of Indian Cinema- Salil Chowdhury

India is celebrating birth centenary of five iconic figures who shaped the golden era of Indian cinema, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is set to pay an enduring tribute to their rich legacy. This momentous occasion will be marked at the first edition of the World Audio Video & Entertainment Summit (WAVES-2025), scheduled from 01st to 04th May 2025 in Mumbai — the heartland of India’s entertainment industry.

The Summit, envisioned as a global confluence of creators, storytellers, policy makers, and innovators from the world of audio- visual and entertainment arts, opens on 01st May 2025 with a grand inaugural ceremony. As a centerpiece of the inaugural event, the Government of India releases Commemorative Postage Stamp honoring five legendary figures of Indian cinema — Shri Guru Dutt, Shri Ritwik Ghatak, Shri Salil Chowdhury, Shri Raj Khosla, and Ms. P. Bhanumathi — on the occasion of their birth centenaries.

This rare tribute underscores the nation’s deep appreciation for these iconic personalities whose timeless contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian and global cinematic traditions.

Salil Chowdhury: A multifaceted genius, Salil Chowdhury was one of India’s most innovative music composers, lyricists, and poets. With an uncanny ability to blend Indian classical and folk traditions with Western orchestration, he created melodies that were deeply rooted in cultural ethos and emotions. His music transcended linguistic boundaries, with iconic compositions in Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, and more. Films like Madhumati, Do Bigha Zamin, and Anand showcased his musical brilliance and commitment to socially relevant themes. A staunch believer in art as a vehicle for justice and change, Salilda—as he was fondly known—remains a towering figure in Indian film music, whose compositions continue to resonate with emotion, depth, and harmony.