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Ajay-Atul
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Ajay-Atul is an Indian music composer duo comprising brothers Ajay Ashok Gogavale and Atul Ashok Gogavale.[1] Known for their works in Indian cinema; predominantly in Marathi and Hindi films. They are recipient of a National Film Award, four Filmfare Awards Marathi, three Maharashtra State Film Awards, twelve Mirchi Music Awards, and two Zee Cine Awards.[2] They made their debut in the 2015 Forbes India Celebrity 100 List securing a position of 82 and were placed 22nd in 2019.[3][4]

They began their career with the devotional album Vishwa Vinayak, which combined traditional Ganpati mantras with symphonic music.[5] Over the years, they have worked on notable films such as Natarang, Sairat, Agneepath, Dhadak, and Tumbbad.[6] Their compositions often feature live instruments and draw from a mix of traditional and contemporary styles. In recent years, their work in Marathi films like Chandramukhi and Ved has received critical recognition and awards. They remain active in the music industry, consistently exploring new projects.[7]

Early life

[edit]

Ajay and Atul were born to Ashok Gogavale, a Revenue Department officer of Alandi, Pune. They spent their childhood in several villages of western Maharashtra, such as Rajgurunagar, Junnar, Shirur, Manchar and Ghodegaon as their father had a transferable job. Atul, the elder of the brothers, was born on 11 September 1974 and Ajay, the younger of the brothers, was born on 21 August 1976.

Throughout their childhood, they were not much interested in academics. But their interest in music developed while they were still in school. Around this time, they started experimenting with music. In an NCC competition, Ajay played an existing composition differently, and they won the prize for their experiment. This instance inspired them to explore their music potential.[8][non-primary source needed]

They did not have a musical background. Although they were not supported by their family directly for music, they were never denied any assistance. As their family could not afford the instruments for their musical endeavors, they started their musical ventures through their school, temples, local bands, etc. Despite not getting direct training, they learned a lot from these ventures. They would befriend people who owned instruments like harmoniums, mridangam, dhol, etc., since they could not afford them on their own.[9] Later, while at college, they started working with local bands as arrangers. Their father bought them a keyboard on their mother's insistence. This proved to be one of their greatest gifts. Their father said, "You have not been given any toys during childhood, now this is your toy". This inspired them and they started experimenting.[8]

Career as music composers

[edit]

In the early days of their career, They created a devotional album called Vishwa Vinayak. At that time, devotional music was heavily influenced by film tunes and repetitive loops, which they felt affected its sanctity. Inspired by their devotion to Lord Ganesh, they decided to compose the album by blending traditional aartis and mantras with symphonic music, drawing inspiration from Western composers like Bach and Beethoven, even though they had little knowledge of symphonies. They spent about a year and a half researching and working on the album to ensure the religious chants were accurate and respectful. Despite their excitement about the project, Vishwa Vinayak did not bring them instant success. For the next two and a half years, they struggled to find opportunities in music. During this period they also worked one devotional music -" Teri Sharan" a Christian devotional album by singer Dhiraj James Thapa, recorded in MOM studio by the finest sound engineer Peter Gaikward, which went on to become a hit. Looking back, they saw this phase as a time of learning and preparation for bigger achievements.[5]

However, their fortunes changed when they received a call from a music enthusiast in Baroda, who praised the album and went out of his way to contact them. This marked the beginning of growing recognition for Vishwa Vinayak, as they started receiving appreciation from listeners worldwide.

Gradually, their work in Vishwa Vinayak caught the attention of filmmakers. Ram Gopal Varma approached them for the film Gayab, while Mahesh Manjrekar and Amitabh Bachchan collaborated with them on Viruddh. Their success in Marathi cinema also began during this time, with projects like Savarkhed Ek Gaon, Aga Bai Arrecha! and Jatra. They credit Vishwa Vinayak as the breakthrough that brought them widespread recognition and launched their successful career in music composition. They worked on many commercial jingles, ballets, and advertisements to strengthen their profile.[10]

Man Udhān Vāryāche (मन उधाण वाऱ्याचे), Malhāravārī (मल्हारवारी), Kombdī Paḷalī (कोंबडी पळाली ) are some of their notable compositions.[9] Ajay-Atul composed the songs and background score for the Marathi film Naṭarang (नटरंग) (2010). Their composition for Naṭarang was influenced by traditional Marathi folk music forms like Lavani (लावणी), Phaṭakā (फटका) and Tamāśā (तमाशा). They composed music for the Hindi films Singham & Bol Bachchan starring Ajay Devgan directed by Rohit Shetty and Agneepath & Brothers produced by Karan Johar directed by Karan Malhotra. They have also contributed music to the Aamir Khan starrer PK. In 2016, they worked in Nagraj Manjule's film Sairat which is the only Marathi film to gross over 1  billion. They also composed for Manasu Mallige, the film's Kannada remake and Dhadak, the Hindi remake. They produced the Marathi film Jaundya Na Balasaheb directed by Girish Kulkarni. They composed for Tumbbad, Thugs of Hindostan, Mauli and Zero. Their first song from Zero, "Mere Naam Tu", garnered 18 million views in 24 hours on YouTube.

They were awarded as 'Composer of the Decade' in Mirchi Music Awards (Hindi) 2021 for Agneepath and Mirchi Music Awards (Marathi) 2021 for Sairat.[11]

Almost all of their songs and albums are recorded using live instruments, the most notable of them being Agneepath, Sairat and Dhadak.[12]

They continued to compose music for several Hindi and Marathi films. In Bollywood, they worked on Super 30, Panipat, Tanhaji (one song), Jhund (one song) and Ram Setu (one song).[13][14] In 2022, they delivered chartbuster songs for the Marathi films Chandramukhi and Ved. Their work in Chandramukhi earned them multiple awards, including the Filmfare Marathi Award for Best Music Director, Maharashtracha Favourite Kon, Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar, and Fakt Marathi Cine Sanman.[15] Songs like "Sukh Kalale" and "Ved Lavlay" from Ved also became highly popular.[7][16]

In 2023, they composed songs for Jaggu Ani Juliet, but the music did not gain much attention. However, their work in Maharashtra Shahir brought them success again, with the song "Baharla Ha Madhumas" becoming a hit and earning a Filmfare Marathi Award for Best Music Director.[17] Later that year, their composition "Jai Shri Ram" from the film Adipurush was widely praised for its unique style.[18]

In 2024, the song Baby Bring It On from the film Madgaon Express was released but received negative reviews as it was a remake.[19] Currently, They are working on a song for the upcoming film Yek Number.[20]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Ajay-Atul discography

Awards and recognition

[edit]
Year Award Award Category Award Details
2003 Alpha Gaurav (Later Zee Gaurav)[6] Best Music Direction Play: Sahi Re Sahi
2004–05 Maharashtra Kala Niketan Award[6] Best Music Direction Film: Savarkhed Ek Gaon
Maharashtra Times Sanman[6] Best Music Direction Film: Savarkhed Ek Gaon
Maharashtra Rajya Natya Vyavsayik Spardha[6] Best Music Direction Play: Lochya Zala Re
Sanskruti Kala Darpan[6] Best Music Direction Film: Aga Bai Arrecha
2007 Maharashtra Rajya Natya Vyavsayik Spardha[6] Best Music Direction Play: Kala Ya Laglya Jiva
2008 Maharashtra Times Sanman[6] Best Music Direction Film: Zabardast
Zee Gaurav Puraskar[6] Best Music Direction Film: Bandh Premache
Akhil Bhartiy Marathi Chitrpat Mahamandal Awards[6] Best Music Direction Film: Tujhya Majhya Sansarala Aani Kaay Have
Akhil Bhartiy Marathi Chitrpat Mahamandal Awards[6] Best Playback Singer- Ajay Gogavale Film: Tujhya Majhya Sansarala Aani Kaay Have
Sanskruti Kala Darpan[6] Best Music Direction Film: Tujhya Majhya Sansarala Aani Kaay Have
2009 Maharashtra Times Sanman[6] Best Music Direction TV series: Raja Shivchatrapati
V Shantaram Awards[6] Best Music Direction Film: Uladhaal
V Shantaram Awards[6] Best Playback Singer- Ajay Gogavale Film: Uladhaal, Song- Morya Morya
Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? Best Playback Singer- Ajay Gogavale Film: Uladhaal, Song- Morya Morya
Late Music Director Shrikant Thackeray Awards Best Music Direction –
Sanskruti Kala Darpan[21] Best Music Direction Film: Jogwa
Maharashtra Times Sanman Best Music Direction Film: Jogwa
2010 National Film Awards Best Music Direction Film: Jogwa
Zee Gaurav Puraskar[9] Best Music Direction Film: Natarang
Zee Gaurav Puraskar[9] Best Playback Singer- Ajay Gogavale Film: Natarang, Song: Khel Mandla
Sanskruti Kala Darpan[21] Best Music Direction Film: Natarang
Maharashtra Times Sanman Best Music Direction Film: Natarang
Shivgaurav Influential Personalities –
47th State Film Awards Best Music Direction Film: Natarang
Best Playback Singer- Ajay Gogavale Film: Natarang, Song: Khel Mandla
V Shantaram Awards Best Playback Singer- Ajay Gogavale Film: Natarang, Song: Khel Mandla
V Shantaram Awards Best Background Score Film: Natarang
V Shantaram Awards Best Music Direction Film: Natarang
Star Majha "Majha Sanman"[22] Best Music Direction –
Bal Gandharva Awards[9] Best Music Direction –
BIG FM BIG Music Director Award[23] Best Music Direction Film: Natarang
BIG FM BIG Playback Singer Award[23] Best Playback Singer- Ajay Gogavale Film: Natarang, Song: Khel Mandla
BIG FM BIG Song of the Year Award[23] Best Song of the Year Film: Natarang, Song: Apsara Aali
Pu. La. Tarunai Sanman[24] Music Direction –
Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? Best Playback Singer- Ajay Gogavale Film: Natarang, Song: Khel Mandla
Best Song Film: Natarang, Song: Wajle Ki Bara
2011 Marathi International Film and Theater Awards[25] Best Music Direction Film: Natarang
Marathi International Film and Theater Awards[25] Best Playback Singer- Ajay Gogavale Film: Natarang, Song: Khel Mandla
Ram Kadam Kalagaurav Award[26] Music Direction –
Zee Marathi Awards Best Judges Sa Re Ga Ma Pa (Marathi) Season – X
2012 Zee Gaurav Awards[26] Marathi Paul Padte Pudhe –
2013 Zee Cine Awards[27] Best Background Score Film: Agneepath
Rajarshee Shahu Gaurav Puraskar[28] – –
ETC Business Awards Most popular song of 2012 – Chikni Chameli Film: Agneepath
Stardust Awards Best Music Direction Film: Agneepath
5th Mirchi Music Awards Song of the year Abhi Mujh Me Kahin Film: Agneepath
Album of the year Film: Agneepath
Music Composer of The Year Film: Agneepath
Times of India Film Awards 2013 Best Music Director Film: Agneepath
2014 Mirchi Music Awards 2014 Best Music Director Film: Nilkanth Master
2015 Filmfare Awards 2015 Best Music Director Film:Lai Bhaari
2017 Filmfare Awards 2017 Film:Sairat
Mirchi Music Awards 2017 Best Music Director Film:Sairat
2019 11th Mirchi Music Awards Best song producer Film:Dhadak
Zee Cine Awards 2019 Best Music Director Film: Dhadak
2020 12th Mirchi Music Awards Best arranging and programming Jugrafiya Film: Super30
2021 13th Mirchi Music Awards Music Composer Of The Decade Film: Agneepath
Song Of The Decade Abhi Mujh Me Kahin Film: Agneepath
Mirchi Music Awards Marathi Song Programming and Arranging of the Decade Yaad Lagala Film: Sairat
Music Composer of the Decade Film: Sairat
Song of the Decade Mauli Mauli Film: Lai Bhaari
Album of the Decade Film: Sairat
Listener Choice Song of the Decade Sairat Jhala Ji

Film: Sairat

2022 7th Filmfare Awards Marathi Best Music Director Chandramukhi
Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar Best Music Director
2023 8th Filmfare Awards Marathi Best Music Director Maharashtra Shahir
Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar Best Music Director
61st Maharashtra State Film Awards Best Music Director

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ajay-Atul

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Ajay–Atul is the professional pseudonym of the Indian music composer duo consisting of brothers Ajay Ashok Gogavale (born 21 August 1976) and Atul Ashok Gogavale (born 11 September 1974), celebrated for their innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds in Marathi and . Hailing from , , the self-taught siblings—lacking formal musical —began their journey by composing for events and devotional albums before transitioning to theater and film scores. Their work is characterized by a distinctive style that emphasizes live , folk influences, and unconventional rhythms, earning them acclaim for revitalizing regional music traditions. The duo's career gained momentum in the mid-2000s with early contributions, including background scores for Viruddh... Family Comes First (2005) and Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! (2005), but their true breakthrough arrived with the Marathi Jogwa (2009), for which they received the National Film Award for Best Music Direction at the 56th National Film Awards. This accolade marked their emergence as a force in Indian cinema, leading to high-profile projects such as the chart-topping soundtrack for (2016), which became the highest-grossing Marathi at the time and won them the Mirchi Music Award for Best Music Director. Subsequent ventures like (2011), Agneepath (2012), and (2018) further expanded their reach, blending Marathi folk elements with Bollywood sensibilities and garnering multiple and Mirchi Music Award nominations. Beyond film, Ajay–Atul have influenced the global appeal of Indian music through live performances and albums, with their compositions often praised for emotional depth and cultural authenticity. Their ongoing collaborations, including works in films like Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020), (2023), and Madgaon Express (2024), continue to solidify their status as one of India's most versatile and award-winning composer pairs.

Background

Early life

Ajay Gogavale and his older brother Atul Gogavale, collectively known as the music composer duo Ajay-Atul, were born in , , . Atul was born on September 11, 1974, while Ajay was born on August 21, 1976. The brothers were raised in a family originating from farmers, with their father belonging to the first generation to secure a job. Their modest middle-class upbringing occurred primarily in rural areas of western , as their father's position as a Revenue Department officer involved frequent transfers across villages. From an early age, Ajay and Atul developed a keen interest in without any formal training or access to instruments initially. They were largely self-taught, experimenting with composition through activities and local influences that sparked their passion for melody and rhythm.

Family and education

Ajay and Atul Gogavale were born to Ashok Gogavale, a officer in the Revenue Department, and his wife, in , , with the family having roots in farming communities. Their father's professional role provided stability and emphasized the importance of and , while their mother supported their creative interests by encouraging exposure to the arts. The brothers share a tight-knit relationship as the only siblings in the family, which played a pivotal role in their collaborative spirit. Due to their father's transferable job, the duo grew up moving between several small towns and villages in , including and Shirur, attending local schools where their interest in music first emerged through informal exploration. Ajay and Atul attended college in but discontinued their studies after securing opportunities in music composition, despite their parents' emphasis on obtaining degrees as a safety net. They received no formal conservatory training in music, instead developing their skills through self-directed learning and early experimentation. The family home was filled with sounds of Marathi folk tunes, , and Bollywood songs, which their parents actively shared, shaping the brothers' foundational influences. A key aspect of their family dynamics was the transformation of into creative collaboration; early home jam sessions saw them experimenting with melodies on simple instruments, turning competitive play into harmonious partnerships that laid the groundwork for their future compositions.

Career

Initial forays into music

Ajay and Atul Gogavale, known collectively as Ajay-Atul, began their professional music careers in the late 1990s through non-film mediums, including commercial jingles, ballets, and advertisements, which helped them gain initial exposure and refine their composition skills. After periods of individual freelance work, the brothers formally teamed up as the duo Ajay-Atul in the early , collaborating on self-produced demos and participating in local performances to experiment with blending traditional Marathi folk elements and modern orchestration. A key early milestone was their devotional album Vishwa Vinayak, released in the early , which fused traditional Ganpati prayers with grand symphonic arrangements and marked their first major self-produced project outside live gigs. The duo also ventured into theater, composing scores for Marathi plays during this formative phase, drawing from the expressive traditions of stage performances to develop their signature rhythmic intensity. Their transition to film was gradual, starting with the soundtrack for the 2007 Marathi comedy . These initial efforts were marked by significant challenges, including financial hardships and repeated rejections from established music networks in , where their unconventional style initially struggled to find acceptance; the brothers relied heavily on their close familial partnership for emotional and creative sustenance during this period.

Breakthrough in Marathi cinema

Ajay-Atul's breakthrough in arrived with their compositions for pivotal films that showcased their ability to fuse traditional folk elements with modern orchestration, earning them widespread acclaim. Prior to their meteoric rise, they contributed scores to works like (2009), which won them the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for its raw, folk-rooted tracks such as "Jeev Rangla," deeply embedded in Maharashtra's . Similarly, their music for (2010) blended rhythmic influences with contemporary beats in songs like "Khel Mandala," helping the film resonate as a tribute to Marathi theater traditions. These efforts marked their evolution from regional obscurity, laying the groundwork for larger successes by highlighting rural narratives through authentic soundscapes. The duo's collaboration with director proved transformative, beginning with the theme song for (2013) and culminating in the landmark (2016). For Sairat, a poignant tale of inter- romance set in rural , Ajay-Atul crafted a that integrated local folk motifs—such as rhythms and village instrumentation—with orchestral swells recorded at the Hollywood Symphony Orchestra in , creating an immersive auditory experience. This process involved close with Manjule to embed themes of barriers and youthful rebellion into the music, evident in hits like the exuberant "Zingaat," a fusing folk percussion with upbeat that became a wedding staple across , and the melancholic "Yad Lagla," whose soulful melody captured the film's emotional core. Their approach emphasized live instrumentation to evoke the authenticity of rural life, transforming the score into a driver. Sairat's phenomenal success propelled Ajay-Atul from niche recognition to stardom, grossing over ₹100 worldwide and becoming the highest-earning Marathi film ever, a feat that shattered industry benchmarks and drew over 10 million viewers. The soundtrack's cultural ripple extended beyond theaters, with "Zingaat" dominating airwaves and social gatherings, symbolizing a generational shift in Marathi pop culture while challenging societal norms through its infectious energy. This triumph marked their first major commercial hits in the regional industry, shifting public perception from underground talents to mainstream icons and opening doors to broader collaborations, all while solidifying their signature style of elevating Marathi cinema's sonic identity.

Expansion to Hindi films and beyond

Ajay-Atul's foray into began in 2011 with the action film , directed by and starring , where they composed the soundtrack including the energetic title track that captured the film's high-octane spirit. This marked their Bollywood debut, transitioning from Marathi successes by infusing rustic folk rhythms with commercial appeal, which helped the album resonate with a wider audience. Their collaboration with Shetty continued in the same year, featuring upbeat tracks like "Kukku Kukkum" that blended humor and melody. Building on this momentum, the duo expanded their portfolio with Agneepath in 2012, a of the 1990 classic, where their composition "Chikni Chameli" became a chart-topping hit, sung by and showcasing their ability to adapt folk influences into a glamorous, dance-oriented Bollywood number. This period saw them partnering with major production houses like Karan Johar's for Brothers (2015), where they composed the soundtrack including emotional ballads. Their work in these films demonstrated a shift toward larger-scale productions, incorporating live and fusion elements to suit pan-Indian narratives. In the late 2010s and early 2020s, Ajay-Atul solidified their Bollywood presence with diverse projects, including the romantic drama Dhadak (2018), the Hindi remake of their Marathi hit Sairat, where tracks like the title song and "Zingaat" (recreated from the original) amplified its youth appeal through contemporary arrangements of Marathi folk motifs. They collaborated again with Ajay Devgn in historical epics like Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020), delivering patriotic anthems such as "Tanhaji Anthem" that evoked Maratha valor using traditional percussion and choruses, and Panipat (2019), where compositions like "Suno Gaur Se Duniyawalo" merged classical ragas with battle rhythms for Ashutosh Gowariker's period drama. These efforts highlighted their evolution in handling bigger budgets, orchestras, and collaborations with stars like Hrithik Roshan in Super 30 (2019), where motivational tracks underscored the biopic's inspirational theme, and the comedy Madgaon Express (2024). Beyond Hindi cinema, Ajay-Atul ventured into South Indian films, composing for the Telugu epic Adipurush (2023), a retelling of the Ramayana starring Prabhas, where they crafted devotional hymns and action scores blending Sanskrit chants with regional folk, marking their second Telugu project after Shock (2006). In 2017, they scored the Kannada adaptation Manasu Malligey, further adapting their Sairat style for broader appeal. They also composed for the Marathi film Yek Number (2024). Their influence extended to non-film media through live performances, including a 2025 MahaShivratri concert featuring hits like "Zingaat," and television appearances on shows like Indian Idol Marathi, where they performed Bollywood tracks to bridge regional and national audiences. Looking ahead, they are set to compose for the 2026 pan-Indian historical Raja Shivaji, produced by Jio Studios, promising a grand fusion of Marathi heritage with cinematic spectacle. This trajectory reflects their adaptation of Marathi folk roots—characterized by Lavani, Powada, and rural melodies—into versatile, pan-Indian soundscapes that maintain cultural authenticity while embracing orchestral grandeur and diverse vocalists.

Musical style and contributions

Composition approach

Ajay and Atul Gogavale, known collectively as Ajay-Atul, maintain a seamless collaborative dynamic in their music composition, working closely without creative conflicts; if one brother dislikes an element, they revise it together to ensure harmony in the final product. Their process begins with a deep immersion in the film's , emphasizing and character details such as the protagonist's traits, living environment, and mode of expression to shape the music authentically. This approach allows them to craft compositions in their studio that align closely with the emotional arc of the storyline. Central to their is the pursuit of emotional authenticity, viewing as an organic energy derived from personal experiences rather than forced formulas, which helps them steer clear of conventional Bollywood trends. For instance, during the composition of the soundtrack for , the duo drew from the profound personal challenge of their father's illness and passing, infusing the tracks with raw sentiment that resonated deeply. They prioritize live instrumentation over purely digital methods, often recording with full symphony orchestras to capture natural dynamics and depth. In terms of tools and techniques, Ajay-Atul favor traditional Indian instruments such as the dholki and alongside Western elements to blend folk rhythms with contemporary arrangements, creating pulsating and layered soundscapes. Their workflow involves iterative revisions, remaining open to feedback—whether internal or from directors—to refine pieces until they achieve the desired emotional impact. This methodical yet intuitive process underscores their commitment to music that feels genuine and narrative-driven.

Signature elements and influences

Ajay-Atul's signature style is marked by a fusion of folk traditions from , Indian classical ragas, and Western pop influences, resulting in high-energy anthems that maintain rustic undertones reflective of rural life. Their compositions often incorporate traditional instruments like the dholki and harmonium alongside modern beats, creating a sound that bridges cultural divides and appeals to diverse audiences. This approach is particularly evident in their work for Marathi films, where folk elements are layered with contemporary rhythms to evoke both tradition and innovation. Key influences on Ajay-Atul's music include Marathi saint poetry, such as the abhangs of , which inspire devotional and poetic depths in their lyrics and melodies. Bollywood legends like have also shaped their style, with the duo citing Burman's innovative use of rhythm and as a major inspiration during their formative years. Their music also carries thematic depth, addressing social issues like caste discrimination; the soundtrack for , for instance, uses rustic folk anthems and poignant ballads to underscore the film's portrayal of intercaste love and societal prejudice, amplifying the narrative's impact through auditory storytelling. Over time, Ajay-Atul's style has evolved from pure folk-driven compositions in early Marathi works like and , which heavily drew on and traditions, to more hybrid scores in films such as and Super 30. This shift incorporates broader orchestral arrangements and Western classical influences, as demonstrated in their symphony-inspired devotional album Vishwa Vinayak, allowing them to adapt their rustic core to pan-Indian and global contexts while retaining thematic authenticity. This evolution continues in recent works, such as the soundtrack for Madgaon Express (2024), which blends folk roots with upbeat, comedic elements in a pan-Indian setting.

Works

Film discography

Ajay-Atul's film discography as music directors and composers primarily focuses on , where they have delivered full soundtracks for numerous films since their debut in 2009, alongside contributions to and other languages. Their work often includes playback singing by one or both brothers, as well as lyric writing. The following tables categorize their major film contributions chronologically, including release years, directors, and notes on roles or impact. These lists encompass verified feature films where they served as primary music directors or significant composers. Hit song counts have been removed due to subjectivity and lack of consistent sourcing; focus is on notable tracks and achievements.

Marathi Films

YearFilmDirectorNotes
2009Aga Bai Arrecha!Kedar ShindeUpbeat hits like "Aga Bai" and "Cham Cham Karta".
2009JogwaRajiv PatilBreakthrough; National Film Award for Best Music Direction at the 56th National Film Awards; hits like "Sang Lagyam".
2009Rutu TuSanjay JadhavSeasonal-themed songs; "Rutu Tu Mala Gharat Laav" notable.
2009Ek Daav Dhobi PachhadSatish RajwadeComedy film; includes title track.
2010NatarangRavi JadhavSeminal work with Lavani fusion; hits like "Apsara Aali" and "Gajra Nilak"; won multiple state awards.
2010JatraSwanand KirkireTitle track and "Jau Dya Mi Ghar Jaau" became anthems; they wrote lyrics for two songs.
2012DuniyadariSanjay JadhavHits including "Panghat".
2013AnvattSantosh ManjrekarNotable tracks praised for emotional depth.
2014PopatAditya SarpotdarExperimental elements in soundtrack.
2014Lai BhaariNishikant KamatPopular songs like "Lai Bhaari".
2015Dagadi ChalaSwapna JadhavFolk-influenced tracks.
2016SairatNagraj ManjuleChart-topping soundtrack with hits like "Zingaat" and "Yad Lagla"; they sang several tracks and wrote lyrics; over 1 million units sold.
2018MauliAditya SarpotdarAction-oriented scores with hits like "Apsara Aali" reprise.
2021ChandramukhiPrasad OakFull soundtrack; hits like "Chandra" featuring Shreya Ghoshal.
2021Jaggu Ani JulietMahesh LimayeRomantic and upbeat tracks.
2023Maharashtra ShaheerChinmay MandavkarBiographical film; compositions blending folk and classical.
2024Yek NumberYogi C BoseRecent release as of 2025; notable contributions to score.

Hindi Films

YearFilmDirectorNotes
2011SinghamRohit ShettyContributed songs like "Saaiyaan"; Ajay sang "Aa Raha Hai Raja".
2012AgneepathFull soundtrack; hits like "" and "Deva Shree Ganesha"; Ajay provided playback.
2014PKSongs including "Chaar Kadam"; background score elements.
2018Remake of ; hits like "Zingaat" remake and "Dhadak Title Track"; they sang duets.
2018Songs including "".
2018ZeroMultiple songs and background score.
2019Inspirational tracks like "Bas Tera Junoon"; full score.
2019Songs and background score.
2020Historical epic; hits "Lakshya" and "Bekhauf"; handled score.
2021Ram SetuAbhishek SharmaBackground score contributions.
2024Madgaon ExpressSoundtrack for comedy film; released March 2024.

Other Languages

YearFilmDirectorLanguageNotes
2017Remake of ; reused 4 songs from original.
This discography highlights their evolution from Marathi folk roots to pan-Indian appeal, with over 100 songs across these films. Instances of additional roles, such as singing in many of their Marathi tracks and lyric writing in films like Jatra and , underscore their multifaceted involvement.

Other compositions and performances

Ajay-Atul's non-film musical endeavors began with the devotional album Vishwa Vinayaka, released in 2001 by , which features six tracks blending traditional Ganpati mantras with symphonic orchestration, including songs like "Jaya Jaya Suravarpoojit" sung by and "Shree Ganeshay Dheemahi" by . This album marked their early foray into original soundtracks outside cinema, emphasizing spiritual themes through fusion of classical and contemporary elements. In addition to albums, the duo has composed music for advertisements and commercial jingles, contributing to various campaigns that helped establish their profile in the industry during their initial years. These works often incorporated lively folk rhythms and innovative instrumentation, showcasing their versatility beyond scores. Ajay-Atul has also engaged in live performances, including tours inspired by their hit compositions, such as the "Sairat Live" concerts starting in 2016, which featured orchestral renditions of songs from the Sairat and drew large audiences in . Notable events include a 2017 performance at Balewadi Stadium in with the Grand Philharmonic Orchestra from , highlighting tracks like "Sairat Jhala Ji." Their international shows expanded to the , with a Bollywood in on June 30, 2024, and a performance at the on July 3, 2025. Further performances have included high-profile events tied to cultural and philanthropic causes, such as their rendition of "Zingaat" at the Global Citizen Live concert in on September 27, 2021, aimed at addressing and global equity. In 2025, they performed at the Isha Foundation's celebration (February 26, 2025), delivering devotional and folk-infused sets that aligned with the event's spiritual focus. These live outings, often featuring live instrumentation and collaborations with choirs, have allowed Ajay-Atul to connect directly with fans through immersive experiences of their signature fusion style.

Recognition

Awards and nominations

Ajay-Atul have garnered numerous accolades for their musical contributions to Marathi and , including a National Film Award and multiple regional honors. Their work has been recognized for blending folk traditions with contemporary sounds, earning them praise for films like and . As of 2025, the duo has accumulated 15 wins and 16 nominations across major award ceremonies, as documented by industry databases. The duo's breakthrough national recognition came with the 56th National Film Awards in 2010, where they won Best Music Direction for the Marathi film Jogwa, noted for its poignant fusion of rural folk elements in songs like "Jeev Rangla." No nominations for Natsamrat at the National level have been recorded in official announcements. In the Filmfare Awards, Ajay-Atul have secured wins in the Marathi category while receiving nominations in the Hindi segment. They won Best Music Album for Sairat at the 2017 Filmfare Awards Marathi, celebrated for tracks such as "Zingaat" that propelled the film's commercial success. For Hindi films, they earned a nomination for Best Music Album for Dhadak (2018) at the 64th Filmfare Awards in 2019, highlighting their adaptation of Marathi hits into Bollywood contexts. Additional Marathi wins include Best Music Album at the 2024 Filmfare Awards Marathi for Maharashtra Shahir. Ajay-Atul have won the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Music Director four times, including for Tujhya Majhya Sansarala (2007) and Natarang (2009), reflecting their consistent impact on regional storytelling through music. In 2025, they won Best Music Director at the 61st Maharashtra State Film Awards. Other notable honors include multiple Mirchi Music Awards, with 12 wins overall, such as Best Song Producer (Programming & Arranging) for the title track of Dhadak (2019) and the special Composer of the Decade award in 2021 for their cumulative work on Agneepath and Sairat. They have also received IIFA nominations, including Best Music Director for Agneepath (2012) at the 14th IIFA Awards in 2013.
YearAwardCategoryFilm/WorkResult
2010National Film AwardsBest Music DirectionWon
2017Best Music AlbumWon
2019Best Music AlbumNominated
2021Mirchi Music AwardsComposer of the DecadeAgneepath / Won
2024Best Music AlbumWon
2025Maharashtra State Film AwardsBest Music DirectorUnspecifiedWon

Critical acclaim and legacy

Ajay-Atul have received widespread critical acclaim for revitalizing Marathi film music through their innovative fusion of folk traditions and contemporary orchestration, a feat singer described as single-handedly resurrecting the genre in 2012. Their soundtrack for the 2016 film marked a pivotal moment, with reviewers praising its audacious compositions that amplified the film's exploration of caste-based social barriers and honor killings. The Hindu highlighted tracks like "Yad Lagla" for their euphoric orchestral swells, which captured the emotional intensity of youthful romance while subtly underscoring societal tensions. The duo's legacy extends to influencing younger Marathi composers by introducing fresh sonic elements, such as symphonic arrangements blended with dhol-tasha rhythms, which elevated regional music's production quality and appeal. A landmark in this regard was Sairat's recording with a live in Hollywood—the first for an Indian film—globalizing Marathi sounds and inspiring cross-cultural experimentation in Indian cinema. Culturally, hits like "Zingaat" from the same album have become anthems symbolizing exuberant defiance against social norms, embedding Ajay-Atul's work in Maharashtra's collective identity and broader pan-Indian discourse on regional narratives. Despite their duo billing, critical discussions often note the underrepresented individual contributions, particularly Ajay Gogavale's vocal prowess in tracks like those from (2016), where his singing added raw emotional depth to themes of legacy and loss. Post-2023 projects, such as the 2024 Marathi film Yek Number, continue this trend with scores that maintain their signature vibrancy amid evolving industry demands. Looking ahead as of November 2025, Ajay-Atul's involvement in high-profile ventures like the 2026 epic Raja Shivaji signals potential for further crossovers, including rumored collaborations in , promising to expand their influence across India's diverse linguistic landscapes.

References

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