Hubbry Logo
Leslee LewisLeslee LewisMain
Open search
Leslee Lewis
Community hub
Leslee Lewis
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Leslee Lewis
Leslee Lewis
from Wikipedia

Key Information

Leslee Peter Lewis (formerly spelled Leslie and Lesle; born 20 June 1960), popularly known as Lezz Lewis, is an Indian singer and composer known for his work with Hariharan as the duo Colonial Cousins.[1] They won the MTV Asia Viewer's Choice Award and then the U.S. Billboard Viewer's Choice Award for 'Colonial Cousins', their debut album.[2] He conceived and created all the music for Coke Studio, MTV India debut season.[3]

Lewis is one of the first Indian composers to have introduced the Indian audiences to rock and pop music. Lewis's creative side comes as an inherited value from his father, P. L. Raj, noted choreographer from the film industry.

With an aim to give the audiences a taste of varied music flavours, he has been successful in keeping his originality intact with advertisement jingles, film music and other forms of modern music.

Early life

[edit]

Leslee Lewis is the son of P. L. Raj, a prolific film choreographer.[4] He was educated at Bombay Scottish School, Mahim

As a child, Lewis was greatly influenced by The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton and with further working on his musical capabilities bagged the opportunity of recording with renowned music directors.

He played guitar at the Cafe Royal, Oberoi Towers, Mumbai and recorded with Kalyanji–Anandji, Laxmikant–Pyarelal, R. D. Burman and Louis Banks.

Biography

[edit]

Jingles

[edit]

From 1987, he composed advertising jingles and was nominated for awards from the Indian Academy of Advertising Film Art (IAAFA). In 1989 received an award for his work. He went on to make some famous jingles such as Doodh-Doodh-Doodh (Piyo full glass), Mango Fruity fresh and juicy, Thums up taste the thunder, Santoor Santoor, etc.[5]

Mainstream music

[edit]

Lewis remixed Asha Bhosle's album Rahul and I and composed songs for Janam samjha karo, O mere sona, Piya Tu- ab toh aaja. He also composed and produced the music for Paree Hu Main by Suneeta Rao, Bombay Girl by Alisha Chinai and for KK's album Pal. He composed songs such as "Bombay Girl" and "De De- Mujh Ko" for Alisha Chinai.

He also launched Indipop boy band A Band of Boys and gave music for their hit songs such as "Meri Neendh", "Gori" and "Aa Jaa Meri Jaan".

In 1998, Lewis recorded his first solo album, Haseena. He composed the score for the Hindi films Mela and Jahd and the Tamil films Modhi Vilayadu and Chikku Bukku.

Colonial Cousins

[edit]
Lewis at the launch of his album 'Tanha Sa Hoon'

Lewis first worked with ghazal singer Hariharan in 1992, creating a jingle. They formed Colonial Cousins in 1996 and recorded an album, Colonial Cousins. They were the first Indian duo to be featured on MTV Unplugged.[6] It won the MTV Indian Viewers' Choice award and Billboard Award for the Best Asian Music Group.[6][7] They released the albums The Way We Do It (1998) and Aatma (2001) and composed the soundtrack for the Tamil films Modhi Vilayadu[8] and Chikku Bukku.

Discography

[edit]

As composer

[edit]

Albums

[edit]

Films

[edit]

As singer

[edit]
Year Film Language Song Composer(s) Writer(s) Co-artist(s)
1999 Rockford English "Feels So Good" Colonial Cousins Hariharan
2000 Mela Hindi "Dekho 2000 Zamana Aa Gaya" Leslee Lewis Dharmesh Darshan Hariharan, Aamir Khan
2005 Anniyan Tamil "Kannum Kannum Nokia" Harris Jayaraj Kabilan Andrea Jeremiah, Vasundhara Das, Ranjith
Aparichit Hindi (dubbed) "Gora Gora Aankh" Mehboob Kotwal Vasundhara Das
2006 Sainikudu Telugu "Byla Bylamo" Harris Jayaraj Chandrabose Anushka Manchanda, Sunitha Sarathy
2009 Modhi Vilayadu Tamil "Vellaikaari" Colonial Cousins Vairamuthu Hariharan
"Sikki Mukki" Surmukhi Raman
2010 Darling Telugu "Hosahore" G. V. Prakash Kumar Ananth Sreeram K.K.
2015 Online Binline Marathi "Oho Kai Zhala" Leslee Lewis Hariharan, Shreyash Jadhav
2019 Kaappaan Tamil "Hey Amigo" Harris Jayaraj Vairamuthu Jonita Gandhi

Awards and achievements

[edit]
  • 1997: MTV Asia Viewer's Choice Award for Colonial Cousins in Radio City Hall - New York
  • US Billboard Viewer's Choice Award - Las Vegas
  • Awarded 'Indian of the Year 2017[9]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Leslee Lewis (born 20 June 1960) is an Indian singer, composer, record producer, and performer best known as one half of the fusion music duo Colonial Cousins alongside Hariharan, which pioneered the blending of Indian classical traditions with Western rock and pop elements in the . Lewis's career began in the early 1990s as a music producer and composer in Mumbai, where he first collaborated with Hariharan in 1992 on a jingle recording that evolved into an impromptu jam session, sparking the formation of Colonial Cousins. The duo released their self-titled debut album in 1996, featuring hits like Krishna Nee Begane Baro and Sa Ni Dha Pa, which showcased Lewis's guitar-driven compositions fused with Hariharan's vocals and earned them international acclaim, including the MTV Award at Radio City Music Hall in New York and the US Billboard Award in Las Vegas. They became the first Indian act to perform on the original MTV Unplugged series and followed up with albums such as Aatma (2001) and Once More (2012). Beyond the duo, Lewis has composed soundtracks for Bollywood films, including Rockford (1999), Mela (2000), and Apna Asmaan (2007), often incorporating electronic and fusion styles. He also produced innovative projects like the first Indian edition of Coke Studio and Bollywood remixes in the 1990s, influencing the evolution of and fusion genres. In his solo career, Lewis has released albums such as Haseena (1998) and continues to perform live, with recent reunions of Colonial Cousins at events like the in 2023 and ongoing work on new material, including a six-song series titled Phir Se Rock & Roll and a Leslee Lewis — The ’90s Experience.

Early life and influences

Family background

Leslee Peter Lewis was born on June 20, 1960, in , . He is the son of the renowned Bollywood choreographer P. L. Raj (born Devraj Peter Lewis Raj), whose prolific career in during the 1950s and provided Leslee with early immersion in the vibrant creative environment of the Indian film industry. His mother, Devyani, was a dancer, further enriching the family's artistic atmosphere and exposing Leslee to performance arts from a young age. Leslee grew up alongside two sisters, Greta Lewis and Eliza Lewis, in a household shaped by his parents' professions, which fostered his innate inclinations toward the through frequent interactions with dancers, musicians, and filmmakers visiting their home. This family dynamic, centered in Mumbai's bustling entertainment scene, offered him direct exposure to and , influencing his early appreciation for rhythmic and visual elements in creative expression. Throughout his life, Leslee has been known by variations of his name, including the earlier spellings Leslie and Lesle, and the popular moniker Lezz Lewis, reflecting his evolving public persona in the music industry.

Education and early career

Leslee Lewis attended St. Mary's High School in , , where he completed his early education at a . During his school years, Lewis developed a strong interest in music, influenced by Western rock icons such as , , and , which ignited his passion for rock and fusion genres. These influences led him to his first professional experiences, including playing guitar at Cafe Royal in the Oberoi Towers, , where he began performing and honing his skills as a young musician. In the 1980s, Lewis started session work as a , recording with prominent Indian composers including the duo , , , and jazz pianist , marking his entry into the professional music scene. His family's connections to Bollywood, through his father P. L. Raj, a noted choreographer, provided early access to Mumbai's music circles and facilitated these initial opportunities. Throughout his youth, Lewis experimented with blending Indian melodic elements and rhythms from his surroundings with Western rock structures, laying the groundwork for his later fusion innovations.

Professional career

Jingles and

Leslee Lewis launched his career in music in 1987 by founding Ze-Bop Musik Pvt Ltd, a dedicated to composing jingles for television commercials, marking his entry into the Indian industry. This period built on his prior session work as a , honing the technical skills essential for creating concise, impactful audio pieces. Over the following years, Lewis became renowned for crafting iconic jingles that captured brand essences through catchy melodies and lyrics. Notable examples include the "Doodh Doodh Doodh" campaign for milk, emphasizing nutritional benefits with a playful ; the "Taste the Thunder" for cola, infusing energy and boldness; and the "Fresh and Juicy" jingle for mango drink, highlighting its vibrant appeal. These compositions were widely aired on Indian television, contributing to their cultural resonance in the late and 1990s. In recognition of his excellence, Lewis received the Indian Academy of Advertising Film (IAAFA) in , following four consecutive nominations for his innovative advertising music. Lewis's approach innovated by blending Indian classical influences with Western pop and rock elements in short-form ads, a technique that distinguished his work and positioned him as a pioneering in . This fusion helped modernize Indian advertising soundscapes during the late 1980s and 1990s, introducing contemporary rhythms to a traditionally conservative medium.

Film and solo compositions

Lewis's entry into film composition began with the 1999 English-language film Rockford, where he contributed songs including "Yaaron". He followed with the 2000 Bollywood film Mela, providing the music for the hit song "Dekho 2000 Zamana Aa Gaya," featuring vocals by Hariharan and . This track, blending upbeat pop rhythms with celebratory lyrics, marked his expansion into s. He later expanded into , composing the full for (2009), which incorporated fusion elements with songs like "Vellaikkari" sung by Hariharan. Similarly, for (2010), Lewis crafted a pop-infused score that continued his signature style of melodic hooks and rhythmic drive. In 2019, he contributed the song "Mehabooba" to the Tamil film , performing alongside under Harris Jayaraj's overall musical direction. Beyond films, Lewis explored solo artistry with his debut album Haseena in 1998, a collection of 10 tracks that fused pop sensibilities with subtle Indian influences, including the title song evoking romantic longing. Earlier, in 1996, he ventured into remixing with Rahul & I (Personal Memories), a collaborative project reimagining Bhosle's classic hits—such as "Piya Tu Ab To Aaja"—into energetic dance versions, pioneering the remix trend in Indian music. His compositional brevity, honed through years of creating jingles, translated effectively to the concise required in film songs. Throughout these works, his style evolved to integrate rock guitars, pop structures, and Indian percussion, creating a distinctive fusion that bridged Western and indigenous sounds in both and independent projects.

Colonial Cousins

Colonial Cousins is an Indian musical duo formed in 1996 by composer and guitarist Leslee Lewis and vocalist Hariharan, blending elements of with rock and pop to create a pioneering fusion sound. The partnership built on their earlier collaboration in 1992, when Lewis and Hariharan worked together on a , and Lewis's prior experience with solo remixes of Bollywood tracks like "Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja" influenced the duo's innovative pop fusion approach. The duo's self-titled debut album, Colonial Cousins, released in 1996 under the Magnasound label, marked their breakthrough, featuring nine tracks that showcased Lewis's guitar-driven compositions paired with Hariharan's versatile vocals. Hits such as "," a fusion rendition of a traditional , and "Sa Ni Dha Pa" propelled the album to commercial success, making it one of the first records to gain international recognition. The album's unique sound earned the duo the Asia Viewers' Choice Award and the US Billboard Viewers' Award in 1996, highlighting their impact on global fusion music. Following the debut, Colonial Cousins released The Way We Do It in 1998, expanding their fusion style with 12 tracks that further integrated rock rhythms and Indian melodies, including the title song "The Way We Do It." Their third album, Aatma (2001), delved into spiritual themes, drawing from classical Indian traditions with songs like "Guiding Star" and "Mata Pita," blending devotional elements with , , and influences. In the late , the duo undertook live performances and tours across and internationally, captivating audiences with their energetic fusion sets and selling out shows that solidified their acclaim as pioneers of original Indian fusion. After Aatma, the duo paused their joint projects, but reunited for occasional performances, including the album Once More in 2012 and multi-city tours in the , such as the 2024 Bollyboom India Reunion Tour.

Production and later projects

Following the success of Colonial Cousins, which blended Indian classical elements with Western pop and opened opportunities in broader music production, Leslee Lewis expanded into producing innovative formats that fused genres and promoted emerging talent. In the , he pioneered Bollywood es, creating the album Rahul and I (1996) with , which reimagined classic film songs in contemporary styles and helped popularize the remix trend in . Lewis launched the Indipop boy band A Band of Boys in the early 2000s, composing music for their debut album Yeh Bhi Woh Bhi (2002) and subsequent releases, including hits like "Meri Neend," "Gori," and "Ishq," while providing ongoing guidance to shape their sound and career trajectory. A major milestone came in 2011 when Lewis served as curator and music producer for the inaugural season of Coke Studio @ MTV India, conceiving and creating all original music for nine episodes featuring 51 tracks recorded in single takes under intense conditions—he reportedly slept just two hours nightly for 40 days. The season showcased fusions with artists such as Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shankar Mahadevan, KK, and Kailash Kher, blending mainstream and folk performers with a house band to revive non-film music, ultimately achieving platinum status with Sony BMG. Through his MTV collaborations, Lewis contributed to broader music programming, including early Indipop initiatives that introduced Western rock and pop production techniques—such as live studio jamming and genre-blending arrangements—to Indian television shows in the 2010s, influencing formats beyond Bollywood dominance. Post-2019, Lewis has focused on global fusion projects, including blending Broadway and Bollywood in stage productions like Beauty and the Beast, while mentoring young artists such as singer Kavya Jones, whom he integrated into his band in 2018 to nurture her development alongside established performers. In his solo career, he released the EP The White Album in 2022, featuring six romantic tracks, and a six-song series titled Phir Se Rock & Roll in 2023. He continues to perform live, including the Leslee Lewis — The ’90s Experience concert tour as of 2025.

Discography

Albums

Leslee Lewis's album discography reflects his evolution as a , blending Indian classical elements with Western , and electronic influences. His solo and collaborative works emphasize melodic compositions and vocal performances, often featuring guest artists to enhance thematic depth. The debut album of the Colonial Cousins duo, featuring Lewis alongside Hariharan, was released in 1996 and marked a breakthrough in Indian fusion music. Titled Colonial Cousins, it achieved platinum status in , signifying significant commercial success through widespread radio play and live performances. The album comprises nine tracks that explore themes of spirituality and emotion, with notable songs including "," a reimagined classical piece, and "It's Gonna Be Alright," which showcases upbeat rhythms.
TrackTitleDuration
1Sa Ni Dha Pa5:06
2It's Gonna Be Alright6:53
3Krishna5:50
4Adrain's Angel (Lost In the Desert Fair)4:42
5Indian Rain6:34
6Feel Alright5:59
7Let Me See The Love6:22
8Baba6:07
9Jaa Re6:12
The duo's follow-up, The Way We Do It (1998), expanded on this fusion style with twelve tracks incorporating funk and world music elements, receiving positive reception for its energetic production. Key tracks like the title song and "Rhythm of the World" highlight Lewis's compositional versatility.
TrackTitleDuration
1The Way We Do It3:59
2Feels So Good4:58
3Stay Back Tonight4:19
4Funky Freedom6:01
5Jaa Re Jaa3:31
64:35
74:28
8Visions4:55
9Rhythm Of The World4:50
10Once In A Lifetime4:45
11Chasing The Dream4:28
12If I Could4:35
In 2001, Colonial Cousins released Aatma, a more introspective album with nine tracks delving into spiritual and devotional themes, produced under Magnasound Records. Standout compositions include "Guiding Star" and "Dil Mein Tu," which blend acoustic guitars with traditional Indian instrumentation.
TrackTitleDuration
1Guiding Star5:35
2Mata Pita3:20
3Dheem Dheem Dhirena3:40
4Dil Mein Tu6:33
5I Love You Girl (For Divya When I'm Gone)5:14
6Sri Rama5:48
7Kai Zhala4:40
8Turn Around - Angel Eyes4:48
9Aatma5:02
Lewis's first solo full-length , Haseena (1998), under , fuses pop with Indian folk, featuring ten tracks where he handles vocals and composition. The title track, with guest vocals, exemplifies his romantic lyricism, while "Bhiga Bhiga" incorporates rhythmic percussion.
TrackTitleDuration
1Haseena4:33
2Bhiga Bhiga5:34
3Pyar Ho Gaya5:07
4Deewana Hoon Dilruba5:31
5Azadi (What U Waiting For)5:20
6Dil Tera Ho Jaye4:45
7Gori5:10
8Byla Bylamo4:50
9Paree5:00
10Meri Neend4:40
As a , Lewis contributed to Guy Next Door (), the debut album by , where he composed and produced tracks like "Love Love Love," infusing boy-band pop with his signature fusion elements. The duo released Once More in 2012, revisiting their fusion roots with contemporary arrangements across ten tracks, including reinterpreted classics and new compositions emphasizing spiritual themes. Lewis's recent independent release, The White Album (2022), is a six-track EP of romantic material, self-produced and emphasizing acoustic intimacy across genres. Tracks such as "Tere Bina Love" and "Jannat Ki Raat" capture personal storytelling.
TrackTitleDuration
1Tere Bina Love3:02
2Paas Aao Na3:36
3Jannat Ki Raat4:04
4Dil Ne Yeh Kaha2:05
5Aadhi Raat Whiskey Aur Tu3:57
6Aashiq Hoon Tera1:42

Film scores

Leslee Lewis made notable contributions to Indian cinema through composing soundtracks and performing vocals in several films, blending his signature fusion style with Bollywood and regional elements. In the 2000 Hindi film Mela, directed by Ahmed Khan, Lewis composed the energetic track "Dekho 2000 Zamana Aa Gaya," featuring vocals by himself, Hariharan, and , which captured a millennial vibe with upbeat rhythms and contemporary lyrics. This song, part of a larger primarily helmed by and , highlighted Lewis's ability to infuse Western pop influences into , contributing to the film's festive narrative. His work on Mela exemplified the rising trend of fusion in 2000s Bollywood, where indie-pop sensibilities met cinematic storytelling. Lewis, in collaboration with Hariharan as the duo Colonial Cousins, composed the full soundtrack for the Tamil film , directed by Saran. The incorporated fusion elements, merging Indian classical motifs with rock and electronic beats, as seen in tracks like "Vellaikkari" sung by Hariharan and chorus, and "Chikki Mukki Chikki Mukki" performed by Lewis and Suchitra Raman. This marked their debut as film composers in , earning praise for its innovative sound that bridged traditional and modern genres. The duo returned for the 2010 Tamil film , directed by , where they again handled the entire soundtrack. Standout songs included the title track "Chikku Bukku Chikku," a groovy fusion number with Lewis's indie-pop flair, and "Oru Nila," featuring a melodic blend of acoustic and electronic layers. Critics noted the album's catchy, unpredictable tunes that enhanced the film's romantic adventure plot, solidifying Colonial Cousins' reputation in South Indian film music. Beyond composing, Lewis lent his vocals to key tracks in other films. For the 2005 Tamil psychological thriller , directed by Shankar, he sang "Kannum Kannum " alongside and , composed by , infusing the song with playful rap verses and a phone-themed hook that became a chart-topper. The track's fusion of hip-hop and Tamil folk elements amplified the film's energetic sequences. In the 2019 Tamil action-thriller , directed by , Lewis provided vocals for "Hey Amigo," a lively duet with , under Harris Jayaraj's composition. The song's upbeat, Latin-infused rhythm complemented the film's spy thriller tone, with Lewis's energetic delivery adding a fun, international flair. His contributions here extended the fusion legacy into contemporary soundtracks.

Singles and collaborations

Leslee Lewis ventured into remixes early in his solo career with "Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein," a club-oriented take on the classic track featured on his 2002 album Special Appointments Club Hits. This single showcased his fusion of Indian melodies with electronic beats, gaining popularity in urban nightlife scenes during the early 2000s. In 2005, Lewis provided guest vocals for "Kannum Kannum Nokia" in the Tamil film Anniyan, blending his distinctive style with composer Harris Jayaraj's score to create a chart-topping hit that amassed over 28 million streams on Spotify. His production role in the 2011 debut season of Coke Studio @ MTV led to guest appearances across episodes, where he performed alongside artists like KK and Shaan, fostering fusion collaborations that highlighted his versatility as a vocalist and arranger. Lewis's recent solo output includes the 2024 singles "Gaana Mujh Pe Chhod" and "Aasmaan Se," both from his project Phir Se Rock & Roll, which revive rock-infused pop with contemporary production. In 2025, he released "Meheki Khushboo," a personal romantic track drawing from 1970s rock influences and described by Lewis as a raw expression of emotion. A notable live collaboration came in 2024 at the World Music Day festival, where Lewis joined Sourendro and Soumyojit for a rendition of "Yaaron Dosti," mashing it with Bengali folk elements to celebrate themes of friendship. These recent singles and collaborations have amplified Lewis's presence on streaming platforms like , where tracks from Phir Se Rock & Roll underscore his role in India's revival by merging nostalgic rock with modern accessibility.

Awards and honors

Music awards

Leslee Lewis received early recognition for his work in advertising music through the Indian Academy of Advertising Film Art (IAAFA), earning four consecutive nominations before winning the award for excellence in jingle composition in 1989. His collaboration with Hariharan as the duo Colonial Cousins brought international acclaim, highlighted by their 1996 win of the Asia Viewers' Choice Award for their self-titled debut , which blended Indian classical elements with Western pop and rock influences. This success was further affirmed that same year with the U.S. Viewers' Choice Award for best international video from the , underscoring the duo's breakthrough in global music markets. These awards marked pivotal moments in Lewis's career, tying directly to the widespread popularity of Colonial Cousins and establishing his reputation for innovative fusion compositions.

Other recognitions

Lewis is widely credited with conceiving and producing the inaugural season of Coke Studio India in 2011, a landmark platform that blended Indian classical, folk, and contemporary genres, earning him ongoing industry tributes.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.