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Nilayan Chatterjee
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Key Information
Nilayan Chatterjee (pronounced [nilajan cʰɔtterʤeɛ]; born c. 1990), also known by his stage name RJ Neil, is an Indian radio jockey, music composer, singer-songwriter, and lyricist who works in the Bengali film industry and independent music scene. He is best known for composing soundtracks for films such as Kacher Manush (2022), Bagha Jatin (2023), Dilkhush (2023), Boomerang (2024), and Khadaan (2024).[1][2]
Early life and education
[edit]Chatterjee was born around 1990 in Kolkata, West Bengal. Details about his early life and formal musical training are not extensively documented. He began his career in radio in 2007.[3]
Career
[edit]Radio career
[edit]Chatterjee began his career as a radio jockey in 2007, hosting the late-night Hindi show Masala Nights on Red FM Kolkata under the name RJ Neil.[4] His show featured innovative segments including "Dark Hour," which allowed anonymous listener confessions, and "Instant song creation," where he would compose songs on-the-spot using random words provided by listeners.[5][6]
His radio promotion performance "Dedicated to DEV & RUKMINI" in 2019 caught the attention of actor Dev, which facilitated his transition into film music composition.[7]
Music career
[edit]Chatterjee made his film composition debut with the 2022 romantic comedy Kishmish, where he composed all the songs and also wrote lyrics. He continued his collaboration with Dev on the romance drama Kacher Manush (2022), for which he wrote and composed the lead single "Chumbak Mon", sung by Usha Uthup.[1]
His work on the patriotic biopic Bagha Jatin (2023) included composing title tracks such as "Jago Re Bagha" and "Ei Desh Amar."[2][8] During this project, Chatterjee received guidance and mentorship from composer A. R. Rahman.[9]
In 2023, he scored the anthology romance Dilkhush, which featured the hit track "Bibagi Phone".[10] His 2024 projects include the thriller Boomerang and the supernatural drama Khadaan, for which he also served as co-producer alongside Dev.[11]
Following their work on Khadaan, Chatterjee collaborated again with composer–singer Rathijit Bhattacharjee on the soundtrack of the period action film Raghu Dakat, starring Dev and directed by Dhrubo Banerjee. The film's music contributed to his growing popularity, and he participated in promotional tours across several districts of West Bengal alongside actor Dev.[12]
The collaboration followed the popularity of the song "Kishori" from Khadaan, which became widely popular among younger listeners. Bhattacharjee provided vocals for the track alongside singer Antara Mitra[13]
In 2026, he composed five songs for Rahool Mukherjee's Mon Maaney Na (2026 Bengali Film), marking the third collaboration between the director-music director duo. This film marks the debut of Ritwik Bhowmik in Bengali cinema as well as Hiya Chatterjee.[14]
Chatterjee has collaborated with prominent playback singers including Sonu Nigam, who reportedly returned his fee after recording a song for one of Chatterjee's projects upon learning it was for an independent film with a limited budget.[15]
On World Music Day 2023, Chatterjee shared his perspectives on the evolving Bengali music industry and the balance between commercial success and creative expression.[16]
Independent music
[edit]Alongside his film work, Chatterjee has released independent music including lo-fi singles and EPs. His track "Apatoto Jai" was featured in a lo-fi version by The Times of India.[17] He also released the Kacher Manush Original Motion Picture Soundtrack EP in 2022.[18]
Personal life
[edit]Chatterjee was previously married to radio jockey RJ Ayantika. The couple announced their separation and Ayantika's second marriage in 2023.[19] Despite their separation, they maintained a cordial relationship and were seen together at a friend's wedding after their divorce.[20]
Discography
[edit]Film scores
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Kishmish | Composer and lyricist | Debut as film composer |
| 2022 | Kacher Manush | Composer and lyricist | Featured "Chumbak Mon" sung by Usha Uthup |
| 2023 | Bagha Jatin | Composer | Received mentorship from A. R. Rahman |
| 2023 | Dilkhush | Composer and lyricist | |
| 2024 | Boomerang | Composer | |
| 2024 | Khadaan | Composer | |
| 2025 | Dhumketu | Composer and lyricist | |
| 2025 | Raghu Dakat | Composer | Upcoming project |
| 2026 | Mon Maaney Na (2026 Bengali Film) | Composer and lyricist | Upcoming project |
Singles and EPs
[edit]| Year | Title | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Kacher Manush (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | EP |
| 2023 | "Apatoto Jai" | Single |
| 2024 | "Sajani – LoFi" | Single |
Reception
[edit]Chatterjee's score for Bagha Jatin was praised for its patriotic fervor and thematic coherence by The Times of India.[21] His work has been recognized for blending traditional Bengali folk elements with contemporary musical arrangements.
References
[edit]- ^ a b Entertainment Desk (6 September 2022). "Rekindle the innocence of romance with 'Kacher Manush' song 'Chumbak Mon'". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ a b Times of India Bureau (15 April 2023). "Dev releases song from his next release Bagha Jatin". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "'Dev da's musical understanding runs deep'". Millennium Post. 8 October 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ Ailani, Ritu (20 August 2020). "National Radio Day: 7 Of The Best Radio Jockeys In India". Askmen India. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ Ghosh, Devarsi (16 November 2017). "Silent breathers, reluctant confessors and obsessed callers: Being a late-night RJ isn't easy". Scroll.in. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ "রেডিও জকি থেকে কীভাবে হয়ে উঠলেন সঙ্গীতশিল্পী, মজার গল্প শোনালেন নীলায়ন চট্টোপাধ্যায়". ABP Ananda. 23 March 2023. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ Das, Samrat (18 April 2022). "Exclusive! Kishmish's music director Nilayan Chatterjee reveals that he's bagged Dev's next film with Prosenjit Chatterjee". OTTPlay. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ Times of India Bureau (26 January 2024). "Republic Day Special: Bagha Jatin". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "A R Rahman connection in Dev's Bagha Jatin, here is what Nilayan Chatterjee said". Sangbad Pratidin. 20 October 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ Anindita Dutt (6 December 2022). "Anirban's musical treat leaves an aftertaste of sweetness". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "Dev co-produced Khadaan with Nilayan Chatterjee". Zee 24 Ghanta. 15 March 2024. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ Banerjee, Swati Das (30 October 2025). "জন্মদিনেই ঘটল বিপদ! ভাঙ্গা পা নিয়েই কেক কাটলেন নীলায়নের মা". Hindustan Times Bangla (in Bengali). Retrieved 5 March 2026.
- ^ "'কিশোরী'র রেশ 'রঘু ডাকাত'-এও? দেবের ছবির গানের দায়িত্ব নিয়ে ফের জুটিতে রথীজিৎ-নীলায়ন?". Anandabazar Patrika (in Bengali). 10 March 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "Ritwik Bhowmik and Hiya Chatterjee pair up for the film Mon Maaney Na. Glimpses from the mahurat..." t2online.in. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
- ^ "Sonu Nigam returned his fee after recording a song, guess why he did so". The Times of India. 18 September 2022. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "World Music Day: Nilayan Chatterjee shared his thoughts on music and success in Bengali cinema". The Indian Express Bangla. 21 June 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ Entertainment Desk (20 July 2023). "Experience LoFi version of the latest Bengali lyrical music video for Apatoto Jai". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "Kacher Manush (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – EP". Spotify. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "RJ Ayantika announces second marriage, Nilayan has a message for ex-wife". Hindustan Times Bangla. 12 November 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2025.[dead link]
- ^ "RJ Ayantika and Nilayan Chatterjee together attends one of their friends wedding, shares photo". Hindustan Times Bangla. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2025.[dead link]
- ^ Entertainment Desk (24 October 2023). "Bagha Jatin Movie Review: It's Dev all the way in this patriotic biopic". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 April 2025.