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Times Music is an Indian music record label copyright music publishing company, owned by The Times Group, Headquartered in Mumbai, India. Times Music started operations in 1998[2] and has a catalogue of more than 48,000 tracks[3] in all languages and genres. Times Music is also the Indian sub-publisher for global music publishing firms Warner/Chappell Music, Peermusic, Wixen Music, CTM Publishing and Cloud 9 Music Publishing.[3]

Key Information

Times Music was one of the early pioneers of remixes[4] in India and was an early leader in the devotional and spiritual music genre. The label has also published regional, folk, Hindi and traditional albums in languages such as Telugu, Punjabi, Bengali, Gujarati, Assamese and Kannada and has a strong regional presence.

History

[edit]

Times Music was established in 1998 under the leadership of Arun Arora, who was then the President and Executive Director of The Times of India and Times Global Broadcasting Co. Ltd. Tu Hi Tu was the first album released by Times Music. This was succeeded by Jalwa: Dance Hungama (Remix album), Dehajaan (Assamese album), Dil Le Gayee and Jadoo (Remix album). In 2000, the Indian music industry was ruled by Bollywood and international music. The intent of the label was to create albums tailored to appeal to the discerning audience, which resulted in Times Music's concepts of spiritual, world, and remix music in India.

In 2009 Times Music became the first music company in India to introduce Brainwave Sound Technology album called Bhakti Band. This was a fusion devotional/spiritual album. The album was composed by Vaibhav Saxena.[5][6]

Albums

[edit]

This is the incomplete list

Year Album(s) Artist(s)
1990s
1998 Tu Hi Tu Sanjay Maroo
Jalwa - Dance Hungama Various Artists
Dehajaan Kumar Bhabesh
1999 Dil Le Gayee Jasbir Jassi
Us Rah Par Junaid Jamshed
Jadoo Zubeen Garg, DJ Akbar Sami, Swastika, Jojo
Josh: The Wilds Withins Abbey, Swastika, Sagarika, Jojo, Zubeen Garg, Sanjay Maroo
Gayatri Various Artists
Sur Preeti Uttam
2000s
2000 Kandisa Indian Ocean
Hunpahi Kumar Bhabesh
Jalwa 2 Various Artists
Jatra Shuru Bhoomi
2001 Nahor Zubeen Garg, Santa Uzir, Gitimoni, Bornali
Dil Ki Baat Junaid Jamshed
Raahein Shom Shukla
Udaan Bhoomi
2002 Viva! Viva
Maroo Sanjay Maroo
2003 Aasma Aasma
Viva Reloaded Viva
2004 Because I Can Katy Rose
Jonaki Raati Angaraag Mahanta
2005 Aasma: The Infinite Aasma
2007 Prithibir Rong Alaap Dudul Saikia, Debojit Saha, Sneha Pant, Javed Ali
2008 Mon Haralo Various Artists
Sinaaki Osinaaki Papon
2010s
2012 Suma Nayan Nilim
Rock Zubeen Garg
2013 Mor Loralir Dikshu
Pakeeza Zubeen Garg
2014 Path
Kun Tumi Various Artists
2016 Nahor 2016 Zubeen Garg

Junglee Music

[edit]

In 2007, Times Music launched its independent film music label, Junglee Music, to capitalise on the popularity of commercial film music. Junglee Music started with Welcome and followed it up with titles like Singh Is Kinng, Horn 'Ok' Pleassss, Dasvidaniya, Pink, Dhanak, Begum Jaan and Romeo Akbar Walter as well as other language film titles. Later Junglee Music also published music for Raja Natwarlal and Haider.

Hindi films

[edit]
Year Film
2000s
2004 Krishna Cottage
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero
2005 Yahaan
Hanuman
2007 Welcome
2008 Singh Is Kinng
2008 Dasvidaniya
2010s
2013 Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster Returns
2014 Haider
2014 Raja Natwarlal
2014 Ankhon Dekhi
2016 Dhanak
2016 Pink
2017 Begum Jaan
2017 Running Shaadi
2017 Sachin: A Billion Dreams
2017 Irada
2018 Baazaar
2019 Romeo Akbar Walter
2020s
2023 Chatrapathi
2023 Bloody Daddy

Telugu films

[edit]
Year Film
2010s
2013 Adda
2013 Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyinde
2013 Doosukeltha
2013 Balupu
2014 Current Theega
2014 Ulavucharu Biriyani
2014 Run Raja Run
2014 Power
2014 Rough
2015 Sher
2015 Kick 2
2015 Nannaku Prematho
2015 Bengal Tiger
2015 Jil
2016 Oopiri
2016 Janaki Ramudu
2017 Radha
2017 Intlo Deyyam Nakem Bhayam
2017 Jaya Janaki Nayaka
2017 Nene Raju Nene Mantri
2020s
2023 Ugram
2023 Custody

Tamil films

[edit]
Year Film
2000s
2008 Kadhalil Vizhunthen
2008 Saroja
2010s
2010 Maanja Velu
2010 Mynaa
2012 Aravaan
2012 Thaandavam
2013 Veeram
2013 Jannal Oram
2014 Veeram
2014 Bramman
2014 Un Samayal Arayil
2014 Vanavarayan Vallavarayan
2014 Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam
2016 Hello Naan Pei Pesuren
2016 Geethaiyin Raadhai
2017 Hara Hara Mahadevaki
2017 Ivan Thanthiran
2017 Palli Paruvathile
2018 Seethakaathi
2019 Dev
2019 Kaaviyyan
2020s
2023 Custody
Iraivan
2025 Madharaasi

Kannada films

[edit]
Year Film
2010s
2012 Nana Life Alli
2014 Oggarane
2014 Abhimanyu
2015 Mast Mohabbat
2015 Uppi 2
2017 Srikanta
2017 Life 360
2017 Women's Day
2018 Hottegagi Genu Battegagi

Bengali films

[edit]
Year Film
2000s
2008 Mon Amour: Shesher Kobita Revisited
2010s
2011 Icche
2012 Muktodhara
2014 Aamar Ami
2015 Bela Seshe
2015 Naxal
2015 Jomer Raja Dilo Bor
2015 Abby Sen
2015 Natoker Moto - Like a Play
2016 Beparoyaa
2020s
2022 Belashuru
2022 Haami 2
2023 Fatafati
2023 Raktabeej
2024 Sentimentaaal
2024 Dabaru
2024 Bohurupi
2025 Balaram Kando
2025 Shreeman v/s Shreemati
2025 Amar Boss
2025 Raktabeej 2

Assamese films

[edit]
Year Film
2010s
2010 Aabeli
2012 Rowd
2012 Durjon
2013 Tumi Jodi Kuwa
2013 Shinyor
2014 Rodor Sithi
2015 Ahetuk
2016 Bahnimaan[7]
2016 Gaane Ki Aane
2017 Dur
2017 Dooronir Nirola Poja
2017 Mission China
2018 The Underworld
2019 Kanchanjangha
2019 Pratighaat
2020s
2022 Bandhu
2024 Abhimanyu
2025 Joddha: The Warrior of Life

Punjabi films

[edit]
Year Film(s)
2020s
2021 Moosa Jatt

Punjabi non-films

[edit]
Year Artist Song name
2010s
2010 G Deep "O Billo"
2015 Navv Inder "Wakhra Swag"
2016 Teesha Nigam "Katna Nai"
2016 Big Dhillon "Hauli Hauli"
2016 A Baaz "Sharabi"
2016 Roshan Prince "Jatti De Nain"
2017 T-Jay and Mellow D "Xplain"
2017 Navv Inder "Tu mere ki Lagdi"

Pakistani films

[edit]
Year Film
2010s
2018 Teefa in Trouble

Electronic dance music

[edit]

Times Music started importing and licensing electronic dance music releases in India in 2006. The label signed license deals with EDM labels such as Black Hole Recordings, Anjunabeats, Hommegga & Toco Asia. Times Music also released albums by artists such as Tiësto, Paul van Dyk, ATB, Above & Beyond and Skazi.

Independent music

[edit]

Times Music has been associated with independent (indie) music since the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was one of the first publishers of indie music in India, even before the term was coined by the music industry.[4] Times Music has worked with iconic bands such as Indian Ocean, MIDIval Punditz, Mrigya,[8] Viva and Band of Boys. Other prominent artists are Zubeen Garg, Karsh Kale,[9] Susheela Raman, Angaraag Mahanta and Kumar Bhabesh.

Times Living

[edit]

Times Living was earlier known as Times Wellness, a division of Times Music, which was established in 2006. Times Living features products that include yoga, spirituality, diet and nutrition and modern forms of physical fitness. The record label has also released DVDs and albums by spiritual groups like Art of Living Foundation, Brahma Kumaris and Isha Foundation.

Genre-based mobile apps

[edit]

Times Music was the first record label to launch music apps for mobiles[10] that were specific for particular genres. The label has apps that support Android and iOS devices.[11][12] Times Music has a collection of music apps varying from devotional, classical to Bollywood. Recently, Sunny Leone and Mickey Mehta came out with a fitness app and the DVD Super Hot Sunny Mornings for women of all age groups.[13]

Awards and achievements

[edit]
  • Best New Age Album Trophy at 57th Grammy Awards to Ricky Kej for Winds of Samsara[14]
  • Best background score trophy at the Mirchi Music Awards 2015 to Vishal Bhardwaj for Haider[15]
  • Best background score trophy to Vishal Bharadwaj at GIMA 2015 for Haider[16]
  • Best rock album trophy at GIMA 2015 to Mihir Joshi Band for Mumbai Blues
  • National Award 2015 for best music director to Vishal Bhardwaj for Haider[17]
  • National Award 2015 for best singer to Sukhwinder Singh for Haider[17]
  • Times Music albums won three slots on iTunes' "Best of 2014" list:[18]
    • Best Album: Haider
    • Best IndiPop Album: Indian Ocean's Tandanu
    • Devotional Spiritual Superlikes
  • Ananthaal selected as Apple's "Best Indian Pop Album" of 2015[19]
  • Ananthaal won the Best Video award for the song "Inayat" at the Radio City Freedom Awards 2016 [20]
  • Indian Ocean won the Jury's Choice award for Best Fusion Artiste at the 2016 Radio City Freedom Awards

References

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

Times Music

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Times Music is an Indian record label and music publishing company founded in 1998 and headquartered in Mumbai, operating as a subsidiary of the Times Group, South Asia's largest media conglomerate.[1][2] It specializes in producing, managing, and monetizing a diverse catalog that includes contemporary, regional, devotional, and Indian classical music, distributed across physical, digital, and publishing platforms in over 24 languages worldwide.[1][3] The company maintains an extensive library comprising over 60,000 songs and more than 600 movie soundtracks, encompassing genres such as Bollywood, Punjabi, Tamil, Kannada, and spiritual music.[3] It has pioneered segments like spiritual, world, and remix music in India, establishing itself as the leading label in the spiritual genre.[4] Times Music also engages in talent management and licensing, supporting artists through digital streaming, YouTube distribution, and global partnerships.[5] In recent years, Times Music has expanded through strategic investments and acquisitions. In April 2023, it formed a joint venture with U.S.-based Primary Wave Music valued at over $100 million to bolster investments in Indian music catalogs and tap into emerging market growth.[2] This partnership facilitated further growth, including the March 2025 acquisitions of Symphony Recording Co., a Tamil devotional music leader with over 350 audio albums and 100 video titles generating 2 billion YouTube views, and ARC Musicq, a prominent Kannada label founded in 1985 with similar viewership metrics and prior distribution ties to Times Music since 2017.[2][1] These moves underscore Times Music's focus on regional content and global expansion under CEO Mandar Thakur and Times Group Managing Director Vineet Jain.[2]

Corporate Profile

Ownership and Leadership

Times Music operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. (BCCL), the parent entity known as The Times Group, one of India's largest media conglomerates.[6] As a division within the privately held Times Group, Times Music has maintained private company status without undergoing a separate public listing, aligning with BCCL's closely held structure.[7] Mandar Thakur serves as the current CEO of Times Music, overseeing its operations in music recording, publishing, and talent management across India and South Asia.[8] Appointed to lead the company, Thakur joined Times Music in 2010 after operating a digital music and media consultancy that advised The Times of India on content strategies; his tenure has emphasized digital innovation and global partnerships in the music sector.[9] Governance at Times Music is integrated into the broader structure of The Times Group, with strategic oversight provided by BCCL's senior leadership rather than a standalone board for the music division.[10] Key decision-makers in music publishing include CEO Thakur, who directs licensing, catalog management, and international collaborations, supported by specialized executives focused on publishing rights and artist development.[8] This setup ensures alignment with the parent company's media ecosystem while allowing operational autonomy in music-specific initiatives.

Operations and Catalogue

Times Music is headquartered in Mumbai, India, serving as the central hub for its operations within The Times Group ecosystem.[3] The company maintains global sub-publishing partnerships to expand its reach, including an agreement with Warner/Chappell Music since 2013, under which Times Music manages repertoire rights and pursues publishing and synchronization opportunities in India, later extended to territories such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in 2016.[11][12] Additionally, it collaborates with Peermusic as part of its international publishing network, supporting the administration and exploitation of catalogs across regions.[13] The label's catalogue encompasses a diverse array of genres, including devotional music like bhajans, classical traditions, and contemporary styles such as Punjabi songs, Hindi romantic tracks, and indie pop.[14] This extensive library enables broad artistic representation and market penetration in the Indian and global music landscapes. Distribution occurs through multiple channels to maximize accessibility and revenue. Physical formats remain available for traditional consumers, while digital platforms dominate, with content streamed and downloaded via services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, where the official Times Music channel boasts over 17.5 million subscribers as of November 2025.[15] Licensing agreements further extend the catalogue's utility, providing music for films, television, advertisements, and other media, often through exclusive partnerships like the global distribution deal with Punjabi label Speed Records.[16]

Historical Development

Founding and Early Years

Times Music was established in 1998 as a division of The Times Group, under the leadership of Arun Arora, who served as its founder and CEO.[5][17] The label aimed to enter the burgeoning Indian music industry by leveraging the media conglomerate's resources to distribute and promote recordings across diverse genres and regions. The company's inaugural release was the devotional album Tu Hi Tu by Sanjay Maroo, launched in 1998, which marked a fusion of spiritual themes with contemporary sounds and achieved notable success.[18] This was quickly followed by the Assamese album Dehajaan by Kumar Bhabesh in November 1998, highlighting the label's initial outreach to regional audiences.[19] In its formative years, Times Music focused on building a catalogue through regional language releases and devotional music, targeting underserved markets in India to establish a foothold.[5]

Key Milestones and Innovations

In 2007, Times Music launched Junglee Music as a dedicated sub-label focused on film soundtracks, aiming to capitalize on the surging popularity of Bollywood and regional cinema music. This initiative marked a strategic pivot toward commercial film releases, with early successes including the soundtrack for the blockbuster Welcome.[4] A notable innovation came in 2009 when Times Music introduced Brainwave Sound Technology with the devotional album Bhakti Band, becoming the first Indian music company to employ this audio enhancement technique designed to synchronize sound frequencies with brain waves for deeper listener immersion. The technology, developed in collaboration with music director Vaibhav Saxena, represented an early foray into advanced audio processing for spiritual and meditative content.[20] During the 2010s, Times Music significantly expanded its digital presence amid the rise of streaming and social media, with its official YouTube channel growing to over 17 million subscribers as of 2025 by providing on-demand access to a vast catalog of tracks.[15] The company also launched genre-specific mobile apps for categories like Bollywood, Punjabi, and bhakti music, enabling targeted user engagement. This digital shift aligned with broader industry trends toward mobile-first consumption in India. In April 2023, Times Music formed a joint venture with U.S.-based Primary Wave Music, valued at over $100 million, to invest in Indian music catalogs and support global expansion.[21]

Film Music Division

Junglee Music Overview

Junglee Music, the dedicated film music division of Times Music, was established in 2007 to focus on the acquisition and distribution of commercial soundtracks from Indian cinema.[4] This launch aligned with the rising popularity of digital music platforms and the dominance of film-based releases in the Indian market, positioning Junglee Music as a specialized arm to capitalize on Bollywood's extensive reach while expanding into regional languages.[22] From its inception, the label debuted with high-profile projects like the soundtrack for the blockbuster film Welcome, which featured compositions by Himesh Reshammiya, Sajid-Wajid, and Anand Raj Anand, quickly achieving chart-topping success.[4] The core strategy of Junglee Music centers on securing exclusive rights to film soundtracks for nationwide and international distribution, encompassing both Hindi and regional cinema productions. This approach has enabled the label to build a robust catalogue by partnering with major production houses and filmmakers. For instance, Junglee Music holds the rights to acclaimed scores such as Vishal Bhardwaj's compositions for Haider (2014), blending Kashmiri folk elements with contemporary sounds to critical acclaim.[23] Similar deals include acquisitions for Bollywood titles like Sarfira (2024) and regional films such as the Malayalam thriller Villain (2017), underscoring a deliberate expansion into diverse cinematic markets.[24][25] Through these efforts, Junglee Music has significantly bolstered Times Music's standing in the Indian film music sector during the 2010s, driving substantial revenue growth amid the shift to digital streaming. By 2014, Times Music reported a 400% increase in revenues over the prior three years, establishing itself as a key player in IP creation and exploitation within a competitive landscape dominated by film soundtracks.[26] This expansion not only enhanced distribution channels but also contributed to broader market penetration, with Junglee Music handling a substantial portion of Bollywood and regional releases.[27]

Hindi Film Releases

Junglee Music has been instrumental in releasing several acclaimed Hindi film soundtracks since its inception in 2007, focusing on high-profile Bollywood productions that blend commercial appeal with artistic depth. One of the label's earliest major releases was the soundtrack for Welcome (2007), a comedy film starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, which featured upbeat tracks composed by Himesh Reshammiya, Anand Raj Anand, and Sajid-Wajid. Songs like "Kola Laka" and "Welcome" became instant hits, contributing to the film's blockbuster status with approximately ₹98 crore gross in India.[28] The album's energetic fusion of pop and folk elements showcased Junglee Music's strategy to capitalize on theatrical releases for widespread promotion.[29] Another landmark release was the soundtrack for Haider (2014), directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and starring Shahid Kapoor, which earned critical acclaim for its intense, Shakespearean-inspired compositions. Vishal Bhardwaj served as the composer and producer, collaborating with lyricist Gulzar on tracks that explored themes of conflict and loss in Kashmir. Notable songs included "Bismil" sung by Sukhwinder Singh, which won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer, and "Khul Kabhi" featuring Arijit Singh's emotive vocals, highlighting the label's partnerships with top artists. The album received the National Film Award for Best Music Direction and topped charts on platforms like Hungama.[30][31][32] Junglee Music's approach to Hindi film releases emphasizes acquiring exclusive rights for soundtracks tied to major productions, ensuring synchronized theatrical promotions and digital distribution. For instance, releases like Welcome and Haider benefited from tie-ins with film premieres, where audio launches amplified buzz, while digital rights enabled streaming on platforms such as Spotify and JioSaavn for sustained revenue. This model, which integrates physical sales, satellite rights, and online monetization, has allowed the label to distribute numerous Hindi OSTs, prioritizing collaborations with composers like Himesh Reshammiya and Vishal Bhardwaj to maintain a diverse catalogue of chart-topping tracks.[33][16]

Regional and International Film Releases

Junglee Music, the film music arm of Times Music, has diversified beyond Hindi cinema by acquiring and distributing soundtracks in various regional Indian languages, leveraging dedicated regional channels to tap into local markets. This expansion underscores the label's commitment to multilingual content, complementing its established Hindi film releases while prioritizing cultural resonance in non-Bollywood industries. In the Telugu film industry, Junglee Music Telugu has curated soundtracks for key titles, including the 2016 action drama Nannaku Prematho, directed by Sukumar and featuring compositions by Devi Sri Prasad that blend high-energy tracks with emotional ballads.[34] The label's Telugu division continues to promote such releases through digital platforms, enhancing accessibility for South Indian audiences. In Kannada cinema, Junglee Music has bolstered its presence through strategic moves, including the 2025 acquisition of ARC Musicq, a prominent Kannada label specializing in film and folk soundtracks, which integrates classics and contemporary releases into Times Music's portfolio.[16] This enhances the catalogue with enduring hits from films like the 2006 romantic drama Mungaru Male, composed by Mano Murthy, whose title track "Mungaru Maleye" remains an iconic melody symbolizing monsoon romance.[35] The 2013 bilingual Lucia, with its innovative dual-language soundtrack by Poornachandra Tejaswi, highlights the label's support for experimental Kannada music that explores psychological themes.[36] For Eastern and Northeastern languages, Junglee Music engages with Bengali, Assamese, and Punjabi markets to foster regional talent. In Bengali, a partnership with Windows Production since 2013 has yielded soundtracks for major Tollywood films, such as the 2024 thriller Bohurupi and drama Amar Boss, emphasizing narrative-driven scores that blend tradition with modernity.[37] For Assamese cinema, collaborations with artists like Zubeen Garg feature prominently, as seen in the 2024 film Joddha, where tracks like "Ei Mayabi Raati" capture folk-infused storytelling central to Assamese identity.[38] In Punjabi films, Junglee Music distributes energetic soundtracks, exemplified by releases like Kali Jotta from 2023 movies, aligning with the genre's upbeat bhangra rhythms.[39] Extending internationally, Junglee Music has explored Pakistani cinema, releasing soundtracks that bridge South Asian musical traditions.

Non-Film Music Releases

Album Highlights

Times Music's non-film album releases have encompassed a wide array of genres, with early efforts in the late 1990s laying the foundation for a diverse portfolio that extended into fusion, devotional, and contemporary sounds. One of the label's inaugural non-film projects was Sanjay Maroo's Tu Hi Tu in 1999, a pop album that featured catchy tracks blending Indian influences with Western production styles, marking an early commercial success in building the company's independent music presence.[40] This release, along with subsequent pop and remix albums in the late 1990s and early 2000s, helped establish Times Music's reputation in the non-film space before 2010, contributing to a growing catalog that emphasized accessible, chart-oriented music amid the dominance of film soundtracks.[41] The label's genre diversity is evident in its devotional series, exemplified by the 2009 fusion album Bhakti Band, which merged traditional bhajans with modern electronic elements through tracks like "Sumiran Karle Le" and "Baso More Nainan Mein," performed by artists such as Padma Sinha and Gunjan Jha.[42] This project represented Times Music's pioneering approach to devotional music, appealing to contemporary audiences seeking meditative and uplifting content.[43] Complementing this, the label supported classical performers and fusion acts, including MIDIval Punditz, whose electronica-infused Indian classical works were featured in Times Music's curated digital collections, highlighting the company's commitment to innovative cross-genre explorations.[44] In the 2010s, Times Music expanded its non-film highlights with acclaimed releases that garnered international recognition. Indian Ocean's Tandanu (2014), a fusion rock album blending folk elements with progressive instrumentation, secured a spot as one of only three Indian non-film albums on iTunes' Best of 2014 list, underscoring the label's role in promoting indigenous fusion talent.[45] Similarly, Zubeen Garg's Kun Tumi (2014), an Assamese-language album featuring emotive tracks like the title song, showcased regional artistry under Times Music's banner, further diversifying the portfolio with heartfelt, culturally rooted compositions.[46] The pinnacle of this era came with Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman's Winds of Samsara (2014), a new age instrumental album that won the Grammy Award for Best New Age Album in 2015, exclusively released in India by Times Music and celebrated for its serene, world music-inspired soundscapes.[47] These albums not only demonstrated the label's evolving focus on high-impact non-film projects but also solidified its influence in global and domestic markets.

Electronic Dance Music

Times Music entered the electronic dance music (EDM) scene in India through licensing agreements with international labels, enabling the distribution of trance and progressive house tracks to local audiences.[48] This move positioned the label as a key player in importing global EDM, focusing on high-energy genres like trance that resonated with emerging club culture in urban centers such as Mumbai and Delhi. The label prioritized releases from iconic artists, bringing albums by Tiësto, Paul van Dyk, and Armin van Buuren to the Indian market. For instance, Tiësto's 2007 album Elements of Life achieved sales exceeding 22,000 units via Times Music, comparable to leading Bollywood soundtracks at the time and underscoring EDM's commercial viability in India.[48] Similarly, Paul van Dyk's works, including Evolution (2012), were licensed and promoted, alongside Armin van Buuren's trance anthems, helping to cultivate a dedicated fanbase through physical CDs and early digital platforms.[9] To engage the growing EDM community, Times Music collaborated on festival tie-ups and curated compilations with remixes adapted for Indian listeners, blending international beats with local flavors to enhance accessibility at events like early editions of Sunburn. These efforts included remix albums featuring artists like Above & Beyond, whose 2015 release We Are All We Need received an Indian edition with localized production elements.[49] Following the 2010 surge in domestic EDM popularity, driven by festivals and digital streaming, Times Music expanded support for Indian producers, signing talents who fused global styles with indigenous sounds. Notable post-2010 releases included works by electronic artists like Achint Thakkar, whose album Shalimar (2015) combined traditional Indian motifs with EDM under the label's banner.[50] This phase marked a shift toward nurturing local talent, contributing to EDM's integration into India's broader music ecosystem.[9]

Independent Music

Times Music began supporting independent artists and bands in India during the late 1990s, shortly after its founding in 1998, positioning itself as one of the early major labels to champion the emerging indie ecosystem beyond Bollywood soundtracks. Times Music signed the fusion rock band Indian Ocean in the early 2000s, releasing their breakthrough album Kandisa in 2000, which blended Indian classical elements with rock and achieved cult status among listeners.[51] The album's success helped solidify Indian Ocean's reputation as pioneers of fusion rock in India.[52] Similarly, Times Music partnered with the electronica duo Midival Punditz for the Indian release of their self-titled debut album in 2002, originally issued internationally by Six Degrees Records, introducing "Indian electronica" to domestic audiences through tracks that fused traditional ragas with electronic beats.[53] This collaboration extended to later projects, including the 2007 remix album Midival PunditZ Remixed and the 2015 album Light, both released under Times Music.[54][55] The label also backed fusion projects, such as the 2009 album Bhakti Band, which explored devotional music in innovative ways. By releasing these albums, Times Music contributed to the growth of the indie scene in India before the dominance of streaming services, offering a platform for experimental sounds that influenced subsequent generations of musicians.[52] The label's efforts helped transition independent music from niche live circuits to wider commercial availability, fostering a more diverse musical landscape. In the 2020s, Times Music has continued to expand its non-film catalog through strategic acquisitions, incorporating additional regional and devotional content as of 2025.[2]

Digital and Lifestyle Ventures

Times Living Initiatives

Times Living Initiatives, originally launched as Times Wellness in 2006 under Times Music, represent the company's foray into lifestyle and wellness content aimed at promoting physical, mental, and spiritual health through audio and visual media. The content portfolio includes specialized albums and DVDs focused on yoga, meditation, and spirituality, designed to support daily practices for stress relief and inner balance. Key releases feature guided meditation tracks. Wellness compilations like Happiness Index and Self Management (a set of four DVDs by BK Shivani) offer structured programs for emotional intelligence and personal development, often incorporating nutritional tips and rejuvenation segments.[56][57] Times Music has collaborated with prominent spiritual organizations to enrich its offerings, including partnerships with the Art of Living Foundation for devotional albums like Avataran (Unite Within Yourself) by Sahil Jagtiani, which features meditative chants and yoga-inspired tracks recorded along the Ganges.[58] Similarly, joint efforts with Brahma Kumaris have produced educational DVDs such as Awakening With Brahma Kumaris, covering topics like life skills, emotional healing, and Rajyoga meditation practices.[59] Other notable products include yoga-focused DVDs like Pranayam and Poweryoga led by Dr. Surakshit Goswami, providing step-by-step guidance for breathing exercises and flexibility routines.[56] Distribution of these initiatives integrates physical retail channels, such as music stores, with digital platforms to facilitate access for holistic living. Content is also tied to broader Times Group events and briefly extended through mobile formats for on-the-go wellness support.[56]

Genre-Based Mobile Apps

Times Music developed genre-specific mobile applications in the 2010s, focusing on niche audiences through targeted digital platforms for Android and iOS devices. In September 2011, the company launched a Ganesha-themed devotional app for the Ganeshotsav festival, providing users with curated collections of bhajans and aartis, available across Apple, BlackBerry, and Android platforms.[60] Similarly, in November 2015, Times Music introduced Diwali-exclusive apps offering streaming of full-length devotional tracks, emphasizing festive playlists and spiritual content.[61] These devotional apps included core features like on-demand streaming, pre-curated playlists for rituals, and offline download capabilities for uninterrupted access during travel or low-connectivity scenarios.[62] Expanding into lifestyle genres, Times Music released the fitness-oriented app Super Hot Sunny Mornings in September 2015, featuring actress Sunny Leone alongside fitness trainer Mickey Mehta in video-guided workouts synchronized with upbeat music tracks for motivation.[63][64] The app supported streaming of workout playlists, offline video storage, and progress tracking tools, appealing to users seeking genre-tailored audio-visual experiences.[65] Integrating with the Times Group ecosystem, these applications facilitated cross-promotion with platforms like Times of India for event notifications and content discovery. The genre-based apps reflected Times Music's role in bridging traditional music consumption with mobile accessibility. This digital push complemented Times Music's wellness content under Times Living initiatives by embedding motivational soundtracks into health routines, with ongoing integration into broader streaming platforms as of 2025.[3]

Expansions and Partnerships

Acquisitions

In March 2025, Times Music announced the acquisition of two prominent regional Indian record labels: Symphony Recording Co. and ARC Musicq, marking its first major ownership takeovers since partnering with Primary Wave Music in 2023.[6][66] Symphony Recording Co., founded in 1983, specializes in Tamil devotional and spiritual music, boasting over 350 audio albums and 100 video albums that have amassed more than 2 billion views on YouTube.[6][67] ARC Musicq, established in 1985, focuses on Kannada folk and film soundtracks, covering approximately 75% of A-grade Kannada movie original soundtracks, and had been distributed by Times Music since 2017, facilitating prior integration of its catalog into broader South Indian offerings.[6][68] These deals enhance Times Music's regional portfolio, particularly in Tamil and Kannada genres, by adding thousands of tracks that strengthen its presence in non-metro markets across South India and support digital streaming growth.[6][69] The financial terms of both acquisitions remain undisclosed, but they align with Times Music's strategy to bolster its digital ecosystem through expanded content ownership in underrepresented regional segments.[68][2] Symphony's recent revenue doubling over four years underscores the potential for scalable growth in devotional music consumption via platforms like YouTube and OTT services.[6]

Strategic Collaborations

Times Music established an exclusive global distribution partnership with Speed Records in 2020, focusing on Punjabi music to expand its reach in the regional genre. This collaboration enabled Speed Records to leverage Times Music's distribution network, resulting in the label becoming the first Punjabi music entity to surpass 30 million YouTube subscribers by May 2020.[70] The partnership has since supported joint releases and increased visibility for Punjabi artists on global platforms. On the international front, Times Music secured a sub-publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Music in 2013, initially tasked with managing the publisher's repertoire rights in India and driving synch and publishing deals. This deal was expanded in 2016 to include exclusive representation in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, enhancing Times Music's role in administering global rights for Warner/Chappell's catalog across South Asia.[11][71] These arrangements have facilitated cross-border licensing and broader international exposure for Indian music content. Times Music has maintained ongoing collaborations with key film production houses, including Vishal Bhardwaj Productions, for soundtrack distribution and promotion. A notable example is the 2006 release of the soundtrack for The Blue Umbrella, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, which showcased the label's involvement in integrating film music with its catalog.[72] Such ties have allowed Times Music to secure exclusive rights to soundtracks from Bhardwaj's projects, contributing to its dominance in Bollywood and independent film music. In recent developments, Times Music's 2023 strategic partnership with Primary Wave Music has driven the 2025 regional label acquisitions and subsequent integrations, enabling co-releases from acquired entities like Symphony Recording Co. and ARC Musicq. This collaboration, valued at around $100 million initially, supports joint ventures in Tamil and Kannada music without full ownership shifts in ongoing projects, expanding co-release opportunities in South Indian regional markets.[73][16]

Recognition and Impact

Major Awards

Times Music has earned recognition through various prestigious awards for its artists and releases, particularly in film soundtracks, new age, and devotional genres. In 2015, the collaborative album Winds of Samsara by Indian composer Ricky Kej and South African flautist Wouter Kellerman, released exclusively in India by Times Music, won the Grammy Award for Best New Age Album at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.[47] This marked a significant achievement for Indian music on the global stage, highlighting Times Music's role in promoting cross-cultural new age compositions.[74] The soundtrack of the 2014 film Haider, co-released by Times Music alongside Junglee Music and UTV, received multiple accolades at the 7th Mirchi Music Awards in 2015, including Music Composer of the Year for Vishal Bhardwaj, Male Vocalist of the Year for Sukhwinder Singh ("Bismil"), and Lyricist of the Year for Gulzar ("Bismil"). These wins underscored the soundtrack's critical acclaim for its intense, poetry-infused compositions inspired by Shakespearean themes.[75] At the 62nd National Film Awards in 2015, the Haider soundtrack earned significant honors for its musical excellence, including Best Music Direction (Songs) for Vishal Bhardwaj, Best Male Playback Singer for Sukhwinder Singh ("Bismil"), and Best Lyrics for Gulzar ("Bismil"). These awards recognized the album's innovative blend of traditional Sufi elements with contemporary orchestration, composed by Vishal Bhardwaj. Times Music's devotional series has also been honored at international platforms, with releases nominated in the Best Devotional Album category at the Global Indian Music Academy (GiMA) Awards. These recognitions affirm the label's leadership in spiritual and bhakti music, featuring classical vocal renditions and instrumental pieces dedicated to Hindu deities.[76]

Notable Achievements

Times Music has established itself as one of the leading music labels in India, particularly in the film music sector, where it manages a vast catalog of Bollywood soundtracks and contributes significantly to the industry's digital revenue growth.[77] Its strategic focus on acquiring rights to major film OSTs has positioned it among the top players alongside T-Series and Sony Music India, supporting the dominance of film music which accounts for over 60% of total consumption in the market.[78] By the mid-2020s, Times Music's portfolio expansion through partnerships has bolstered its influence in both film and non-film segments.[21] A key digital milestone for Times Music is its YouTube channel, which reached 17.5 million subscribers as of November 2025, reflecting its strong online presence and engagement with global audiences through video streams of popular tracks.[15] This growth underscores the label's adaptation to streaming platforms, where video content drives a substantial portion of music discovery and revenue in India, the world's second-largest streaming market.[79] In terms of cultural impact, Times Music has played a pivotal role in elevating regional languages and independent scenes to mainstream prominence by launching the sub-label "ffs." dedicated to next-generation indie artists.[16] These initiatives have amplified Punjabi, Telugu, and other vernacular genres, fostering crossover appeal and contributing to the 81% growth in regional streaming between 2023 and 2024.[5] Through such efforts, the label has helped diversify India's music landscape, integrating folk and indie elements into broader pop culture.[80] Times Music pioneered innovations in wellness music with the 2009 release of Bhakti Band, India's first album incorporating Brainwave Sound Technology to induce meditative states through specific audio frequencies.[20] This devotional project, featuring artists like Vaibhav Saxena and Gunjan Jha, marked the label's early foray into therapeutic sound design, blending traditional bhajans with neuro-acoustic elements for relaxation and spiritual well-being.[81] On the global front, Times Music has extended its reach to diaspora communities via exports of Bollywood and regional catalogs, with partnerships like the 2023 strategic alliance with Primary Wave Music enabling international marketing, sync opportunities, and catalog investments worth over $100 million.[73] This collaboration has facilitated entries into US and European markets, resulting in tracks from its library charting on global platforms and appealing to South Asian expatriates worldwide.[2]

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