In 2009, they were awarded the “Best Dressed Music Directors”. This is just one factor which almost instantly sets them apart from the collection of talent we have touched on so far. More recently, the pair recorded the anthem ‘Waka Waka (This time for Africa)’ for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in collaboration with South African singers and sung by Shakira. They performed the anthem live at the opening ceremony of the tournament and it was well-received worldwide. Yes, they are none other than Salim and Sulaiman Merchant.
With dashing good looks, humble personas and brotherly love, Salim-Sulaiman got their due in Indian cinema eight years after their debut. In 1997, their composition for Saif Ali Khan and Kajol starrer Hamesha was somewhat brushed under the carpet, as was the film which bombed at the box office. Eight years later, and after a number of composition, the two’s talents came to the forefront once again with their music in Bhoot for which they received the Star Screen Awards for Best Background Music. Three years after Bhoot, their background score for Iqbal got them much commendation and made all in the industry really sit up and take notice.
In the four years since Iqbal, the duo has continued to steadily wow the audiences with varied music to perfectly compliment the films in question. From soulful slow jams to dance numbers extraordinaire, here’s a list of just some of the soundtrack and background score contributions they have made to Bollywood:
Fanaa
Dhoom 2
Krrish
Aaja Nachle
Chak De India
Race
Bachna Ae Haseeno
Love Aaj Kal
Kurbaan
Music composition for this pair runs in their blood. Their father, Sadruddin Merchant, was a veteran and renowned composer in the Telugu film industry and their love for music was instilled from a very early age. Perhaps it’s this very background which has earned them recognition in a worldwide context too. With an Emmy nomination for Nickelodeon USA’s Wonder Pets! and a Syracuse International Film Award for their music in Fashion, this twosome are slowly making their mark with the international audiences, and their FIFA anthem only cements this.
Most recently, Salim Merchant has recently just finished the fifth series of the ever–popular reality show Indian Idol, in which they gave a big break to one of the contestants before he went on to win the title. Salim’s young, fresh and soft judging style won him even more of a fan base than he had already. Sulaiman Merchant has recently become a father and, as per his Twitter updates, seems to be enjoying each and every minute with his newly born daughter. We look forward to hearing more award-winning music composed by this talented and handsome pair. It’s sure to be influential as always… and, as with previous offerings, is sure to make us want more.
