Uttam Singh

Biography

Uttam Singh, born on May 25, 1948, in Punjab, India, is a distinguished Indian music director, composer, and violinist. Renowned for his contributions to Bollywood and Tamil cinema, Singh has left an indelible mark on the Indian music industry.

Early Life and Training

Uttam Singh hails from a musically inclined family; his father was a sitar player. At the age of 12, he moved to Mumbai, where he honed his skills in tabla and Western violin. His family's involvement in singing kirtans at Gurudwaras further enriched his musical upbringing.

Career Beginnings

Singh's professional journey commenced as a violinist, collaborating with eminent composers such as Naushad, Roshan, Madan Mohan, C. Ramchandra, and S.D. Burman. His association with S.D. Burman, in particular, was significant, as he became the principal violinist for Burman's son, Rahul Dev Burman

Transition to Music Arranging and Composing

In partnership with Jagdish, Singh formed the duo "Uttam-Jagdish," serving as music arrangers for over 65 films across various Indian languages. Their notable works include "Maine Pyar Kiya" and "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!" Following Jagdish's passing in 1992, Singh embarked on a solo career as a music director. His compositions for "Dil To Pagal Hai" (1997) earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director.

Notable Works

Singh's filmography boasts several acclaimed projects:

Dil To Pagal Hai (1997): A musical romance that garnered widespread acclaim.

Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001): A period drama set during the Partition of India, featuring a memorable soundtrack.

Pinjar (2003): A partition drama where Singh's collaboration with the Wadali Brothers received critical acclaim.