~ Global Collaboration Announced in Mumbai as Farhan Akhtar–Ritesh Sidhwani Banner Marks 25 Years in Indian Cinema
In a major development for India’s film and entertainment industry, Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment today announces a strategic partnership with Universal Music Group (International), one of the world’s most influential music and entertainment companies. The landmark collaboration, unveiled at a press conference in Mumbai, represents the largest minority-stake investment ever made in an Indian production house, highlighting the growing global confidence in Indian creative enterprises.
The announcement takes place in the presence of the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, underscoring the cultural and economic significance of the partnership. The collaboration also aligns with the broader vision of the Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, to create Indian content that travels seamlessly across borders and resonates with global audiences.
Discussions between Excel Entertainment and Universal Music Group have been underway for several months, with both sides recognising the immense potential of India’s rapidly evolving film, music and streaming ecosystem. For Universal Music Group, the partnership strengthens its presence in the Indian market through one of Bollywood’s most respected and consistently successful production banners. For Excel Entertainment, the alliance supports its ambition to expand the scale and reach of its storytelling, with several large-format and globally positioned projects already in the pipeline.
A key aspect that sets this deal apart is its structure. Universal Music Group comes on board as a minority stakeholder, while Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar retain majority ownership and full creative control. This ensures that Excel Entertainment’s filmmaker-led vision and distinctive storytelling voice remain firmly intact, even as the company gains access to global expertise, international networks and new collaborative opportunities.
The timing of the announcement adds further significance, as Excel Entertainment marks 25 years since its debut with Dil Chahta Hai (2001)—a film that redefined contemporary Hindi cinema and introduced a new grammar of storytelling. Over the years, the production house has delivered a string of iconic films including the Don franchise, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Gully Boy, and the Fukrey series, while also emerging as a pioneer in India’s OTT space with acclaimed shows such as Mirzapur, Made in Heaven, and Dahaad.
With this strategic alliance, Excel Entertainment further strengthens its position as one of the most valued and influential production houses in India, while Universal Music Group deepens its engagement with Indian cinema at a time when global audiences are increasingly embracing stories from the country. The partnership signals a new phase for Indian content—one that is rooted locally, powered by global collaboration, and designed to reach audiences worldwide.
