The Filmfare Award for Best Music Director is given by the Filmfare magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films, to the best composer/arranger of a soundtrack. Filmfare award is the most prestigious award in India for Music Directors apart from the National Award. This category was first presented in 1954. Naushad Ali was the first recipient of this award for his song "Tu Ganga Ki Mauj" from the film Baiju Bawra. For the first two years, it was awarded to the composer for a particular song and not the entire album. From 1956 onwards, awards in this category have been given for the entire soundtrack. From 2017, the name of this was category changed from best music direction to music album.
Superlatives
CategoryNameSuperlativeNotesMost AwardsA. R. Rahman10 awardsAwards resulted from 19 nominationsMost NominationsPritam26 nominationsNominations resulted in 6 awardsMost Nominations in a single yearPritam4 nominationsNominations resulted in 1 awardMost Nominations In 10 Years (2008–2018)Pritam14 nominationsNominations resulted in 5 awardsMost Nominations without a WinJatin–LalitVishal-Shekhar12 nominations11 Nominations 0 Wins
The top five Filmfare Award for Best Music Director winner's have a total of 36 awards. A. R. Rahman leads the winners with 10 filmfare awards, followed by the music director duo of Shankar–Jaikishan, who have 9, then Laxmikant–Pyarelal with 7 awards, Pritam with 6 and Nadeem–Shravan with 4. Pritam has the most nominations with 26, followed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal with 25, Shankar–Jaikishan with 20, A. R. Rahman with 19, and R. D. Burman with 17. Pritam has the most nominations in a 10-year span with 14 nominations, winning in 5 among these 14. Pritam received 6 consecutive nominations between 2013 and 2018, and won in 2013, 2017 and 2018. Pritam has the highest number of nominations in a single year, with 4 nominations in 2024, winning the award for Animal (2023), while also being nominated solely for Dunki, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar. There have been three instances when a music director (or duo) were nominated thrice in the same year – Bappi Lahiri in 1985, Laxmikant Pyarelal in 1986 and A. R. Rahman in 2009. Shankar–Jaikishan holds the record for the highest number of consecutive-year nominations (9), having been nominated for the award every year from 1959 till 1967, winning the award four times from ten total nominations. Laxmikant-Pyarelal and A. R. Rahman have the distinction of winning the award four times in a row between 1978 and 1981 and between 2007 and 2010, respectively. Those who have won the award thrice in a row are Shankar–Jaikishan (1971–1973) and Nadeem Shravan (1991–1993). Usha Khanna, Sneha Khanwalkar, Parampara Thakur and Jasleen Royal are the only four women to have ever been nominated for this award. They were nominated for their work in the Souten (1983), Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), Kabir Singh (2020) and Shershaah (2022) respectively. Parampara Thakur won the award, becoming the first woman to do so. In 2022, Jasleen Royal became the second woman to win this. Jatin–Lalit has never won this award after receiving 12 nominations from (1992–2006), but after the separation of Jatin Pandit and Lalit Pandit, Lalit Pandit won the Filmfare Best music Director Awards for Dabangg in 2010. Anu Malik won a Special Award in 2001 for the film Refugee. Vishal-Shekhar is the duo who have never won an award after receiving 11 nominations from (2005–2024).
Most wins Winner Number of Wins Number of Nominations Years A. R. Rahman 10 19 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 Shankar–Jaikishan 9 20 1957, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973 Laxmikant–Pyarelal 7 25 1965, 1968, 1970, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981 Pritam 6 26 2013, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2023, 2024 Nadeem–Shravan 4 10 1991, 1992, 1993, 1997 R. D. Burman 3 17 1983, 1984, 1995 Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy 14 2004, 2006, 2015 S. D. Burman 2 8 1955, 1974 Amaal Malik 9 2016, 2020 Khayyam 6 1977, 1982 Mithoon 6 2014, 2020 Ravi 6 1961, 1966 Ankit Tiwari 5 2014, 2016 Anu Malik 2 1994, 2005 Vishal Mishra 3 2020, 2024 Jaani 2 2022, 2024
Multiple nominees Multiple music directors (or duo/trio) have received multiple Best Music Director nominations.
+ Artist Number of Nominations Wins Pritam 26 6 Laxmikant–Pyarelal25 7 Shankar–Jaikishan 20 9 A. R. Rahman 19 10 R. D. Burman 17 3 Anu Malik 14 2 Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy 13 3 Jatin–Lalit 12 0 Vishal - Shekhar 11 0 Nadeem–Shravan 10 4 Rajesh Roshan 2
Winners and nominees In the list below, the winner of the award for each year is shown first, followed by the other nominees. The films are listed by the years when the award was presented. The announcing of nominations became regular after 1956.
+ Table key Indicates the winner
1950s Year Photos of winners Music Director Film 1954 (1st) Naushad Ali Baiju Bawra (for the song "Tu Ganga Ki Mauj") 1955 (2nd) S. D. Burman Taxi Driver (for the song "Jaaye To Jaaye Kahan") 1956 (3rd) Hemant Kumar NaginC. RamchandraAzaadNaushad AliUran Khatola 1957 (4th) Shankar–Jaikishan Chori ChoriO. P. NayyarC.I.D. 1958 (5th) O. P. Nayyar Naya DaurC. RamchandraAsha 1959 (6th) Salil Chowdhury MadhumatiO. P. NayyarPhagunShankar–JaikishanYahudi
1960s Year Photos of winners Music Director Film 1960 (7th) Shankar–Jaikishan AnariS. D. BurmanSujataShankar–JaikishanChhoti Bahen 1961 (8th) Shankar–Jaikishan Dil Apna Aur Preet ParaiNaushad AliMughal–e–AzamRaviChaudhvin Ka Chand 1962 (9th) –Ravi GharanaNaushad AliGunga JumnaShankar–JaikishanJis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai 1963 (10th) Shankar–Jaikishan ProfessorHemant KumarBees Saal BaadMadan MohanAnpadh 1964 (11th) –Roshan Taj MahalNaushad AliMere MehboobShankar–JaikishanDil Ek Mandir 1965 (12th) Laxmikant–Pyarelal DostiMadan MohanWoh Kaun Thi?Shankar–JaikishanSangam 1966 (13th) –Ravi KhandanKalyanji–AnandjiHimalaya Ki God MeinShankar–JaikishanArzoo 1967 (14th) Shankar–Jaikishan SurajRaviDo BadanS. D. BurmanGuide 1968 (15th) Laxmikant–Pyarelal MilanKalyanji–AnandjiUpkarRaviHamraaz 1969 (16th) Shankar–Jaikishan BrahmachariRaviAnkhenShankar–JaikishanDiwana
1970s Year Photos of winners Music Director Film 1970 (17th) Laxmikant–Pyarelal Jeene Ki RaahS. D. BurmanAradhanaShankar–JaikishanChanda Aur Bijli 1971 (18th) Shankar–Jaikishan PehchaanLaxmikant–PyarelalDo RaasteS. D. BurmanTalaash 1972 (19th) Shankar–Jaikishan Mera Naam JokerR. D. BurmanCaravanShankar–JaikishanAndaz 1973 (20th) Shankar–Jaikishan Be–ImaanGhulam MohammedPakeezahLaxmikant–PyarelalShorR. D. BurmanAmar Prem 1974 (21st) S. D. Burman AbhimaanKalyanji–AnandjiZanjeerLaxmikant–PyarelalBobbyDaagR. D. BurmanYaadon Ki Baaraat 1975 (22nd) –Kalyanji–Anandji Kora KagazLaxmikant–PyarelalRoti Kapda Aur MakaanR. D. BurmanAap Ki KasamS. D. BurmanPrem NagarShankar–JaikishanResham Ki Dori 1976 (23rd) Rajesh Roshan JulieLaxmikant–PyarelalDulhanR. D. BurmanKhel Khel MeinSholayShankar–JaikishanSanyasi 1977 (24th) Khayyam Kabhi KabhieKalyanji–AnandjiBairaagMadan MohanMausamR. D. BurmanMehboobaRavindra JainChitchor 1978 (25th) Laxmikant–Pyarelal Amar Akbar AnthonyJaidevAlaapR. D. BurmanHum Kisise Kum NaheenKinaraRajesh RoshanSwami 1979 (26th) Laxmikant–Pyarelal Satyam Shivam SundaramKalyanji–AnandjiDonR. D. BurmanShalimarRajesh RoshanDes PardesRavindra JainAnkhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se
1980s Year Photos of winners Music Director Film 1980 (27th) Laxmikant–Pyarelal SargamKhayyamNoorieLaxmikant–PyarelalJaani DushmanRajesh RoshanKaala PattharMr. Natwarlal 1981 (28th) Laxmikant–Pyarelal KarzKalyanji–AnandjiQurbaniKhayyamThodisi BewafaiiLaxmikant–PyarelalAashaR. D. BurmanShaan 1982 (29th) Khayyam Umrao JaanBappi LahiriArmaanLaxmikant–PyarelalEk Duuje Ke LiyeR. D. BurmanLove StoryShiv–HariSilsila 1983 (30th) R. D. Burman Sanam Teri KasamBappi LahiriNamak HalaalKhayyamBazaarLaxmikant–PyarelalPrem RogRaviNikaah 1984 (31st) R. D. Burman MasoomKhayyamRazia SultanLaxmikant–PyarelalHeroR. D. BurmanBetaabUsha KhannaSouten 1985 (32nd) Bappi Lahiri SharaabiAnu MalikSohni MahiwalBappi LahiriKasam Paida Karne Wale KiTohfaR. D. BurmanJawaani 1986 (33rd) Ravindra Jain Ram Teri Ganga MailiLaxmikant–PyarelalMeri JungPyaar Jhukta NahinSur SanghamR. D. BurmanSaagar 1987 NO CEREMONY 1988 NO CEREMONY 1989 (34th) –Anand–Milind Qayamat Se Qayamat TakLaxmikant–PyarelalTezaabRajesh RoshanKhoon Bhari Maang
1990s Year Photos of winners Music Director Film 1990 (35th) –Raam Laxman Maine Pyar KiyaLaxmikant–PyarelalRam LakhanShiv–HariChandniKalyanji–AnandjiTridev 1991 (36th) –Nadeem–Shravan AashiquiAnand–MilindBaaghiDil 1992 (37th) –Nadeem–Shravan SaajanHridaynath MangeshkarLekin...Laxmikant–PyarelalSaudagarNadeem–ShravanPhool Aur Kaante 1993 (38th) –Nadeem–Shravan DeewanaAnand–MilindBetaJatin–LalitJo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar 1994 (39th) Anu Malik BaazigarBhupen HazarikaRudaaliLaxmikant–PyarelalKhalnayakNadeem–ShravanHum Hain Rahi Pyar KeShiv–HariDarr 1995 (40th) R. D. Burman (posthumous) 1942: A Love StoryAnu MalikMain Khiladi Tu AnariDilip Sen and Sameer SenYeh DillagiRaam LaxmanHum Aapke Hain Koun..!Viju ShahMohra 1996 (41st) A. R. Rahman RangeelaAnu MalikAkele Hum Akele TumJatin–LalitDilwale Dulhania Le JayengeNadeem–ShravanRajaRajesh RoshanKaran Arjun 1997 (42nd) –Nadeem–Shravan Raja HindustaniJatin–LalitKhamoshiRajesh RoshanPapa Kehte HaiViju ShahTere Mere SapneVishal BhardwajMaachis 1998 (43rd) –Uttam Singh Dil To Pagal HaiAnu MalikBorderJatin–LalitYes BossNadeem–ShravanPardesViju ShahGupt 1999 (44th) A. R. Rahman Dil Se..Anu MalikSoldierJatin–LalitKuch Kuch Hota HaiPyaar To Hona Hi ThaViju ShahBade Miyan Chote Miyan
2000s Year Photos of winners Music Director Film 2000 (45th) A. R. Rahman TaalAnu MalikBiwi No.1Haseena Maan JaayegiIsmail DarbarHum Dil De Chuke SanamJatin–LalitSarfarosh 2001 (46th) Rajesh Roshan Kaho Naa... Pyaar HaiAnu MalikFizaJoshRefugeeJatin–LalitMohabbateinNadeem–ShravanDhadkan 2002 (47th) A. R. Rahman LagaanAnu MalikMujhe Kucch Kehna HaiAnu MalikAsokaJatin–Lalit, Sandesh Shandilya Aadesh SrivastavKabhi Khushi Kabhie GhamShankar–Ehsaan–LoyDil Chahta HaiUttam SinghGadar: Ek Prem Katha 2003 (48th) A. R. Rahman SaathiyaAnand Raj AnandKaanteHimesh ReshammiyaHumraazIsmail DarbarDevdasNadeem–ShravanRaaz 2004 (49th) Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy Kal Ho Naa HoAnu MalikLOC KargilHimesh ReshammiyaTere NaamJatin–Lalit, Aadesh ShrivastavaChalte ChalteRajesh RoshanKoi... Mil Gaya 2005 (50th) Anu Malik Main Hoon NaA. R. RahmanSwadesAnu MalikMurderJatin–LalitHum TumPritamDhoomMadan Mohan (posthumous)Veer–Zaara 2006 (51st) Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy Bunty Aur BabliAdnan SamiLucky: No Time for LoveHimesh ReshammiyaAashiq Banaya AapneShantanu MoitraParineetaVishal–ShekharDus 2007 (52nd) A. R. Rahman Rang De BasantiHimesh ReshammiyaAksarJatin–LalitFanaaPritamDhoom 2Shankar–Ehsaan–LoyDonKabhi Alvida Naa Kehna 2008 (53rd) A. R. Rahman GuruVishal–ShekharOm Shanti OmMonty SharmaSaawariyaPritamJab We MetLife in a... Metro 2009 (54th) A. R. Rahman Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane NaA. R. RahmanGhajiniJodhaa AkbarPritamRaceShankar–Ehsaan–LoyRock On!!Vishal–ShekharDostana
2010s