Universal Music launches Excel Music with Excel Entertainment

What's the deal? Universal Music GroupDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has launched Excel Music, a new sub-label with India's Excel EntertainmentDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, the Bollywood production house behind films including Dil Chahta Hai , Rock On!! and Gully Boy . Universal is the label's strategic shareholder and marketing and distribution partner.

Why now? The launch follows Universal's January 2026 acquisition of a 30% stake in Excel Entertainment, which gave it global distribution rights to future original soundtracks from Excel-controlled projects. Universal Music Publishing Group is Excel Music's exclusive publishing partner, and the label's first release is the soundtrack to Mirzapur: The Movie .

What's next? Excel Music will release music from other leading filmmakers and production houses across India, beyond Excel Entertainment's own films. Its debut single, "Do Numbari" by Haryanvi hip-hop artist Dhanda Nyoliwala, was released in August 2026.

The signal: The move links film production with music distribution and publishing, reflecting Universal Music Group's expansion in India's recorded music market.

Read more: Music Business Worldwide

Image credit: Generated with Gemini