May 30, 2025: Celebrated composer Mithoon has reportedly secured a historic ₹25 crore deal for composing the soundtrack of an upcoming untitled romantic drama, making him the highest-paid music composer in Indian film history. The deal marks a massive leap in the Indian music industry, which has evolved dramatically from the days when legendary singers like Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi were paid just ₹500 per song.
A Landmark Moment in Indian Music
According to industry insiders, the composer — best known for soulful hits like Tum Hi Ho and Phir Mohabbat — has been roped in for the full score of the film. While further details of the project are under wraps, sources confirm that Mithoon’s long-standing relationship with the film’s director played a pivotal role in sealing this record-breaking fee.
The duo first collaborated nearly two decades ago and have previously delivered chart-topping hits, prompting producers to invest heavily in their reunion.
Comparison with Other Top Indian Music Composers
Prior to Mithoon’s historic deal, Anirudh Ravichander held the record for India’s highest-paid composer, charging over ₹10 crore for Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan. However, his fees for Leo and Jailer were reportedly reduced to ₹8 crore each.
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AR Rahman, India’s most internationally acclaimed composer, typically charges around ₹8 crore per film, with his fee increasing when he also lends his voice to the soundtrack. Other renowned composers such as Pritam, Vishal-Shekhar, MM Keeravani, and Yuvan Shankar Raja generally charge below ₹5 crore per project.
Singers Lag Behind in Pay
While composers are commanding crores, most playback singers earn between ₹15–20 lakh per song. Crossing ₹1 crore for a film remains rare, though exceptions exist in the non-film music space. Diljit Dosanjh, for instance, earns over ₹1 crore for private album performances and releases.
Conclusion
Mithoon’s ₹25 crore deal represents a new era in the valuation of musical talent in Indian cinema. As filmmakers place increasing importance on original soundtracks to drive box office success, the role — and price tag — of top-tier composers is set to rise further.