Mithoon, the maestro of melodies

Mithoon, the master of melody in Bollywood, shares his musical journey

There is a reason Mithoon is called the master of melody. For nearly 20 years, he has created the soundtrack of modern love in Bollywood — from the 2013 hit Aashiqui 2 with ‘Tum Hi Ho’ to Sanam Re and ‘Tujhe Kitna Chahein Aur Hum’ (Kabir Singh). His songs have become favourites for those in love or dealing with heartbreak. Despite the fame, Mithoon remains grounded. “I am just a seeker,” he says over the phone. “Anyone true to their art knows it is a gift from above.”

Now, with his first independent album Master of Melody, he is stepping outside the film format to offer listeners a more personal collection. “The idea came from T Series’ Bhushan Kumar,” he shares. “My music has a certain fabric. Melody has always played a central role in my connection with listeners. Bhushan felt we should create something that celebrates that very fabric, unapologetically.”

Comprising six songs, the album is less about experimentation and more about immersion. “I wouldn’t call it an experiment,” he clarifies. “It is more of an indulgence. Without the constraints of cinematic narrative, I could just be myself.”

Music runs deep in Mithoon’s blood. As the son of composer Naresh Sharma and nephew of Pyarelal (of the legendary Laxmikant-Pyarelal duo), he inherited more than just musical genes, he inherited a rich legacy. “It gave me discipline and solid training, both in Hindustani classical and Western notation systems,” he says. “But legacy cannot give you your message. Every generation has its own story to tell.”

He did tell the stories as a composer and as a lyricist. The dual role adds emotional depth to his songs, making them feel less like compositions and more like conversations. “Music is a feeling, not just sound,” he says. “Sometimes the melody comes first, sometimes the words. Writing my own lyrics helps me finish the song faster, it is a complete expression.”

A big part of Mithoon’s journey is tied to filmmaker Mohit Suri, who he credits with encouraging his songwriting. Their creative bond continues with the forthcoming film Saiyaara, a project that marks Suri’s first collaboration with Yash Raj Films. “The music will be out next week,” Mithoon reveals. “It is quintessential us, not in sound, but in emotion.”

Then there’s Arijit Singh, whose career is inseparable from Mithoon’s early vision. “When I first heard Arijit, I did not want someone to impress me, I wanted someone to express emotion. He did that. No filters, just raw honesty.” But he refuses to take credit for the singer’s meteoric rise. “I just do my job — match the right voice to the right song.”