The Musical Career of Ehsaan Noorani
Janvi Arora
- 11 July, 2024
- 12 min read
Table of Contents
Ehsaan Noorani, a gifted composer and virtuoso guitarist, is one of the country’s most celebrated musicians. His undeniable talent and formidable musical skills have earned him widespread recognition. With a string of blockbuster hits to his credit, his music continues to resonate with audiences across the country. In this blog post, we delve into the journey that shaped his remarkable career and revisit some of the timeless Ehsaan Noorani songs and albums.
About Ehsaan Noorani
Born on October 12th, 1963, Ehsaan Noorani initially pursued a formal education, but his true passion lay in music and was greatly influenced by maestros like Jimmy Page and Carlos Santana from the 1970s. To make his musical aspirations a reality, Ehsaan took basic training from Bismarck Rodrigues, a teacher from Mumbai. Later, Ehsaan attended the Musicians Institute in California from 1985 to 1986 to elevate his music education.
Guided by mentors and fueled by a desire to carve his niche in the world of music, Ehsaan embarked on a journey that would redefine the sonic landscape of Indian cinema. Today, he is an esteemed music composer as well as one of the top blues guitar players in the country. As an integral part of the musical trinity of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, he has shaped the Bollywood music industry, leaving a remarkable impact on the hearts of many people across the globe.
Ehsaan Noorani’s Musical Journey
Ehsaan’s musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. His pursuit of music education at the Musicians Institute in California acted as a catalyst for his artistic growth. Immersed in the vibrant musical scene of Los Angeles, often hailed as the Music Capital of the World, he was exposed to renowned musicians like Robben Ford and Larry Carlton, among others.
He once mentioned that he heard Robben Ford playing soft blues, and at that moment, he realized this was where his soul belonged. Ever since that day, he attended all the counselling sessions of Robben Ford, as it changed his life. This pivotal period marked a turning point in his life, as he honed his skills and evolved into a guitarist of immense potential.
Returning to India in 1986, Ehsaan swiftly made a mark in the movie and commercial industry, thanks to his commendable talent as a guitarist. He commenced his musical career by collaborating with various music directors, earning recognition for his brilliance in composing jingles. His breakthrough came when he was approached to compose a jingle for Sona Spices, marking the inception of his independent journey as a composer of jingles in India.
Transitioning to the realm of films, Ehsaan’s opportunity arose when Mukul S. Anand approached him to compose music for his film “Dus.” Ehsaan, in turn, invited Shankar and Loy to join forces in crafting the film’s soundtrack. Although the movie never reached the big screen, it heralded the beginning of an era for the trio, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. As an integral part of this trio, Ehsaan played a pivotal role in composing music for numerous successful Bollywood movies.
Formation of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
The establishment of the legendary trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy became synonymous with heart-touching melodies and chart-topping hits. Emerging as a musical trinity in the late 1990s, they composed unforgettable songs for numerous Bollywood blockbusters, earning critical acclaim and amassing millions of fans. Their breakthrough came with the soundtrack of “Dil Chahta Hai,” where they demonstrated how to seamlessly blend traditional Indian melodies with contemporary arrangements.
You would be surprised to know that they came up with the composition of the entire album within 2 days! It wouldn’t be wrong to say that together, they create magic like no one else. Ehsaan Noorani’s contribution to the trio’s success is invaluable, showcasing his excellence in guitar and keen musical sensibilities. Often referred to as the “Amar Akbar Anthony” of the Hindi film music industry, they captivate audiences with their enduring appeal and harmonious blend of melodies.
Ehsaan Noorani’s Style of playing
Ehsaan stands out as one of the most prominent and influential blues guitarists in the country. His strong inclination and affection for the blues were cultivated after being inspired by popular bands of the 1970s such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple, among others. He mentioned in an interview that the first time he ever felt captivated towards guitar playing was when his friend made him listen to “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles, and that marked the beginning of an era! Also, he believes that music is an influence, and acknowledged in a conversation that his guitar work in the Bollywood song “Kya Karoon” is influenced by John Mayor’s song “The Heart of Life.”
Ehsaan acknowledges the influence of guitarists like Robben Ford, BB King, Larry Carlton, Andy Summers, Andy Powell, and Laurie Wisefield on his musical journey. Since childhood, he has been exposed to all kinds of music, which enabled him to appreciate and interpret various genres. Despite experimenting with genres like rock, country, electronic, and metal, blues remains his foremost genre of choice. He credits his friend Nakul for introducing him to blues by making him listen to “It’s My Own Fault.” That moment was when Noorani realized what struck the right chords in his heart.
Ehsaan Noorani Collaborations and Partnerships
Ehsaan Noorani’s collaborations with various artists serve as a testament to his versatility and willingness to explore diverse musical landscapes. In addition to his partnership with Shankar and Loy, he has engaged in commendable collaborations with a wide array of artists, both within India and internationally.
His collaborative ventures extend back in time; before pursuing music education in California, he played integral roles in two local bands in Mumbai, Pegasus and Crosswinds. He once mentioned in a conversation about his WhatsApp group, ‘Riffs,’ which comprises over 80 guitarists from across India. This group serves as a platform for collaboration and exchange of musical ideas.
Moreover, Noorani’s philanthropic spirit shines through his actions. During the COVID-19 outbreak, he conducted Instagram live sessions to provide a platform for budding Indian musicians to collaborate and create music, thereby promoting their talent. Additionally, he actively participates in initiatives supporting music education and fostering cross-cultural understanding through the universal language of music.
Ehsaan Noorani Achievements
Ehsaan Noorani’s career spans decades and is marked by numerous achievements that have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Notably, Ehsaan is the only Indian musician to have endorsed a signature line, “The Ehsaan Noorani Fender Squier” series, for one of the most reputed guitar manufacturers worldwide. Additionally, he served as a judge on India’s first Western reality show, The Stage.
Ehsaan Noorani Awards and Nominations
Noorani’s accomplishments have garnered recognition through numerous awards and honours, including the Filmfare Awards, National Film Awards, and IIFA Awards. He has received accolades for Best Music Direction in movies such as Kal Ho Na Ho, Bunty Aur Babli, 2 States, and Dil Chahta Hai, among others. Notably, he won the RD Burman Award for New Music Talent for his work on “Dil Chahta Hai.” Furthermore, he received a nomination for Star Screen’s Best Background Music in 2000 for “Mission Kashmir.” It is evident that he is a master of his craft.
Ehsaan Noorani’s Best Songs and Albums
Ehsaan Noorani has been instrumental in crafting some of the most iconic and memorable songs in the Indian music industry. As a member of the renowned trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, he has played a key role in the creation of numerous hit albums and soundtracks for Bollywood films. Here are some of the notable Ehsaan Noorani songs and albums:
“Dil Chahta Hai”- From the movie Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
“Dil Chahta Hai” stands as a harmonious masterpiece that resonates with people across generations. The soulful tunes and poignant lyrics capture the essence of youthful longing and friendship, making it a classic for the ages. The timeless melodies, enriched by Ehsaan Noorani’s intricate guitar work, have rendered this song evergreen. Noorani shared in an interview that this song holds a special place in his heart because, during the recording of this song, he got the opportunity to exploit the guitar to its full potential, the way he intends to do it!
“Kal Ho Naa Ho”- From the movie Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
“Kal Ho Naa Ho” is another one of the top Ehsaan Noorani songs that had everyone swooning upon its release. His skilful guitar embellishments added depth and emotion to this marvellous song, which continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Bollywood enthusiasts. Its emotional lyrics and soul-stirring melody resonate with audiences, evoking a range of emotions with every listen. And, your mind will be blown away to know that the composition of this song took just 7 minutes, how unbelievable is that?!
“Mitwa”- From the movie Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)
“Mitwa,” an enchanting dance track, is a perfect fusion of rhythm and romance. It’s a heart-touching melody that tugs at the strings of love and longing. Ehsaan Noorani’s contribution to this soulful track lies in its poignant guitar melodies and serene musical arrangement, which aptly resonates with the film’s characters. With its melodious tune and heartfelt lyrics, “Mitwa” continues to stir the hearts of listeners, leaving an enduring impact with its timeless appeal. It can be termed as one of the most elegant Ehsaan Noorani songs.
“Rock On!!”- From the movie Rock On!! (2008):
The “Rock On!!” album is truly one of the most loved Ehsaan Noorani albums. True to its name, this song rocks, igniting listeners with unstoppable energy. Noorani’s electrifying guitar riffs elevate the song, infusing it with irresistible catchiness and groove. Serving as an anthem for aspiring rock stars, “Rock On!!” is a fiery testament to the power of music to inspire and energize.
“Mera Yaar”- From the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
“Mera Yaar” from the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) encapsulates the essence of love and camaraderie. It’s a moving tribute to the strength found in unity, celebrating the bond between loved ones with its emotional lyrics and soulful composition. Interestingly, Ehsaan once mentioned that “Mera Yaar” was indeed a happy accident. Shankar sang a melody that was on the top of his head, and surprisingly, Ehsaan could compose music for that part of the song on the spot. Ultimately, the entire song fell into place within a few minutes, turning into a beautiful song we still obsess over.
“Mast Magan”- From the movie 2 States (2014)
“Mast Magan” from the movie “2 States” is an enduring testament to the power of love in its purest form. With their masterful composition, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy infuses the song with a soul-stirring melody and evocative lyrics that resonate with listeners on a profound level. Apart from “Mast Magan,” the 2 States music album features other delightful Ehsaan Noorani songs such as “Chandaniya”, “Offo”, and “Locha E Ulfat”, making it one of the most popular Ehsaan Noorani albums.
“The Archies” soundtrack (2023
In the musical “The Archies,” Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s contribution shines through in the vibrant soundtrack, reminiscent of the 1960s era. With their expertise in blending retro vibes with contemporary flair, they effortlessly captured the essence of the period. Ehsaan stated in an interview that he used advanced techniques to create the ideal vintage sound for the songs in “The Archies.” These tools allowed them to embrace modern production quality while maintaining a connection to the past, resulting in a great soundtrack.
We have great news for all the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy fans! Ehsaan Noorani is a celebrity instructor at Torrins and we have a list of SEL songs taught by Ehsaan on our website. So, don’t hesitate; dive deep into the guitar lessons and guitar song lessons to master your guitar skills with the guidance of one of the best guitarists in the Bollywood Industry.
Ehsaan Noorani at Torrins Battle of Bands Event
Ehsaan Noorani’s participation at Torrins Battle of Bands Event showcased his commitment to nurturing musical talent. As the chief guest, Noorani brought a wealth of experience and expertise, inspiring budding musicians with his presence. Beyond his role as a guest, he also graced the stage with a captivating performance, demonstrating his mastery of the guitar and his passion for music. Noorani’s participation not only elevated the event’s prestige but also underscored Torrins’ commitment to fostering talent and promoting music education.
Conclusion
In reflecting upon Ehsaan Noorani’s illustrious career, it’s evident that he stands as a beacon of musical brilliance, showcasing immense craft and creativity. With his passion and dedication, he has left an indelible mark on the hearts of music lovers everywhere. As a pivotal member of the musical trinity, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Noorani is the mastermind behind many soul-stirring compositions that we are absolutely obsessed with. However, Ehsaan’s journey isn’t merely a tale of notes and rhythms; it’s a symphony of inspiration, hope, and relentless dedication to artistic excellence.
We got an opportunity to have a candid conversation with Ehsaan. Check out our videos and reels with Ehsaan on our Instagram page to hear him sharing some never heard before tales.
