Shankar Jaikishan

Shankar–Jaikishan, consisting of Shankar Singh Ram Singh Raghuvanshi (15 October 1922 - 26 April 1987, aged 64) and Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal (4 November 1929 - 12 September 1971, aged 41), also known as S-J, were an Indian composer duo of the Hindi film industry, who worked together from 1949 to 1971. They are widely considered to be the greatest music composers of the Hindi film industry. From 1949 until Jaikishan's death in 1971, they composed musical scores for 136 films, introducing a new level of orchestral richness in film music. S-J collaborated with legendary singers such as Mukesh (singer), Mohammed Rafi, Manna Dey, Kishore Kumar, Talat Mahmood, Lata Mangeshkar, Suman Kalyanpur, Asha Bhosle and Sharda (singer). They also worked extensively with lyricists Shailendra (lyricist) and Hasrat Jaipuri, with whom they created some of the most memorable songs in their career. Along with other artists, Shankar–Jaikishan composed timeless and enduring melodies during the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s. Their best work was noted for being raga-based while maintaining both melodic charm and orchestral richness. Although primarily active in the Hindi film industry as a composer duo, they strongly influenced the next generation of Indian music directors. Their songs remain popular in India and abroad, and continue to inspire composers decades after their deaths. After Jaikishan's death in 1971, Shankar continued working as a music director and composed music for 43 films until his death in 1987. During this solo period, he continued to be credited under the name "Shankar–Jaikishan".