Anil Krishna Biswas (7 July 1914 – 31 May 2003), widely known as Anil Biswas, was one of the most celebrated music composers in the history of Indian cinema. His revolutionary approach to music, blending Western orchestration with Indian classical and folk traditions, made him a pioneering figure. Over his illustrious career, he shaped the soundscape of Indian cinema, forever altering how music was perceived and utilized in films. From 1935 to 1965, he composed music for more than 90 films, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Indian music industry.
Early Life and Struggles
Born on 7 July 1914 in Barisal, which was part of Bengal under British rule (now in Bangladesh), Anil Biswas came from a musical family. His father, J.C. Biswas, was a prominent figure in local theater, and Anil himself showed a deep passion for music from a young age. In his early years, he was involved in local plays, showcasing his acting talent. However, his true calling lay in music, and he quickly became proficient in playing the tabla and singing.
In his teenage years, Anil Biswas joined the Indian independence movement, where he actively participated in protests and was jailed multiple times. This period of his life marked the beginning of his defiance against British rule, which later shaped his artistic spirit. In 1930, after his father’s death, he left his home and moved to Kolkata, where he sought better opportunities in music.
A Journey to Kolkata and Mumbai
Upon his arrival in Kolkata, Anil Biswas joined the ‘Rangmahal Theatre’, where he not only composed music but also acted in plays. His involvement in the theater was crucial in honing his skills in music direction and orchestration. His time at Rangmahal helped him gain experience, but the real turning point came in 1934 when he moved to Mumbai (then Bombay).
Anil Biswas’s debut in the film industry came in 1935 when he composed the music for Dharam Ki Devi under the banner of Eastern Arts. It was during this period that he introduced Western orchestral music into Indian cinema, a revolutionary step that would forever change film music. This was the beginning of a long and fruitful career in music composition, where he merged classical Indian music with Western orchestral techniques, creating a distinct sound that was both rich and innovative.
The Early Years of Music Direction
The first breakthrough of Anil Biswas came with the film Jagirdar (1937), which established him as a respected music composer in the industry. However, it was his work on the iconic film Kismet (1943) that made him a household name. The music for Kismet, especially the song Papihaare, became immensely popular and is still remembered as one of the finest songs of Indian cinema. The melodies created by Anil Biswas in this period were characterized by their deep classical undertones and orchestral arrangement, a rare combination in the early years of Indian cinema.
Anil Biswas was also a pioneer in introducing the concept of counter-melody, which was rooted in Western classical music. He skillfully layered multiple melodies, a technique he learned from his training in Western symphonic music, which added complexity and depth to his compositions.
Key Contributions to Indian Cinema
Anil Biswas’s contribution to Indian cinema, particularly in the field of film music, cannot be overstated. He was the first Indian composer to introduce a twelve-piece orchestra in his compositions, which was a groundbreaking achievement at the time. His music for films like Roti (1942), Kismet (1943), Anokha Pyar (1948), and Tarana (1951) became monumental hits.
In films like Roti and Kismet, Biswas incorporated Indian classical ragas with Western instruments, which set a new precedent for Indian film music. His ability to blend the raw emotional depth of Indian folk music with the precision of Western orchestration made his compositions stand out. His compositions became known for their depth, melody, and structure, and they resonated with the masses while remaining rooted in Indian classical music.
The Pioneering Use of Orchestration
Anil Biswas was instrumental in bringing orchestration into Indian cinema. Before his influence, the film music scene primarily relied on simple instrumental arrangements. However, Anil Biswas elevated the standards by introducing a full-fledged orchestra into Indian films. His efforts in incorporating orchestral music, using both Western instruments and Indian instruments, created a hybrid sound that was both contemporary and traditional. His music in Pardesi (1957) and Char Dil Char Rahein (1959) exemplified this technique and showcased his mastery over orchestration.
Another unique feature of Anil Biswas’s music was his use of choral effects. He understood the emotional impact of a choir and frequently used choral elements to evoke strong emotions in his audience. His ability to seamlessly blend Western classical traditions with Indian melodies made him a pioneer in the Indian film industry.
His Musical Innovation: Ragmala and Western Influence
Anil Biswas was one of the first composers to use the Ragmala concept extensively in his music. The Ragmala is a musical concept in Indian classical music that involves the presentation of a series of ragas in a particular order. By incorporating this technique, he brought an air of refinement to his music, making it more than just film music. It became an art form, with each composition holding its own intrinsic beauty.
Moreover, Anil Biswas was deeply influenced by Western symphonic music, which led him to introduce Western orchestration in films. He carefully studied Western classical composers, which allowed him to fuse Western and Indian music in a way that was unique to Indian cinema.
Later Years and Contributions to Radio
In 1963, Anil Biswas shifted base to New Delhi, marking the end of his active career in the Bombay film industry. He became the Director of the National Orchestra at All India Radio (AIR), a position he held until 1975. Even though his focus shifted towards classical music and radio, he continued to contribute to Indian cinema. In the 1980s, he composed music for the pioneering television series Hum Log (1984), as well as documentaries for the Films Division until 1991. His work for Doordarshan marked a new chapter in his career, focusing on television and lighter forms of Hindustani classical music.
Personal Life and Legacy
Anil Biswas’s personal life was as colorful as his musical career. He was married twice—first to Ashalata, an actress with whom he had three sons and a daughter. He later married playback singer Meena Kapoor, who had a successful career in the 1950s. Despite his personal challenges, Anil Biswas remained focused on his passion for music, creating a legacy that would last for generations.
He passed away on 31 May 2003 in New Delhi at the age of 88. The Indian government recognized his immense contribution to Indian cinema and music by awarding him the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1986. His legacy as a composer who brought Indian classical music and Western orchestration together remains unmatched.
The Doyen of Indian Film Music
Anil Biswas’s contributions to Indian cinema are nothing short of monumental. He was not only a music director but a visionary who revolutionized film music. His work laid the foundation for modern Indian film music, blending Western orchestration with Indian classical traditions. His legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians, and his music is still loved and revered by music enthusiasts across the globe. Anil Biswas’s role in shaping the soundscape of Indian cinema will always be remembered, making him a true icon in the world of music and cinema.
