The late 90s and early 2000s were undoubtedly one of the most significant eras in India, marking a major revolution across almost every sphere of life. Trends were changing, and so was the vision of the generation. In this period of transformation, films played a crucial role in shaping the cultural landscape of the new era. And that’s when two young men entered the world of entertainment with their inventive storytelling and gave the generation a film that would go on to become a cult, youth-defining classic.
Those two young men were Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, and the film was Dil Chahta Hai, the debut film under their banner, Excel Entertainment, released in 2001. It wasn’t just a film; it was the beginning of a new era and the start of a journey for two visionaries who would go on to redefine the Indian cinematic canvas for generations to come.
Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar planted the seeds of Excel Entertainment with a clear vision, to create contemporary Indian cinema that resonated deeply with the audience. To bring this vision to life, they co-founded Excel Entertainment in 1999, and over the past two decades, the company has reshaped Indian cinema in a remarkable way. Both have been pivotal in this journey, blending creative excellence with an instinct for compelling stories. They have collaborated with some of the best talent in both Indian and international filmmaking, bringing global standards to Indian cinema. And yet, the journey is far from over, what lies ahead promises to be nothing short of revolutionary.
If we look at the power of this partnership, it becomes clear how their combined vision created cult cinema. This was proven right from their very first film, Dil Chahta Hai, which received widespread critical acclaim, became a massive youth sensation, and even won a National Award. And this was only the beginning of a dream that would transform Indian cinema forever.
They went on to produce groundbreaking films such as Lakshya (2004), Don: The Chase Begins Again (2006), Rock On!! (2008), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), Fukrey (2013), Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Gully Boy (2019), and 120 Bahadur (2025). While there are many more films under their banner, these titles strongly reflect Ritesh and Farhan’s vision of creating cinema that audiences truly connect with.
Ritesh and Farhan work in perfect harmony, constantly staying true to their vision of delivering contemporary cinema for the masses. From redefining friendship, travel, and love with Dil Chahta Hai, to evoking patriotic pride with Lakshya, to reviving a legacy with Don, to delivering a musical phenomenon with Rock On!!, to boosting international travel narratives with Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, to creating a cult comedy franchise with Fukrey, to bringing the rap movement into mainstream cinema with Gully Boy, and finally, to setting new standards in the OTT space with Mirzapur and Made In Heaven, they have consistently shaped the very core of modern Indian entertainment.
Today, Ritesh and Farhan stand among the most influential producers in the Indian entertainment industry through their powerhouse banner, Excel Entertainment. And now, their vision has been given even greater wings with global entertainment giant Universal Music Group investing in Excel through a minority stake.
Call it a story of brotherhood or a brilliantly aligned creative vision, the journey that began 25 years ago with two boys and a dream has today evolved into a force that is ruling and revolutionising Indian entertainment.
