M.M. Srilekha

M.M. Srilekha’s got her fingerprints all over Indian cinema, especially if you’re into soundtracks that just hit different. Born into an insanely musical family—yeah, the same clan as M.M. Keeravani and Kalyani Malik—she basically grew up with melodies in her veins. You hear her name pop up with movies like Varisu (2023), and suddenly you’re humming that song for days. Not just a one-trick pony, she’s been at it since the '90s, dropping tunes for hits like Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi (1996) and Aaghaaz (2000). If you dig around, you’ll find she’s not just composing for one language, either. Telugu, Tamil, Hindi—doesn’t matter. The woman’s everywhere. Honestly, it’s wild how her style shifts with every project. One minute, she’s giving you peppy dance numbers, next thing you know, it’s all soulful and dramatic. You get these layers in her music—catchy beats, sure, but also these haunting little hooks that just stick in your head. Oh, and did I mention she’s one of the few female composers in the industry? That’s no small feat in a world dominated by dudes. She’s busted through a ton of stereotypes, making it look almost effortless. Plus, her collaborations are legendary; she’s worked with everyone from up-and-coming singers to massive stars, always pushing for something new. Long story short: if you’re watching an Indian film and the music slaps, don’t be surprised if M.M. Srilekha’s name rolls up in the credits.