Antoine Flament/WireImage; Tristan Fewings/Getty Images; Prarthna Singh
The arrival of Tiger Baby Records, a partnership between Sony Music Entertainment India and the renowned creative team at Tiger Baby Films, is the latest sign that the worlds of music and film are continuing to blur. The label—spearheaded by filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, along with acclaimed singer-songwriter Ankur Tewari—aims to reshape the music landscape by placing creative storytelling, fresh perspectives, and genuine artistry at the core of everything they do.
Anyone who’s watched a Zoya Akhtar or Reema Kagti film knows how central music is to their storytelling. Whether it’s the thumping rap battles in Gully Boy that made you feel like you were right there in the gullies of Mumbai, or the nostalgic pop charm of The Archies that carried the mood of every scene, their soundtracks don’t just sit in the background. They drive the story forward. Now, by joining forces with Ankur Tewari, whose work has defined some of the most memorable contemporary Indian soundtracks, the team is taking their love of music a step further. Their mission with Tiger Baby Records is simple but ambitious: they want music to take the lead, not just play in the background. As Zoya Akhtar shared in the official press statement, “Music has always been a vital part of our storytelling, and with Tiger Baby Records, we want the music to be the main story. Partnering with Sony Music India allows us to bring our vision to life and provide a platform for indie, homegrown talent to shine.”
The label’s debut project sets the tone for what listeners can expect in the future. Tiger Baby Records launched a wedding song in collaboration with Tanishq, the iconic jewelry brand. The song was composed by Abhishek-Ananya and performed by Poorvi Koutish, with a visually stunning music video directed by Reema Kagti. The project makes music the heart of the experience, blending it with elements of film and brand storytelling in a cohesive way.
Tiger Baby Records is also focused on helping new musicians grow. The label is launching “City Sessions,” an artist development initiative in partnership with Mumbai’s Island City Studios. This program offers emerging artists a chance to collaborate with experienced musicians, experiment with new ideas, and develop their craft in a supportive and inspiring studio environment. Ankur Tewari describes the vision for the initiative: “Tiger Baby Records is all about fostering an environment where creativity thrives. I’m thrilled to be a part of this journey where we get to build a legacy with artists who are using the power of their voice to express freely.” This hands-on approach to artist development is designed to help musicians find their unique sound and gain the confidence they need to reach wider audiences.
The launch of Tiger Baby Records comes at a pivotal moment for Indian music. The industry is growing rapidly, driven by digital streaming, changing listener habits, and a new wave of artists who are eager to explore sounds beyond mainstream Bollywood. Despite these changes, many talented musicians still struggle to get noticed or receive the support they need. Tiger Baby Records wants to bridge that gap by combining the global reach and expertise of Sony Music with the artist-first vision of the Tiger Baby Films team.
Vinit Thakkar, Managing Director of Sony Music Entertainment India, says, We are thrilled to be part of this journey, pushing boundaries and bringing fresh, authentic voices to the forefront of the industry, and are excited to partner with Zoya, Reema, and Ankur, who have an exceptional track record in music and creative storytelling.” Reema Kagti adds, “With Tiger Baby Records, we aim to delve into the diverse soundscapes of the subcontinent and represent them globally. By collaborating with brands and upcoming artists, we hope to have this music reach a large audience.”
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