Ravi Tandon, the veteran filmmaker behind some of Bollywood’s most memorable musicals, was a man whose life revolved around rhythm and rhyme. From his Agra roots in 1935 to Mumbai’s bustling studios, music was his constant companion. College peers remember him serenading empty corridors with Kishore Kumar and Rafi classics, a passion that seeped into every frame he directed.
Growing up, Tandon’s cheerful demeanor masked a deep artistic core. He often said music was his muse for creativity. Entering the industry humbly as an extra, he quickly grasped how background scores and songs amplified drama. For him, music wasn’t filler—it unveiled character depths and propelled plots forward.
Take ‘Khel Khel Mein,’ a testament to his vision. R.D. Burman’s compositions turned it into a sensation, with tracks like ‘Ek Main Aur Ek Tu’ becoming anthems. Tandon directed over a dozen hits, including ‘Majboor,’ ‘Khuddar,’ and ‘Jawab,’ collaborating seamlessly with music maestros. His philosophy? Integrate songs organically into the narrative.
Raveena Tandon, his actress daughter, credits him for instilling art’s value. She recalls his advice to embrace music wholeheartedly. Even in later films like ‘Anhonee’ and ‘Zindagi,’ his touch lingered through evocative soundtracks.
Tandon’s death on February 11, 2022, marked the end of an era. At 86, he departed, but his films continue to enchant, proving a director’s love for music can immortalize cinema.