Where does the globally acclaimed Oscar-winning A.R. Rahman figure in the history of Indian film music? His work as a versatile composer marks a unique watershed in the evolution of the way songs are composed and recorded in our cinema. This book is a comprehensive overview of an integral aspect of filmmaking in this country – the song. From the Jesuit priest who took his musical organ to the screening of the first Lumiere brothers films in India and the traditions of Parsi theatre and Marathi natya sangeet to the new sounds and rhythms that Rahul Dev Burman brought into the mix many decades later, it has been one, long, fascinating process. The author traces the journey of innovative composer's and gifted singers then the rich, varied and vibrant world of creative musical energy that enriched the sound wave of Bollywood song with Khemchand Prakash bringing Rajasthani folk, Naushad enriching with gangajamuna culture, Shankar Jaikishan with Goan light hearted beats. Ghulam Hiader discovered Noorjahan and Lata Mangeshkar, R.C. Boral established with strong foundation of the Bollywood song