Vishal Dadlani

Vishal Dadlani formed the pioneering Indian electro-rock outfit Pentagram in the early ’90s, before launching a successful side career as an award-winning Bollywood singer, composer, and producer. ∙ In 1996, Pentagram broke through with the independent release We Are Not Listening, which earned the band Artist of the Month honors from MTV India. ∙ Under the name Vishal-Shekhar, Dadlani and singer Shekhar Ravjiani have composed music for over 60 films, winning Filmfare’s R.D. Burman Award for their work on 2003’s Jhankaar Beats. ∙ Pentagram’s 2007 hit “Voice” won Song of the Year, and Dadlani won Vocalist of the Year at the Jack Daniel’s Annual Rock Awards, a celebration of India’s independent musicians. ∙ As a playback singer, he’s appeared on such Bollywood hits as the smash “Kiss of Love,” included on the best-selling soundtrack for the 2007 rom-com Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. ∙ Akon collaborated with Vishal-Shekhar on “Chammak Challo,” from the 2011 blockbuster Ra.One, and their chart-topping track won Best Song Recording at the Mirchi Music Awards. ∙ In addition to appearing on several music-related reality shows as part of Vishal-Shekhar, Dadlani has served as a judge on Indian Idol since 2013.