In 1990, when Hindi film music was in a stage of flow, rocking out just about everything, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt’s Aashiqui woke up melody-ravenous songs where nation with gentle tunes that remain popular to this day. The soundtrack for a charming romance between a model and a club singer sold 20 million units, turning it into the bestselling Bollywood soundtrack of all times and cementing music composer duo Nadeem-Shravan’s career in the mainstream industry.

Shravan Rathod, one-half of the music duo, died of Covid-related complications on Thursday night at Mumbai’s SL Raheja hospital. He was 66.

Caroled by Kumar Sanu and Anuradha Paudwal, Nadeem-Shravan’s compositions suddenly brought melody back into the game. where the tunes of the songs resonated. Not just with the masses, but also the Hindi film music’s reliable critics, although one song came under the spotlight for plagiarism.

The duo followed Aashiqui with impressive soundtracks in Saajan (1991), Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (1991), Sadak (1991), Phool Aur Kaante (1991), Deewana (1992), Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Dilwale (1994) and Raja Hindustani (1996) among others.

Born in a musical family, Shravan’s father was Hindustani classical singer Pt Chaturbhuj Rathod and was inspired by Kalyanji-Anandji’s music as a child. His brother is popular playback singer Roop Kumar Rathod.

Shravan met Nadeem Saifi in the 70s and composed for a few regional films and other commercial projects before Aashiqui came.

Their career continued until Nadeem was caught in the accusations regarding T-series owner Gulshan Kumar’s murder. Nadeem chose self-exile in Dubai and London, and in 1997, the duo fell apart. They came together in 2000 and delivered Dhadkan and Raaz (2002). Shravan retired from active music-making in 2005.