Roshan Lal Nagrath was a vanguard, creative force to have shaped the musical identity of the family.
He showcased early inclination toward melody and rhythm. It was his fascination with sound that pushed him toward formal training, which began in childhood and later deepened at Marris College in Lucknow. There, he honed his craft under Pandit
S. N. Ratanjankar, the principal of the institute and an eminent classical scholar.
To enhance his artistic range, Roshan trained on the sarod under the legendary Allauddin Khan of Maihar, most respected figures in the Hindustani classical tradition. In 1940, Khawaja Khurshid Anwar of All India Radio, Delhi, recognized Roshan’s talent and hired him as a staff artist specializing in the esraj. Following his eight year stint with AIR, Roshan quit in 1948, with a determination to carve out a niche for himself in the rapidly expanding Bollywood.
Roshan landed in Bombay (Mumbai later) the same year, with a hope to establish himself as a film composer. He first assisted Khawaja Khurshid Anwar on the film Singaar released in 1949. Regardless his skill, he encountered significant hardships—both financial and personal—amidst this period. His fortunes shifted when filmmaker Kidar Sharma noticed his perseverance and gave him a break as the music director for Neki Aur Badi released in 1949, produced by Munshiram Varma and released by Varma Films.
While the film, commercially did not succeed, Sharma offered Roshan another opportunity in his next venture. This second chance paved the way for Baawre Nain released in 1950, which turned into a major musical triumph and firmly introduced Roshan as a rising composer in Hindi cinema.
Kidar Sharma later recalled how Roshan had been living without steady work or shelter, having lost his All India Radio position after marrying for love. His sincerity and humility deeply moved Sharma, who took it upon himself to help Roshan regain his footing in Bombay.
In the midst of the early 1950s, Roshan composed for several films and collaborated with celebrated singers like Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, and Talat Mahmood. His work in productions such as Malhar released in 1951, Shisham, and Anhonee in 1952 displayed a range of moods and musical textures. One of his standout compositions from this era was the devotional piece later popularized by Lata Mangeshkar in Naubahar in 1952, which quickly turned out to be a nationwide favourite.
The year 1960 which was a witness to his Golden era marked Roshan’s most celebrated decade. His mastery in fusing folk influences with classical traditions led to some of the era’s most unforgettable songs. His compositions for Barsaat Ki Raat released in 1960, including ageless qawwalis and romantic melodies, won for him immense acclaim. The film itself turned out to be one of the decade’s biggest hits, largely due to Roshan’s innovative musical directioral.
Roshan married Ira Moitra in 1948, and together they built a home in Bombay. Their sons, Rakesh and Rajesh Roshan, born in 1949 and 1955 respectively, would later carry forward the artistic flame—Rakesh as a filmmaker and Rajesh as a music composer.
Notwithstanding his professional achievements, Roshan battled chronic heart issues for more than two decades. On November 16, 1967, he suffered a fatal heart attack in the midst of a social gathering in Mumbai, and passed away at only fifty years of age.
Roshan’s artistic spirit lived on through his children and grandchildren. Rakesh Roshan became an acclaimed director and producer, while Rajesh Roshan emerged as a celebrated music composer. His grandson, Hrithik Roshan, rose to extraordinary stardom with films like Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, Dhoom 2, and Jodhaa Akbar, finally emerging as one of India’s highest-earning actors. As per GQ India, Hrithik’s estimated net worth today stands at around ₹3,100 crore—a testament to the enduring legacy built by his grandfather’s passion and perseverance.
The War 2 star doesn’t just rely on films, but he earns massively through brand endorsements and also co-founded HRX, a homegrown fitness and activewear brand valued at about ₹200 crore. HRX has turned out to be a major player in India’s sportswear space with apparel, footwear, and fitness gear. He further invests in fast-growing wellness start-ups and runs a production house founded by his father Rakesh Roshan. His wealth also shows in his properties, including a ₹100 crore Juhu home and a ₹33 crore Lonavala farmhouse..
On the professional front Hrithik was last seen in the action drama ‘War 2’. The movie also marked the Bollywood debut of Telugugu superstar Jr NTR (best known to the Hindi speaking audience for the Rajamouli directed epic RRR). The movie also featured Kiara Advni opposite Roshan.
News Edit KV Raman
