After T-Series founder Gulshan Kumar was murdered in 1997, music composer Nadeem Saifi , one half of the celebrated duo Nadeem-Shravan , was named by the Mumbai Police as a key accused in the case. Investigators alleged that he was among the conspirators behind the killing. Soon after the allegations surfaced, Nadeem left for London and remained outside India. Although the controversy impacted his professional life, he continued composing music for films such as 'Dhadkan' and 'Kasoor'.
Filmmaker Suneel Darshan , one of the few industry figures who continued to collaborate with Nadeem during that period, has now recalled why he chose to place his trust in the composer despite the accusations. Nadeem had been accused of paying Rs 25 lakh to the assailants involved in Gulshan Kumar’s murder.
Suneel remembered meeting Nadeem in London, where the composer expressed his desire to work again.
“Nadeem’s music was such that the whole world would go crazy listening to it. Once, when I visited London, I met Nadeem. He reminded me that I had promised to sign him for my new film. At that time, he was in dire need of work. I told him that we could consider it, but I would first have to check whether it was possible,” the filmmaker said in an interview with Hindi Rush.
Before making any commitment, Suneel said he decided to verify whether there were any legal restrictions that would prevent Nadeem from working. He also sought clarification from the police.
“I researched the matter and asked the police whether he could work. The commissioner of police then told me that there was no control over creativity. Around that time, Nadeem had welcomed a child. He placed his hand on the child’s head and said, ‘I wouldn’t make false promises over my son. He is my only child.’ He told me that he was not involved in the murder. After that, I believed him,” Suneel Darshan said.
Convinced by Nadeem’s assurance, Suneel signed him for ' Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of Love '. The filmmaker also praised the composer’s dedication and recalled how quickly they completed the film’s soundtrack.
“The experience of working with him was extremely unique. He is a work maniac. We finalised seven songs in a single day. Just for the sake of it, we held a meeting for the eighth song the next day. It was such a pleasure working with him.”
Their professional association continued over the years, with Nadeem composing music for several of Suneel Darshan’s films, including 'Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya', 'Jeevansathi', 'Barsaat', 'Andaaz' and 'Dosti: Friends Forever'.
Nadeem Saifi was reportedly in the United Kingdom on holiday when Gulshan Kumar was shot dead outside a temple in suburban Mumbai in 1997. He was later named as a prime suspect in the murder investigation, prompting Indian authorities to seek his extradition from the UK. Throughout the legal proceedings, Nadeem denied any involvement, while his legal team argued that the evidence against him was unreliable. After an extended legal battle, a UK court dismissed India’s extradition request, observing that “the accusation of murder and conspiracy made against this applicant is not made in good faith and in the interests of justice.”
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