Ravindra Jain was a renowned Indian music composer, lyricist and playback singer who made a lasting contribution to Hindi film music. Despite being blind from birth, he became one of the most respected musical figures of his generation. His career included memorable films such as Chor Machaye Shor, Geet Gaata Chal, Chitchor, Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se, Nadiya Ke Paar, Ram Teri Ganga Maili and Vivah.
He was also closely associated with the work of Ramanand Sagar, composing the iconic music for the television series Ramayan (1987). His music combined Indian classical influences, folk melodies, devotional expression and simple, memorable lyrics.
Ravindra Jain was born on 28 February 1944 in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, and was blind from birth. He was the son of Pandit Indramani Jain and Kiran Jain. His father recognised his musical talent at an early age and arranged for him to receive training from music teachers including G. L. Jain, Janardhan Sharma and Nathu Ram. As a child, Jain began singing bhajans at temples.
Jain entered the Hindi film industry in the early 1970s. His early film work established him as both a composer and lyricist, and he soon became known for his ability to create melodic songs rooted in Indian musical traditions. His notable films included Chor Machaye Shor (1974), Geet Gaata Chal (1975), Chitchor (1976) and Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se (1978).
One of his important contributions was his association with K. J. Yesudas, for whom Jain created several memorable Hindi songs. Jain played an important role in establishing Yesudas as a prominent Hindi playback singer during the 1970s.
Jain went on to compose music for films including Nadiya Ke Paar (1982), Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985), Henna (1991) and Vivah (2006). His music for Ram Teri Ganga Maili earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director.
He also became an important figure in Indian television music. His compositions for Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan became especially iconic and are closely associated with the series' devotional atmosphere. He later composed music for television productions including Shri Krishna, Alif Laila, Jai Ganga Maiya, Jai Hanuman and Mahabharat.
Apart from Hindi cinema, Ravindra Jain composed numerous devotional and religious albums in different Indian languages. His musical work therefore extended well beyond mainstream film music and included bhajans and spiritual compositions.
In recognition of his contribution to Indian arts, Ravindra Jain was awarded the Padma Shri in 2015.
Ravindra Jain died in Mumbai on 9 October 2015, aged 71. Sources report that he died following multiple organ failure.