Ismail Darbar was born on 1 June 1964 in Surat, Gujarat, India. He moved to Mumbai in 1977 to learn violin and received extensive training before establishing himself as a professional musician. He worked as a session violinist with several leading music directors, including Laxmikant–Pyarelal, Kalyanji–Anandji, Bappi Lahiri, Rajesh Roshan, Anand–Milind, Nadeem–Shravan, Jatin–Lalit and A. R. Rahman.
His major breakthrough as a music director came with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film's music became hugely popular, and Darbar received the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for his work. He later composed music for films including _Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa (2000), Devdas (2002), Deewangee (2002), Shakti (2002), Kaanchi (2014) and Yeh Kaisa Tigdam (2018).
As a singer, Ismail Darbar has also lent his voice to film and music projects, although his primary recognition is as a composer and music director. His musical style is strongly influenced by Indian classical music, particularly Hindustani traditions, while incorporating the melodic structure of Bollywood film music.
Some of his most celebrated compositions include “Tadap Tadap,” “Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan,” “Nimbooda,” “Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje” from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and “Silsila Ye Chahat Ka,” “Maar Daala,” “Dola Re Dola” and “Bairi Piya” from Devdas.
Ismail Darbar has also appeared on television as a music reality-show judge, including Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005, and appeared as a contestant on Bigg Boss 3.
Birth Date: 1 June 1964
Birth Place: Surat, Gujarat, India
Profession: Music Composer, Music Director, Violinist, Instrumentalist, Singer
Active Years: 1970s–present
Musical Genres: Indian Classical, Bollywood, Filmi
Known For: Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Deewangee, Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa
Major Award: National Film Award for Best Music Direction