Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective
Nilayan Chatterjee
Indian music composer and singer From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Remove ads
Nilayan Chatterjee (pronounced [nilajan cʰɔtterʤeɛ]; born c. 1990), also known by his stage name RJ Neil, is an Indian radio jockey, music composer, singer-songwriter, and lyricist who works in the Bengali film industry and independent music scene. He is best known for composing soundtracks for films such as Kacher Manush (2022), Bagha Jatin (2023), Dilkhush (2023), Boomerang (2024), and Khadaan (2024).[1][2]
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2025) |
Remove ads
Early life and education
Chatterjee was born around 1990 in Kolkata, West Bengal. Details about his early life and formal musical training are not extensively documented. He began his career in radio in 2007.[3]
Career
Summarize
Perspective
Radio career
Chatterjee began his career as a radio jockey in 2007, hosting the late-night Hindi show Masala Nights on Red FM Kolkata under the name RJ Neil.[4] His show featured innovative segments including "Dark Hour," which allowed anonymous listener confessions, and "Instant song creation," where he would compose songs on-the-spot using random words provided by listeners.[5][6]
His radio promotion performance "Dedicated to DEV & RUKMINI" in 2019 caught the attention of actor Dev, which facilitated his transition into film music composition.[7]
Music career
Chatterjee made his film composition debut with the 2022 romantic comedy Kishmish, where he composed all the songs and also wrote lyrics. He continued his collaboration with Dev on the romance drama Kacher Manush (2022), for which he wrote and composed the lead single "Chumbak Mon", sung by Usha Uthup.[1]
His work on the patriotic biopic Bagha Jatin (2023) included composing title tracks such as "Jago Re Bagha" and "Ei Desh Amar."[2][8] During this project, Chatterjee received guidance and mentorship from composer A. R. Rahman.[9]
In 2023, he scored the anthology romance Dilkhush, which featured the hit track "Bibagi Phone".[10] His 2024 projects include the thriller Boomerang and the supernatural drama Khadaan, for which he also served as co-producer alongside Dev.[11]
Chatterjee has collaborated with prominent playback singers including Sonu Nigam, who reportedly returned his fee after recording a song for one of Chatterjee's projects upon learning it was for an independent film with a limited budget.[12]
On World Music Day 2023, Chatterjee shared his perspectives on the evolving Bengali music industry and the balance between commercial success and creative expression.[13]
Independent music
Alongside his film work, Chatterjee has released independent music including lo-fi singles and EPs. His track "Apatoto Jai" was featured in a lo-fi version by The Times of India.[14] He also released the Kacher Manush Original Motion Picture Soundtrack EP in 2022.[15]
Remove ads
Personal life
Chatterjee was previously married to radio jockey RJ Ayantika. The couple announced their separation and Ayantika's second marriage in 2023.[16] Despite their separation, they maintained a cordial relationship and were seen together at a friend's wedding after their divorce.[17]
Discography
Film scores
Singles and EPs
Remove ads
Reception
Chatterjee's score for Bagha Jatin was praised for its patriotic fervor and thematic coherence by The Times of India.[18] His work has been recognized for blending traditional Bengali folk elements with contemporary musical arrangements.
References
External links
Wikiwand - on
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Remove ads