The journey of Odia artists beyond the regional entertainment industry continues to create opportunities for greater national recognition. Adding another important chapter to this journey, renowned Odia music director and composer Prem Anand has reportedly taken up the responsibility of composing the complete musical score for an upcoming Hindi film titled Ho Ja Zara Matlabi.
The development, reported on November 7, 2026, has attracted attention within Odisha’s entertainment industry. For a composer whose professional journey began with Odisha’s traditional Jatra industry and developed through years of work in Odia cinema, this assignment represents another opportunity to bring his musical experience to a wider audience.
Prem Anand’s latest Bollywood association is particularly significant because he has been entrusted with the overall music direction of the Hindi production, rather than only contributing an individual song.
Prem Anand’s New Bollywood Assignment
According to the published report, Prem Anand will serve as the sole music director of Ho Ja Zara Matlabi. This means the assignment places him at the centre of the film’s musical identity.
Film music plays an important role in shaping the audience’s emotional connection with a story. From romantic compositions and background arrangements to songs that establish a film’s mood, a music director helps create an important part of the cinematic experience.
For Prem Anand, this opportunity adds another Hindi film project to his professional portfolio. It also brings attention to the experience and creative capabilities developed by musicians working in Odisha’s regional entertainment industry.
However, details such as the film’s cast, director, production banner, shooting schedule, soundtrack release and theatrical release date have not been established in the report announcing his involvement. These details should be confirmed through official announcements before being treated as final.
From Odisha’s Jatra Industry to the World of Cinema
Prem Anand’s musical journey is closely connected with Odisha’s entertainment culture. Born as Prem Anand Samal on January 23, 1975, in Saanagaan village of Kendrapara district, he developed an interest in music at an early age.
He received formal musical education at Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in Bhubaneswar. During his training, he studied under established music personalities, including Bhikari Bal, Gopal Chandra Panda and Ramahari Das.
His professional journey began in 1993 with compositions for Odisha’s traditional Jatra industry. Working with different Jatra groups provided him with an opportunity to understand audience preferences, musical storytelling and the role of songs in live performances.
The experience also helped him develop a musical foundation before entering the Odia film industry.
His transition from Jatra compositions to film music demonstrates how artists can build their careers through different forms of regional entertainment.
Entry into Odia Cinema and a Growing Filmography
After gaining experience in the Jatra industry, Prem Anand entered Odia cinema as a music director with the 2006 film Tu Eka Ama Saha Bharasa.
Over the years, he became associated with several popular Odia film productions. His work includes films such as:
Something Something
Love Dot Com
Abhimanyu
Agastya
Chandini I Miss You
Pilata Bigidigala
Tu Mo Love Story
Abhaya
Gapa Hele Bi Sata
His compositions have covered different musical styles, including romantic songs, emotional melodies, devotional compositions and commercial film tracks.
According to the November 2026 profile published by Odia Celebrity, he has composed music for more than 80 Odia films, apart from albums, devotional songs, television serials and Jatra productions.
His Earlier Association with Bollywood
Although Ho Ja Zara Matlabi is being described as an important new Bollywood assignment, Prem Anand is not entirely new to Hindi cinema.
He previously worked on the Hindi film Dekh Bhai Dekh in 2009. Later, he contributed two songs, ‘Baahon Mein Apne Tum’ and ‘Khuda Raazi’, to the 2019 Hindi film Luv U Turn, directed by Harish Raut.
The latter project also brought him opportunities to work with singers Mohit Chauhan, Aditi Paul and Jubin Nautiyal.
His musical experience has also extended beyond Hindi and Odia productions. He has been associated with the Marathi film Shortcut, demonstrating his involvement in different regional film industries.
These projects show that his engagement with music outside Ollywood has developed over several years. His latest assignment therefore represents a continuation of an existing journey rather than a sudden entry into Bollywood.
Working with Recognised Voices in Indian Music
One of the notable aspects of Prem Anand’s professional career has been his association with established playback singers.
His musical collaborations include renowned voices such as:
Udit Narayan
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Shankar Mahadevan
Kavita Krishnamurthy
Sunidhi Chauhan
Mohit Chauhan
Working with singers from different musical backgrounds requires an understanding of vocal styles, composition techniques and the emotional requirements of a song.
Such collaborations have contributed to his experience as a composer working across different musical formats.
For an upcoming Hindi film, this experience could be valuable in developing a soundtrack that connects with audiences beyond Odisha. The actual musical direction and style of Ho Ja Zara Matlabi, however, will become clearer when the filmmakers release further information about the project.
Recognition for His Contribution to Music
Prem Anand’s contribution to Odisha’s music industry has also received recognition.
He received the Odisha State Film Award for his work in Chandini I Miss You. He has also earned recognition through the Odia Filmfare and Tarang Cine Awards.
Another interesting aspect of his career is the title ‘Musical Scientist’, which was conferred on him by Dr Binaya Das, former director of the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, in recognition of his experimental approach and contribution to music.
Beyond the film industry, he also composed ‘Jai Ho Hindustan Ki’, the official anthem associated with the 2023 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup hosted in Odisha.
These contributions demonstrate the different platforms through which a film composer can participate in cultural and public events.
What This Means for Odisha’s Music Industry
Prem Anand’s latest Bollywood assignment also brings attention to a wider discussion about the opportunities available to regional music professionals.
Odisha has a long tradition of music associated with classical performances, folk traditions, Jatra, television and cinema. Over the years, Odia composers, singers, lyricists and musicians have contributed to the state’s entertainment industry through different forms of creative work.
However, regional music professionals often work within a comparatively smaller film market. Opportunities in Hindi cinema and other national entertainment industries can provide additional platforms to showcase their abilities.
A composer who has spent years understanding Odia audiences and working with regional filmmakers brings a different set of experiences to a Hindi film production.
Such opportunities can also encourage younger musicians from Odisha to explore professional careers beyond the boundaries of the regional entertainment industry.
Prem Anand’s journey, from composing for Jatra productions in the early 1990s to working on Odia films and Hindi cinema, provides an interesting example of this professional progression.
It is also worth recognising that success in the national entertainment industry should not be measured only by the number of Bollywood projects. The contribution of experienced artists to their home film industries remains equally important.
What to Expect from Ho Ja Zara Matlabi
At present, the most significant confirmed development in the published announcement is Prem Anand’s reported appointment as the sole music director of Ho Ja Zara Matlabi.
There is considerable interest in learning more about the film’s musical arrangements, singers, lyricists and soundtrack.
However, the makers have yet to provide sufficient publicly verified information about these aspects in the report available at the time of writing.
The audience will have to wait for further announcements to understand the film’s musical direction and the creative team involved.
If the project reaches audiences as planned, it could provide another opportunity for an experienced Odia composer to connect with listeners across India.
A New Chapter in an Experienced Musical Journey
Prem Anand’s association with Ho Ja Zara Matlabi is an encouraging development for Odisha’s entertainment fraternity. His career reflects years of work across Jatra, Odia films, television, albums and projects in other Indian film industries.
From his early days in the Jatra industry to composing for more than 80 Odia films and taking on another Hindi film assignment, his professional journey highlights the possibilities available to musicians who continue to develop their craft.
For Odisha’s entertainment industry, achievements like this offer an opportunity to recognise regional artists and their contributions beyond the state.
As audiences await more details about Ho Ja Zara Matlabi, Prem Anand’s new assignment is certainly a development worth following.
Odisha Katha will continue to follow developments concerning Odia artists, cinema, music and their growing presence across the Indian entertainment industry.
Disclaimer: This article is published for general informational and entertainment purposes. Project details are based on publicly available reports at the time of publication. Further information may updated when officially confirmed.
