Raam Laxman

Vijay Patil (born 16 September, 1942), better known as Raamlaxman, is an Indian composer, pianist, musician and accordionist. Raamlaxman is most famous for his work with Rajshri Productions of Hindi films. He composed music for their hit films like Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994), Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999). Raamlaxman has worked in almost 75 films in Hindi, Marathi and Bhojpuri.

Raamlaxman is the "Laxman" of duo composers "Raam-Laxman". In 1976, Raam (his elder brother Surendra) died immediately after signing the film Agent Vinod 1977. Laxman continued to retain Raam's name in Marathi as well as Hindi films.

Raamlaxman started his own orchestra named as Amar - Vijay (Amar was his son's name). The famous comedian, Dada Kondke was impressed by him and approached him to compose the music for his Marathi comedy Pandu Hawaldar. Vijay, with his friend Raam, composed the music that went on to become a raging hit, and their alliance with Kondke did not break until the latter's death. Later, he did films with Manmohan Desai, Mahesh Bhatt, G.P.Sippy, Anil Ganguly and others. His favourite singers were Shailendra Singh and Usha Mangeshkar, while his favourite lyricist was Asad Bhopali. His releases were mostly with Ravindra Rawal.

In 1981, Raamlaxman collaborated with Ravindra Rawal for movie Hum Se Badkar Kaun. Song "Deva O Deva Ganpati Deva" got famous during that period. He has also given music for movies Woh Jo Hasina (1983), Deewana Tere Naam Ka (1987) and Aage Ki Soch (1987).

In the year 1988, Raamlaxman got a major break with Sooraj Barjatya's Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). His composition earned him filmfare award for Best Music Director. The film set the record at its time for the most Filmfare awards won by a single film with seven, from thirteen nominations. It was also the first film to win the three major awards in music category (Best Music Director, Male Playback Singer, Best Lyricist). The film also launched S.P. Balasubramaniam as voice of new actor Salman from period 1988 to 1995.

Laxman scored a major hit once again with Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (1994). His collaboration with Sooraj Barjatya went on and he gave good hits in the film Hum Saath Saath Hain.