Universal Music India (UMI), a division of Universal Music Group, has entered into a strategic licensing agreement with Blisstainment, a brand owned by Basking Shark Pvt. Ltd., for the physical distribution of vinyl records across India. The partnership aims to bring UMI’s domestic catalogue — spanning classic Hindi film soundtracks and Indian pop (I-pop) — to collectors and new listeners in high-quality vinyl formats.
As part of the agreement, Blisstainment will serve as the official licensor and distributor of 12-inch 180g vinyl records from UMI’s archive, with a focus on both heritage releases and recent commercial successes. The partnership signals a growing interest in vinyl culture in India, particularly among younger music consumers and collectors seeking a tangible listening experience.
Among the first releases under the deal are the soundtracks to Bombay, Yeh Vaada Raha, and Rocky, now available through Blisstainment’s website and select retail partners. Future titles will include additional classics from UMI’s Bollywood catalogue as well as milestone I-pop albums. The reissue of Sholay’s soundtrack is also expected later this year, marking its 50th anniversary.
Gaurav Chaturvedi, Vice President and Head of Commercial Music at Universal Music India, said the partnership reflects a growing appetite for immersive, collectible formats. “UMI’s catalogue spans decades of Indian music history, from film scores to iconic pop records. Through this collaboration with Blisstainment, we’re able to bring these sounds back to the physical format — one that remains deeply emotional for many listeners.”
Bikram Gurung, Founder of Blisstainment, noted that vinyl’s resurgence in India is part of a broader shift in how listeners engage with music. “This partnership allows us to offer music lovers access to foundational works in Indian music history in a format that emphasises both fidelity and storytelling. We believe vinyl is more than a product — it’s a cultural artefact.”
While vinyl still represents a niche segment of India’s overall music market, its appeal is growing among urban collectors, audiophiles, and fans of retro aesthetics. The move aligns with a global trend where legacy labels are reviving their archives on physical formats to complement digital streaming.
The records are now available for purchase through www.blisstainment.com, with wider retail distribution expected to follow.
