Naveen Kumar PMK
Flautist | Composer | Session Musician
Innovator
P.M.K. Naveen Kumar is one of India’s most celebrated flautists and session musicians, renowned for his soulful performances across Indian cinema, live concerts, and contemporary music productions. With a career spanning more than four decades, Naveen Kumar has played a defining role in shaping the sound of modern Indian film music through his expressive flute work and unique musical sensibilities.
Known widely for iconic flute passages in legendary film scores and songs, Naveen Kumar has collaborated with some of India’s most influential composers including A. R. Rahman, Ilaiyaraaja, Pritam, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, Sajid–Wajid, and Salim–Sulaiman. His flute performances have become an integral part of several landmark Bollywood soundtracks including Roja, Bombay, Dil Se.., Taal, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein, Jab We Met, and many other celebrated productions.
Naveen Kumar received widespread recognition for his unforgettable flute work in A.R. Rahman’s Bombay Theme, which remains one of the most iconic instrumental themes in Indian cinema. His performances are known for combining technical mastery with emotional depth, creating melodies that have resonated with audiences across generations.
Apart from his work in film music, Naveen Kumar has also released several independent and instrumental albums including Fluid, Café Fluid, Flutetronics, Melodies of Love, and Silence Is Bliss. His music reflects a unique blend of Indian classical influences, contemporary arrangements, ambient textures, and global musical aesthetics.
A true innovator, Naveen Kumar also developed his own customized instrument known as the “Naveen Flute,” designed to combine the tonal warmth of the flute with string-like resonance and sustain. His experimental approach toward sound and performance has made him one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Indian instrumental music.
Over the years, Naveen Kumar has performed alongside internationally acclaimed musicians including Sivamani, Louiz Banks, Mandolin Srinivas, and John McLaughlin, while continuing to inspire audiences through concerts, recordings, and collaborations across genres and musical traditions.
