Hamsalekha (born 23 June 1951, Bangalore), born Gangaraju, is an Indian film composer, lyricist, and screenwriter. After working in his father's printing press and joining his brother’s orchestra, he launched his career writing the song "Neena Bhagavantha" for the film Triveni (1973). He established a reputation as a dialogue and lyric writer with Naanu Nanna Hendthi (1985) and gained recognition for his collaboration with V. Ravichandran on the soundtrack for Premaloka (1987). Hamsalekha’s discography includes over 500 albums and works such as the ghazal "Chandakinta Chanda" from Sparsha (2001) and "Huttidhare Kannada Nadalli Hutta Bekku" from Aakasmika. He won the 1995 National Film Award for Best Music Direction, six Filmfare Awards for Best Music Director, and seven Karnataka State Film Awards. In 2014, he received an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University.
