Chitragupta was a noted music composer who worked in a number of mythological and historical films in the early phase of his career in Hindi films. He rose to fame within Hindi films, particularly during the 1960s when he worked in a number of mainstream films and collaborated with singers like Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi. Chitragupta's music was greatly influenced by the Bhojpuri musical traditions and that linguistic belt of the nation became his distinctively devout audience.

Prior to launching his career in the film industry, Chitragupta Shrivastava was born in the Karmaini village in Bihar, in 1917, and had taken a job as a lecturer in a Patna college. In his early days in Bombay he assisted composer S N Tripathi. Tripathi had established himself as a composer in Hindi films and mostly worked within the genre of devotional and mythological films. Chitragupta also worked on similar films such as Balyogi Upmanyu (1958), and Gayatri Mahima (1977). Besides this, he also worked on a number of stunt films like Mala The Mighty (1948), and Toofan Queen (1946). Most of these films suffered from low production values and limited Chitragupta's talents to certain genres. After a long period of struggle, Chitragupta made his mark in the Hindi music industry with films like Sindbad The Sailor (1952), Bhabhi (1957), Zabak (1961), and Ek Raaz (1963).