Veteran composer Anu Malik has finally addressed the public accusations of sabotage and betrayal levelled against him by his nephew, composer-singer Amaal Mallik. While focused on his new musical projects, Anu Malik has recently been making headlines for the ongoing family feud.
The public controversy ignited back in July when Amaal Mallik first accused his uncle of professional misconduct, claiming Anu Malik’s jealousy had sabotaged the career of Amaal’s father (Anu’s brother), composer-singer Daboo Malik.
The feud escalated last month during a reality show appearance (on Bigg Boss 19), where Amaal aired a deeply personal grievance. He alleged that during the devastating Mumbai floods of 2005, a seven-year-old Amaal was stranded trying to get home. He claimed that Anu Malik and his family saw him struggling but “locked their Mercedes” and “abandoned” him there.
Amaal also voiced professional grievances during an earlier interview with Siddharth Kannan, alleging his uncle had “ruined” Daboo’s career and mistreated Amaal’s mother, Jyoti, while she was pregnant. Furthermore, Amaal stated that he chose not to publicly support Anu Malik when the latter faced sexual harassment accusations during the #MeToo movement, claiming he no longer considers his uncle part of the family.
Anu Malik’s Response: Focus on Work and Talent
Responding to the allegations, 64-year-old Anu Malik dismissed the claims, telling the press, “A lie told 1,000 times will never become the truth. One can’t waste energy reacting to everything.”
The composer emphasized the lessons passed down from his own father, Sardar Malik. “My father always told me, never allow poison to churn in your mind. If you do, you’ll never be a good composer. People may hurt you, but they can’t take away your talent, that’s yours,” Anu shared. He maintains that his preferred method of reply is through his art: “I sit at my piano, make a new tune, and that’s my answer to the world.”
Despite the renewed controversy, Anu Malik insists his focus remains “solely” on his work.
Earlier this year, before Amaal’s latest public statements, Anu Malik had publicly downplayed rumors of a family rift. He had affectionately referred to his brother Daboo as his “jigar ka tukda” (a piece of his heart) and described his nephews, Amaal and singer Armaan Malik, as “humari jaan” (our life).
Anu Malik Upcoming Work
Anu Malik is currently composing songs for an upcoming romance film, which he describes as a “very beautiful, tender story about a girl who has to choose between love and fame.” The director, he notes, specifically requested “songs that will stand the test of time,” a directive that drives his current creative process.
Even as he continues to work, the composer admitted that he often feels his long career contributions to the industry are overlooked. “I feel like I’ve been underused and underutilised. There’s still so much more I can give,” he confessed.
While the public feud continues to draw attention, Anu Malik’s professional response is clearly centered on prioritizing his musical legacy over the family drama.