Anu Malik | |
|---|---|
 Malik in 2016 | |
| Born | Anwar Sardar Malik (1960-11-02)2 November 1960 (age 65)[1] Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Other names | Annu Malik (1978–1992) |
| Spouse | Anjali Vasudev Bhat |
| Children |
|
| Parent(s) | Sardar Malik (father) Bilqis Malik (mother) |
| Relatives |
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| Musical career | |
| Genres | Disco, pop music, rock music,Bollywood |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument(s) | Tabla,dholak, electric guitar, drum kit,harmonium, piano, violin, saxophone |
| Years active | 1974–present |
Musical artist | |
Anwar Sardar "Anu"Malik[3] (born 2 November 1960) is an Indianmusic composer, singer, music arranger andscore composer. He is the recipient of aNational Film Award and threeFilmfare Awards, who primarily composes music for theHindi film industry.[4] He is the son ofSardar Malik, 1950s to the 1970s and was noted for his melodious and classical-based compositions.[5]
As a music director, he has composed music for various genres of films,[6][7] and has created several commercially successful songs for the Hindi (Bollywood) film music industry. Malik is also known for the use of thetabla in some of his songs, including "Woh Ladki Jo"," Hum Toh Deewane" from the filmBaadshah, "Tumhe Jo Maine Dekha" from the filmMain Hoon Na, Taal Pe Jab" and "Mere Humsafar" from the filmRefugee, "Eli Re Eli" fromYaadein and "Baazigar O Baazigar" from the filmBaazigar. Malik's song "Chamma Chamma" fromChina Gate was used in the Hollywood filmMoulin Rouge! starringNicole Kidman.
Malik was a judge onIndian Idol from its first season in 2004 until 2018 when he left after"Me Too" allegation. He returned as a judge for the show's 11th season in 2019, but left after three weeks, and he was one of the judges for part of the 12th season. He also was a judge for the children's reality singing showSa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs 2022.
Malik began his career as a music director in 1975 for comedian-turned-filmmakerMohan Choti's filmHunterwali 77 (1977) with the stage nameAnnu Malik. Malik's father Sardar Malik composed songs for the film, with Anu, who was then 16–17 years old, composing only one song "Zulm O Sitam Par Itrane Wale" for the film, sung byAsha Bhosle and written by his maternal uncleHasrat Jaipuri.[8] The soundtrack went unnoticed but it marked the beginning of his lengthy association with Bhosle. He would then get his first full soundtrack forHarmesh Malhotra's filmPoonam (1981) on the recommendation of playback singerShailendra Singh, whom Malik befriended after listening to the music ofBobby. The film failed at the box office but some songs were noticed, namely "Main Hoon Haseena", "Mohabbat Rang Laye Gi" and "Aa Zara Mere Humnasheen", featuring his rare collaborations with singerMohammad Rafi, who died within days after recording the songs.
Malik continued his collaborations with Harmesh Malhotra with filmsAapas Ki Baat (1981) andMangal Pandey (1982). He also composed music for other films likePaagal Premee (1982) andEk Jaan Hai Hum (1983) but the films were box office failures. A few songs of the latter film "Dil Lagana Tum Kya Jano", "Aasmaan Pe Likh Doon" and "Yaad Teri Aayegi" received some recognition. In 1983, Malik sang his first song as a playback singer "Beete Huay Lamhe" forNigahen (1983), with music composed by his father Sardar Malik.
Anu Malik gained his first exposure in 1984 withAasmaan, which featured catchy tracks such as "Banke Nazar Dil Ki Zubaan" rendered byKishore Kumar and "Time Bomb" rendered by Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar, which received critical acclaim. His next soundtrack for the filmSohni Mahiwal released later that year was a huge success and earned him his first nomination for theFilmfare Award for Best Music Director. Malik began getting more recognition and more work after his success in 1984 as he got more soundtracks throughout the mid-1980s but was unable to find a footing in Bollywood due to the rule ofBappi Lahiri,R.D. Burman,Kalyanji-Anandji andLaxmikant-Pyarelal at the time.
During his struggle phase, Malik composed his firstIndipop albumJadoo (1985) featuring the vocals of playback singerAlisha Chinai as her first private album. Later that year, Malik got his first mainstream breakthrough withManmohan Desai's filmMard, which got Malik noticed in Bollywood for the first time. Malik introduced playback singerMohammad Aziz inMard and Aziz frequently collaborated with Malik in his various soundtracks. As a result, Malik received more offers to compose songs for films. During this phase, his song "Apno Me Mai Begana" fromBegaana became a hit and gained a cult following. In 1987, Malik began full-time playback singing while recording a song "Julie Julie" forJeete Hain Shaan Se when Kishore Kumar did not show up for recording the song. Kumar's sonAmit Kumar was then called for the song but he did not arrive as well and then the film's lead actorMithun Chakraborty recommended Malik to sing the song. He recorded two more songs for the soundtrack, "Salaam Seth Salaam Seth" and "Rab Roothe Roothe". This soundtrack also marked the first time that he collaborated withKumar Sanu to record a version of "Julie Julie" withKavita Krishnamurthy which was not included in the film. However, it would lead to several collaborations with Sanu in the future. "Julie Julie" became a huge hit and the film emerged as a major success at the box office.
He had many soundtracks throughout the following years without much success. He earned acclaim for his music inAwaargi (1990) which featured the famous ghazal "Chamakte Chand Ko Toota Hua" sung byGhulam Ali. Malik originally composed music in the same style as other music composers during the 1970s and 1980s.
However, in 1990, Malik began changing his music style on the recommendation ofAnuradha Paudwal which would become his trademark style. Early songs in that trademark style included "Maa Hi Mandir" by Mohammad Aziz and the hit song "Aaine Ke Sau Tukde" by Kumar Sanu fromMaa (1991), "Hum Nahin To Tum Nahin" and "Teri Zulfein Shaam Si Roshan" fromRamgarh Ke Sholay (1991), "Jaanam Jaanam Jaanam" fromVirodhi (1992) and "Choone Se Tere" fromDil Ne Ikraar Kiya (1992). Other hit songs during that period included "Dil Diwane Ka Dola Dildaar Ke Liye" fromTahalka (1992) and "Is Pyar Se Meri Taraf Na Dekho" fromChamatkar (1992). It was during this era that he also modified his name toAnu Malik.
The year 1993 marked a turning point in Malik's career as it was the most successful year of his career at that time. His first release that year wasPhool Aur Angaar which was a huge success. Malik received his first taste of success withMahesh Bhatt's television filmPhir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee which featured superhit songs including "Badalon Mein Chup Raha Hai", "Dil Mein Sanam Ki Soorat" and "Tere Dar Par Sanam Chale Aaye". The success of the film was followed by Bhatt's directorialSir which had hit songs such as "Sun Sun Barsaat Ki Dhun" and "Yeh Ujli Chandni". His final release of that year wasBaazigar which was a huge success with the songs "Baazigar O Baazigar", "Kitabein Bahut Si", "Chhupana Bhi Nahi Aata", "Aye Mere Humsafar" and most notably "Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein", for which Malik rapped a few lines. It sold 10 million units and became the year's best selling soundtrack for Bollywood. It catapulted Malik into stardom and established him as one of the top music directors of Bollywood alongside Nadeem-Shravan andJatin–Lalit. Malik won his first Filmfare Award for Best Music Director forBaazigar at the39th Filmfare Awards in 1994.
In fact, Malik was the number one music director of Bollywood during 1994 after the release ofBaazigar. His popular and successful soundtracks during the year includedKhuddar,Imtihaan,Aa Gale Lag Jaa,Vijaypath andMain Khiladi Tu Anari. His success continued with subsequent filmsNaajayaz (1995),The Gambler (1995),Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995),Chaahat (1996),Diljale (1996),Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996),Daraar (1996),Krishna (1996),Virasat (1997),Judwaa (1997),Border (1997),Ishq (1997),Ankhon Mein Tum Ho (1997),China Gate (1998),Soldier (1998),Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (1999),Jaanam Samjha Karo (1999),Biwi No.1 (1999),Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999) andBaadshah (1999). He received further nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director forMain Khiladi Tu Anari,Akele Hum Akele Tum,Border,Soldier,Biwi No.1 andHaseena Maan Jaayegi during the decade. Meanwhile, his songs inMahesh Bhatt'sThe Gentleman where criticized for being lifted fromA. R. Rahman's compositions for the original Tamil film, to which Malik responded saying "I am an inspired music director. I would never lift the whole thing".[9]
Aside from composing, Malik lent his voice[10] for his compositions on various occasions such as "Maari Gayi" fromJaanam (1992), "My Adorable Darling" and the rapping portion of "Main Khiladi Tu Anari" fromMain Khiladi Tu Anari (1994) and "Oonchi Hai Building" and "East or West" fromJudwaa (1997). He also released several albums in theIndipop genre which he sang by himself includingTera Chehra (1995), English albumEyes (1997),Lafda Na Ho Jaye (1997) andHo Raha Hai Sama (1999).
Malik had major success in the year 2000 with best-selling soundtracks includingHera Pheri,Badal,Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega,Aaghaaz,Fiza,Josh andRefugee. His soundtrack forRefugee was critically acclaimed as he became the only music director to win theFilmfare Special Award for his compositions in the movie at the46th Filmfare Awards. He also received theNational Film Award for Best Music Direction forRefugee at the48th National Film Awards. In 2001, Malik had best-selling albums withChori Chori Chupke Chupke,Yaadein,Asoka,Lajja,Ajnabee andMujhe Kucch Kehna Hai. His soundtrack forMujhe Kucch Kehna Hai earned him his twelfth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director and his soundtrack forAsoka earned him a nomination for theScreen Award for Best Music Director. His soundtracks during the year 2002 went unnoticed but he had a resurgence in 2003 with best-selling albumsIshq Vishk,Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon,Khushi,Munnabhai MBBS andInteha andLOC: Kargil. He received critical acclaim forLOC: Kargil, which earned him his thirteenth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director and won him his first Screen Award for Best Music Direction.
Malik found success with successful best-selling soundtracks such asMain Hoon Na,Murder andFida in 2004. His soundtrack forMain Hoon Na earned critical acclaim and won Malik his second Filmfare Award for Best Music Director, his second Screen Award for Best Music Director and his firstZee Cine Award for Best Music Director.
The mid-2000s marked the rise of a new generation of music directors includingA. R. Rahman,Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy,Vishal–Shekhar,Pritam Chakraborty and the amount of Malik's work began reducing after 2005 and he accepted his new role as a regular judge on the reality singing competition showIndian Idol onSony Entertainment Television, beginning with its first season in 2004. He received a nomination for the Screen Award for Best Music Director forJaan-E-Mann (2006). The year 2007 marked for the first time since 1983 that Malik composed soundtrack for only one filmUndertrial.
Malik remained prominent as a judge for various reality television shows but lost major offers as a music director in the coming years. His recent work includesKambakkht Ishq (2009),Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011),Shootout at Wadala (2013),Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015),Begum Jaan (2017) andSui Dhaaga (2018). He won his second Zee Cine Award for Best Music Director forDum Laga Ke Haisha, which marked his reunion with Kumar Sanu sinceNo Entry (2005) as well as his first collaboration withYash Raj Films.
Malik has worked with many Indian playback singers includingMohammed Rafi,Kishore Kumar,Asha Bhonsle,Amit Kumar, and others. During the '80s, he mostly worked with singers such asMohammad Aziz,Shabbir Kumar,Manhar Udhas,Suresh Wadkar,Nitin Mukesh andAnwar.
Malik worked withAlisha Chinai to compose the commercially successful singles "Sexy Sexy" and "Ruk Ruk Ruk" fromVijaypath, "Chot Dil Pe Lagi" fromIshq Vishk and the songs fromLove Story 2050 andKambakkht Ishq. He also worked with Indian film lyricistJaved Akhtar in films includingBorder,Refugee andUmrao Jaan. He also worked withAnuradha Sriram to compose the commercially successful singles "Chunnari Chunnari" fromBiwi No. 1, "Dupatta Mera" fromMujhe Kucch Kehna Hai and "Chand Ko Tod Doonga" fromShaadi No. 1.
Kumar Sanu,Udit Narayan andAlka Yagnik have sung in most of the singles composed by Malik. This trio collaborated on films such as:Sir,Phool Aur Angaar,Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee,Vijaypath,Baazigar,Main Khiladi Tu Anari,Imtihaan,Chamatkar,Gambler,Akele Hum Akele Tum,Duplicate,Kareeb,Soldier,Aarzoo,Ajnabee,Ishq Vishk andFida. Sanu and Yagnik were regular singers for Anu Malik and Malik created many songs individually with Sanu such as "Meri Zindagi Mein Ajnabee" fromAjnabee (2001) and "Aaine Ke Sau Tukde" fromMaa (1991) and the single "Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen" fromBaazigar (1993).
Following the death of music directorR. D. Burman, Malik has completed music for Burman's unfinished film projects1942: A Love Story,Gang andGhatak.[11]
Although he is not a mainstream singer, Malik does playback singing. Written off as a singer in his early days ("Julie Julie," for instance), he continues to sing his own compositions, with songs such as "Aaila Re" from the movieJung, "Jaanam Samjha Karo" fromJaanam Samjha Karo, "Ek Garam Chaye ki Pyali" from the movieHar Dil Jo Pyar Karega, "Gori Gori" inMain Hoon Na or "Meri Jane Jigar" inDeewane Huye Paagal. Among his works are "Oonchi Hai Building"[12] and "East or West India is the best" from the movieJudwaa.[13] and the rap part of "Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen" ofBaazigar and "Main Khiladi Tu Anari" ofMain Khiladi Tu Anari.
While he sings entire songs for some movies, especially those starringSunil Shetty,Paresh Rawal,Akshay Kumar andShahid Kapoor (inDeewane Huye Paagal he sang almost every song), and has also sung as part of a chorus in "Mehbooba Mehbooba" in the filmAjnabee, and "Tumse Milke Dilka Jo Haal" forMain Hoon Na.
Malik has been one of the judges on the TV showIndian Idol since the show's inception in 2004 until the format of the show changed intoIndian Idol Junior in 2013.[14] WhenIndian Idol returned in 2016 for its 9th season, Malik was again one of the judges, remaining until October 2018 when he left the show following allegations ofsexual harassment.[15] Malik returned as a judge in 2019 for the 11th season,[16] but left the show again after three weeks.[17] In the show's 12th season in 2021, Malik appeared as a guest in one episode,[18] and later acted as a replacement judge when the regular judges had to isolate due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[19]
Farah Khan and Malik were the judges forEntertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, a variety entertainment reality show that airs on Sony Entertainment Television (India) on weekdays.
Malik was the only judge from India onAsian Idol, who representedIndian Idol winnerAbhijeet Sawant, with other judgesIndra Lesmana,Paul Moss,Pilita Corrales,Ken Lim andSiu Black.
Anu Malik was born to Indian Hindi film music director and score composerSardar Malik. His brotherDaboo Malik is also a music composer.[20] Through Daboo, Anu is the uncle of musiciansAmaal Mallik andArmaan Malik. His other brother Abu Malik is a music composer and singer as well, whose son Aadar Malik is an actor and stand-up comedian.[21]
His maternal uncle was theUrdu poet and film lyricistHasrat Jaipuri.[8][22]
Malik is married to Anjali Vasudev Bhat and has two daughtersAnmol Malik and Ada Malik.[23] His wife is aSaraswat BrahminHindu and he is anArya Samaji and devotee of the Hindu deitiesSaraswati andKrishna.[24]
Malik has faced criticism for using music written by other composers, for instance in the filmThe Gentleman where the music of several songs credited to Malik was composed byA. R. Rahman, and "Mera Piya Ghar Aaya" inYaarana which was allegedly identical to a song by the same name written by PakistaniQawwali musicianNusrat Fateh Ali Khan (1948–1997).[25][26] Khan was reportedly tolerant towards Bollywood music directors plagiarising his songs, but disapproved strongly of Malik's using the music of a song which originally had a religious theme as a secular love song.[27][28] According to Khan, Malik had repeatedly said to him that he loved his music and was actually showing admiration by using his tunes,[28] and in an interview forIANS Malik dismissed all plagiarism allegations, saying that "no one in this world is original" and claiming that all similarities are due to there being "just seven notes in music".[29]
In October 2018, in the wake of the MeToo movement in India, Malik was accused of sexual harassment by several women in separate claims.[30] One accusation came from singerShweta Pandit, who said he had made an unwanted sexual pass at her when she was 15 years old.[31][32] LyricistSameer came out in Malik's support, refuting Shweta Pandit's claim, saying that he was present during the audition where the harassment of Pandit was claimed to have happened.[33]Sona Mohapatra andNeha Bhasin also accused Malik of predatory behaviour, while female singerHema Sardesai came out in Malik's support.[34][35] Malik denied the allegations,[32] but the public backlash resulted in him leaving as a judge for season 10 ofIndian Idol.[30][36]Alisha Chinai, who had sued Malik for molestation in the 1990s, supported the allegations.[37]Sonu Nigam came out in support of Malik, claiming that he had not seen any proof that the allegations were true.[38] In 2019, Malik was reinstated as a judge on Season 11 ofIndian Idol, but later Malik stepped down, claiming that he had decided to take a break as he was unable to focus on his work on the show.[17][39] On 17 January 2020, theNational Commission for Women closed the sexual harassment case on Anu Malik due to lack of substantial evidence, but clarifying that it could be reopened if evidence is provided.[40] Sona Mohapatra criticised the commission's decision.[41]
Malik was awarded a Silver Lotus forJ.P. Dutta'sRefugee and the Filmfare Special Jury Award. He also won theFilmfare Award for Best Music Director forMain Hoon Na andBaazigar.[42]
He is a seven-time winner from 42 nominations for best music director, including 14 nominations for theFilmfare Award for Best Music Director.[43]
| Year | Film | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Sohni Mahiwal | Best Music Director | Nominated |
| 1994 | Baazigar | Won | |
| 1995 | Main Khiladi Tu Anari | Nominated | |
| 1996 | Akele Hum Akele Tum | Nominated | |
| 1998 | Border | Nominated | |
| 1999 | Soldier | Nominated | |
| 2000 | Biwi No.1 | Nominated | |
| Haseena Maan Jaayegi | Nominated | ||
| 2001 | Fiza | Nominated | |
| Josh | Nominated | ||
| Refugee | Special Award | Won | |
| 2002 | Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai | Best Music Director | Nominated |
| 2004 | LOC: Kargil | Nominated | |
| 2005 | Main Hoon Na | Won | |
| Murder | Nominated |
| Year | Film | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Haseena Maan Jaayegi | Best Music Director | Nominated |
| 2001 | Josh | Nominated | |
| Fiza | Nominated | ||
| 2004 | Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. | Nominated | |
| LOC: Kargil | Nominated | ||
| 2005 | Main Hoon Na | Nominated | |
| Murder | Nominated |
| Year | Film | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Refugee | Best Music Direction | Won |
| Year | Film | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Murder | Best Music Director | Nominated |
| 2016 | Dum Laga Ke Haisha | Nominated |
| Year | Film | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Main Khiladi Tu Anari | Best Music Director | Nominated |
| 1996 | Akele Hum Akele Tum | Nominated | |
| 1998 | Border | Nominated | |
| Virasat | Nominated | ||
| 1999 | Soldier | Nominated | |
| 2000 | Biwi No.1 | Nominated | |
| Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain | Nominated | ||
| 2001 | Fiza | Nominated | |
| Josh | Nominated | ||
| 2002 | Aśoka | Nominated | |
| 2004 | LOC: Kargil | Won | |
| Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. | Nominated | ||
| – | Special Tribute Award – Artist of the Decade | Won | |
| 2005 | Main Hoon Na | Best Music Director | Won |
| Mujhse Shaadi Karogi | Nominated | ||
| 2007 | Jaan-E-Mann | Nominated |
| Year | Film | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Border | Best Music Director | Nominated |
| Ishq | Nominated | ||
| 1999 | Soldier | Nominated | |
| 2000 | Biwi No.1 | Nominated | |
| Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain | Nominated | ||
| 2001 | Fiza | Nominated | |
| Refugee | Nominated | ||
| 2002 | Aśoka | Nominated | |
| 2004 | LOC: Kargil | Nominated | |
| 2005 | Main Hoon Na | Won | |
| 2016 | Dum Laga Ke Haisha | Won |
| Year | Film | Sales[45][46] | Annual Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Tahalka | 1,500,000 | 13 |
| 1993 | Phool Aur Angaar | 2,000,000 | 11 |
| Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee | 2,800,000 | 6 | |
| Baazigar | 3,000,000[47] | 5 | |
| 1994 | Imtihaan | 2,800,000 | 9 |
| Khuddar | 2,800,000 | 8 | |
| Vijaypath | 3,000,000[47] | 7 | |
| Main Khiladi Tu Anari | 3,000,000[47] | 5 | |
| The Gentleman | 3,000,000 | 6 | |
| 1995 | Hathkadi | 1,800,000 | 14 |
| Yaraana | 2,000,000 | 13 | |
| Akele Hum Akele Tum | 2,500,000 | 8 | |
| Gambler | 2,200,000 | 9 | |
| 1996 | Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi | 2,000,000 | 11 |
| Daraar | 1,800,000 | 12 | |
| Krishna | 2,200,000 | 7 | |
| Judwaa | 1,800,000 | 15 | |
| Auzaar | 2,200,000 | 6 | |
| 1997 | Border | 4,500,000 | 4 |
| Ishq | 3,000,000 | 6 | |
| 1998 | Soldier | 3,500,000 | 3 |
| Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain | 2,200,000 | 7 | |
| 1999 | Jaanam Samjha Karo | 1,800,000 | 12 |
| Biwi No.1 | 3,000,000 | 4 | |
| Baadshah | 2,500,000 | 7 | |
| Badal | 2,000,000 | 10 | |
| 2000 | Josh | 1,800,000 | 9 |
| Refugee | 3,500,000 | 3 | |
| Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega | 2,200,000 | 5 | |
| Fiza | 2,500,000 | 4 | |
| Chori Chori Chupke Chupke | 2,000,000 | 6 | |
| 2001 | Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai | 3,200,000 | 2 |
| Yaadein | 2,200,000 | 7 | |
| Lajja | 1,300,000 | 15 | |
| Ajnabee | 2,200,000 | 6 | |
| Asoka | 1,500,000 | 13 | |
| 2002 | Kucch To Hai | 900,000 | 14 |
| Khushi | 1,200,000 | 10 | |
| 2003 | Ishq Vishk | 1,200,000 | 10 |
| Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon | 1,600,000 | 7 | |
| Munnabhai MBBS | 1,000,000 | 14 | |
| LOC: Kargil | 1,500,000 | 8 | |
| 2004 | Murder | 2,200,000 | 4 |
| Main Hoon Na | 2,100,000 | 5 | |
| Mujhse Shaadi Karogi | 2,000,000 | 6 | |
| Fida | 1,400,000 | 10 | |
| 2005 | Zeher | 1,800,000 | 5 |
| Kalyug | 1,400,000 | 11 | |
| 2006 | Jaan-E-Mann | 1,250,000 | 8 |
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