Anu Malik: The Journey of a Controversial Music Maestro
Anu Maliks music career, controversies, and his unique perspective on originality in music.
New Delhi, November 1 (Daily Kiran) : Anu Malik, a renowned Indian music composer, has been a significant figure in the industry since he began showcasing his talent at just seven years old. Born on November 2, 1960, in a musically rich environment, Malik was deeply influenced by the works of Shankar-Jaikishan. In an interview, he expressed gratitude for his lineage, being the son of the esteemed music director Sardar Malik and nephew to the famous lyricist Hasrat Jaipuri.
His journey into music composition began when he composed a Marathi poem and presented it to his father, who was astonished. This led to a series of tests where Malik was challenged to create tunes for various songs, impressing his father with his remarkable talent.
By his teenage years, Malik was already composing music. His first notable project was for a song written by his uncle, which garnered widespread acclaim. At the age of 16 or 17, he got his first break as a music composer, stepping in for his father in the 1978 film “Hunterwali 77,” featuring the popular comedian Mohan Choti.
His debut song, “Zulmon Sitam Par Itarana Wale,” sung by Asha Bhosle and penned by Hasrat Jaipuri, marked a significant milestone in his career. This was followed by his work in the film “Ek Jaan Hai Hum,” which helped him gain recognition. The soundtrack for “Baazigar” further solidified his status, and his music for the film “Border” became immensely popular. He even received a National Film Award for his work in “Refugee.”
Despite his success, Malik faced allegations of plagiarizing melodies from both international and Indian songs. In 2017, during the show “Entertainment Ki Raat,” he was confronted by Raghu Ram, a participant from “Roadies,” about these accusations. Malik defended himself by stating, “No one is original except God,” emphasizing that drawing inspiration is not the same as theft. He cited his contributions to films like “Border,” “LOC Kargil,” and “Main Hoon Na” as examples of his original work.
Anu Malik’s career is a testament to his talent and resilience in the face of controversy, making him a prominent figure in the Indian music landscape.
