Renowned composer Amaal Mallik has made startling revelations about long-standing tensions within the Malik family and a professional rivalry that has shaped both his and his father’s careers.
In a candid conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Amaal shared how his father, Daboo Malik, endured betrayal not just in the music industry but even within the family—particularly from his own brother, Anu Malik.
Amaal revealed a more sinister reality behind the scenes, despite their strong personal bond being characterised as "inseparable mad brothers."
He mentioned, "When Daboo Malik and Anu Malik meet, you can’t separate them. They are like mad brothers. But, in the professional dynamics and jealousy, Anu Malik can get a little fiery. They have had issues with each other on the professional front. Anu Malik was overly competitive with my father. He wanted to prove that he is the best composer from his family and often tried to sabotage my dad’s career. Every time my dad got a movie, he would go and snatch his work from the producers by offering to work for little money or even free"
He further alleged that Anu and composer duo Sajid-Wajid collaborated in marginalising Daboo’s work. “It was Anu Malik’s wrongdoings that made me want to prove myself. Not just Anu Malik, even Sajid-Wajid sabotaged my dad’s career. They would play games. My dad was betrayed by his own family and friends from the music industry. My dad was too naive to fight back"
Amaal explained that despite Daboo’s contributions to over 70 films, he was often overshadowed and referred to merely as “Anu Malik’s brother.”
"My dad dealt with depression from the age of 32 to 45. I noted all down in my soul. I was a kid. Things got imprinted. I started to work at 16 and my only motivation was to take revenge with my music. The industry couldn’t understand his talent and niceness. They didn’t support him. He saw a lot of lows in his life. He has worked on at least 70 films but nobody ever invited him. He was often addressed as Anu Malik’s brother… He’s struggling. I just wanted to rip off the struggling tag from him. I just want to do something that people don’t address us as Anu Malik’s nephews but, introduce him as uncle of Armaan and Amaal." He said.
Turning attention to his own career, Amaal claimed Anu Malik had attempted to encroach on his projects—sometimes even after they were publicly announced. He said, "Not just my father’s work, but Anu Malik is behind my work as well. A lot of times when I make announcements, he jumps into that as well. He competes with me too. But, at least he respects me and tells me I have done some tremendous work."
Also Read: Karan Johar opens up on Dhadak 2 delay, calls CBFC ‘compassionate’
Reflecting on a moment with his father, he said he assured Daboo Mallik he could never be accused similarly, as he has always conducted himself professionally and respectfully, especially towards female colleagues.
Daboo Malik began his acting career by appearing in TV series like BR Chopra's Mahabharat and films like Baazigar, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Tirangaa, starring Raaj Kumar and Nana Patekar, and others.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
