Bigg Boss 19: Amaal Mallik on family’s financial struggles, battling industry gatekeepers

Amaal Malik

The latest episode of Bigg Boss 19 turned deeply emotional as singer-composer Amaal Mallik opened up about his family’s financial hardships and his struggle to make it in Bollywood without using his family name.

During the Weekend Ka Vaar, Amaal Malik shared that there was a time when the Mallik family was under a debt of Rs 3.5 - 4 crore, and they were on the verge of selling their house and car.

“We had Rs 3.5 - 4 crore loan and were about to sell our house and car. My grandfather was seriously ill, and we had to take loans, ” he recalled.

He revealed that despite belonging to a well-known musical family, neither his father nor uncle’s (Anu Malik) reputation helped him find work.

“I’ve never used my father’s name to get anywhere. I used to roam around with my keyboard, trying to get work. Once, I sang four songs in a lift for someone who later gave me a chance,” Amaal said.

Reflecting on an early career setback, he narrated a memorable encounter at Ekta Kapoor’s party. “I somehow entered the party through a friend who was an assistant director. One senior writer pulled my shirt and asked why I was there. I told him I came with a friend. He pushed me and said, ‘After one year, you’ll be doing the biggest song of your life.’ That moment stayed with me,” he shared.

That 'biggest song' turned out to be Sooraj Dooba Hai, a track that became a turning point in his career.

“I told my dad I finally got a song in Ranbir Kapoor’s movie, and he was so happy,” Amaal said, smiling at the memory.

He also praised his brother Armaan Mallik for helping the family during the difficult phase. "Armaan used to do voice-overs and earn Rs 15,000–20,000. We were struggling, but we never gave up," he added.

The episode also saw contestant Pranit More’s exit due to health reasons, but it was Amaal’s heartfelt confession that struck an emotional chord with fans.

Bigg Boss 19 airs every day at 9 PM on JioCinema and 10:30 PM on Colors TV.