Anu Malik

We haven’t heard of Anu Malik after Umrao Jaan. Why is that?

I was busy with Indian Idol. Also, I’ve been working for the past 26 years so I wanted to take a break to understand what’s happening on the music front because technology has changed. I started hearing other people’s music; people who have come up with new sounds and ideas. It has worked to my advantage because you learn a lot. Now I have signed some very different films, and the people who I am working with are heaping praise on me, saying my songs are fabulous. I have signed some very good projects

Like?

Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam with Venus. It’s directed by Sanjay Chhel and stars Mallika Sherawat and Rahul Bose. Rangita Nandy has signed me up for Ugly Aur Pagli. There is also Apoorva Lakhia’s Mission Istanbul. Love Story 2050 with Harman Baweja and Priyanka Chopra in the lead and Victory with Adlabs starring Amrita Rao.

But you have worked with the best of banners. Did you feel bad when film-makers did not repeat you in their films?

With so many new composers in the fray, I don’t blame the producers for getting influenced. It is a very transient industry. Some song does well and there is a buzz about the new guy, then they think about signing up these new guys. They start forgetting what I have done and move on. They find the new guys good but they begin missing Anu Malik. I worry about it, but momentarily. I don’t start moping and lying on my bed like a Devdas holding a glass and say: ‘Mera kya hoga?’ I have always been a fighter. What purpose would crying serve? The world has moved on.

How did you feel when after doing Main Hoon Na with you, Farah Khan moved on to Vishal-Shekhar for Om Shanti Om?

I felt very privileged when she chose me for her first film, Main Hoon Na, and the results are there to see. My relationship with Farah will always be very emotional. I never questioned her or Shah Rukh. You do expect to be repeated but I don’t hold grudges. Maybe they felt that somebody else would be better for the project.

Farah Khan said: ‘I needed a break from Anu Malik after Indian Idol...’

I don’t know why she said that. Maybe she really needed a break. We both were eating each other’s head on Indian Idol. Maybe she does not know why she really left me and didn’t have an answer. When you give great music like I did in Main Hoon Na, no one has a clue (why the team was not repeated). But I have not retaliated, I have always prayed for her (Farah’s) success. I want to remember only the good moments. The relationship is as it was; but I think she will have to come clean on this one day. The ball’s in her court now.

How was your Indian Idol experience?

It was the best thing for me because now there was a face to my music. People recognise and understand me now. I swear on my music I signed Indian Idol because of my daughter. She told me: “You are India’s Simon Cowell.” I have no regrets.

What were your feelings when Umrao Jaan did not live up to expectations?

If the film had become a superhit, then you wouldn’t have asked me this question. Umrao Jaan hasn’t worked but for me it did because it was a big challenge as a composer to compose melodies befitting a bygone era. I’m proud of Umrao Jaan.

What do you think of the new breed of music directors?

A person like Himesh Reshammiya, who comes in so forcefully and makes a name, has to have more than just a talent for marketing. He has caught the public eye. Some say he sings differently but you can’t come up like this unless people are buying his music. He has carved a niche for himself. Vishal-Shekhar, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Pritam are all doing a very good job. One is not offered so much work unless one is good. I know because I have been through this phase. I wish these guys all the best.

Do you perceive them as competitors?

There is room for everybody. For example Venus has come back to me. One would be lying if one says one is not wondering about competition but you have to wonder about the competition positively.

People have accused you of being inspired by other tunes...

(Smiles) People now say that I am more original. A lot of guys have come in and lifted songs left, right and centre without naming the composer. 90 percent of the hit numbers have been lifted from Indonesian, Arabian and Korean numbers. Today when people find music directors lifting 80 out of 100 songs, they are looking at me with newfound respect.