Anu Malik, one of Bollywood’s most controversial yet successful music directors, has lived a life full of ups and downs, triumphs and controversies. While most people know him as the famous judge of Indian Idol, there are many fascinating facts about his journey that remain hidden from public eye. Here are 10 unknown facts about Anu Malik that will surprise you.
Table of Contents
1. His Real Name is Anwar Sardar Malik
Most people know him as Anu Malik, but very few are aware that his birth name is actually Anwar Sardar Malik. Born on November 2, 1960, in Mumbai, he adopted the shorter version “Anu Malik” as his professional name when he entered the film industry. This change helped him create a distinct identity separate from his father’s legacy.
2. He Comes from a Musical Dynasty
“Music was in my blood from the very beginning” – Anu Malik
Anu Malik belongs to a prestigious musical family. His father, Sardar Malik, was a renowned music director who composed over 600 songs during his career. His brothers Daboo Malik and Abu Malik are also music directors. Even his nephews, Armaan Malik and Amaal Malik, have become successful singers and music directors in today’s generation.
The Legacy Continues
What’s more interesting is that Sardar Malik was trained by the legendary Ustad Alauddin Khan and even shared accommodation with filmmaker Guru Dutt during his struggling days in Mumbai. This musical heritage provided Anu with the perfect foundation to build his career.
Read More: Bollywood Baby Boom 2025: 12+ Stars Who Became Parents This Year – Kiara, Sidharth & More!
3. His Famous “Chamma Chamma” Reached Hollywood
One of Anu Malik’s most surprising achievements is that his song “Chamma Chamma” from the 1998 film China Gate was featured in the Hollywood blockbuster Moulin Rouge!. The song was incorporated into the film as “Hindi Sad Diamonds,” giving Bollywood music international recognition.
However, there was a controversy regarding this achievement. Initially, the credits of Moulin Rouge omitted Anu Malik’s name, mentioning only the lyricist and singer. This oversight upset Malik, who considered legal action against the omission.
4. He Started His Career by Waiting at a Pav Bhaji Stall
The Struggling Days
One of the most heartwarming stories from Anu’s early career involves his unique approach to meeting film producers. During his struggling days at age 16-17, he would carry his harmonium to Tardeo Air Condition Market in Mumbai, where many producers and distributors had their offices.
“I couldn’t enter the building, so I befriended the pav bhaji vendor outside and would wait there hoping to meet a big producer”
When he was denied entry to the building, young Anu befriended a pav bhaji vendor outside and would spend hours near his stall, hoping that someday a big producer would come to eat pav bhaji. During his free time, he would play his compositions for the vendor, showcasing his determination and innovative approach to networking.
5. He Can Compose a Song in Just 20 Minutes
Anu Malik possesses an extraordinary talent – he can compose a complete song in just 20 minutes. This remarkable ability has been praised by music lovers, fans, and fellow artists throughout his career. His quick composition skills have helped him deliver numerous hit songs under tight deadlines in the film industry.
6. He Had Only ₹500 Left When He Got His Biggest Break
The Baazigar Success Story
When Anu Malik was offered the film Baazigar in 1993, he was going through severe financial difficulties. He revealed in an interview that he had only ₹500 left in his bank account when this opportunity came his way.
“I went to my wife, and we had hand-to-mouth wali haalat, had no work, no money. I don’t feel ashamed to say that I had only Rs 500 left in my account”
The title track of Baazigar was composed overnight, with half of it being created during the studio recording sessions. This film became his biggest breakthrough and won him his first Filmfare Award for Best Music Director.
Read More: Manoj Bajpayee’s Inspector Zende: The Cop Who Caught World’s Most Wanted Killer Twice
7. His Wife’s Parents Opposed Their Marriage
Anu Malik married Anju Malik (originally Anju), who comes from a Saraswat Brahmin family. However, their love story faced significant opposition from Anju’s parents because Anu belongs to a Muslim family. The religious difference created initial challenges for the couple, but they overcame these obstacles and have been happily married with two daughters – Anmol and Ada Malik.
8. He’s Composed Music for Over 350 Films
Throughout his career spanning more than four decades, Anu Malik has composed music for more than 350 Bollywood films. This incredible number showcases his prolific nature and consistent presence in the Indian film industry. From his debut in 1977 with “Hunterwali 77” to recent works, he has maintained his relevance across different generations of Bollywood music.
Read More: Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha Are Expecting Their First Baby
9. He Waited 16 Years for His First Major Success
The Long Journey to Recognition
After making his debut in 1977, Anu Malik had to wait for almost 16 years before tasting major success with Baazigar in 1993. During this long period, he composed music for several films but didn’t achieve the recognition he deserved. This shows his persistence and dedication to his craft despite facing numerous rejections and failures.
10. The MeToo Controversy That Shook His Career
In 2018, during India’s MeToo movement, several female singers including Sona Mohapatra, Shweta Pandit, Neha Bhasin, and Alisha Chinai accused Anu Malik of sexual harassment. These allegations forced him to step down from Indian Idol Season 10. Although he briefly returned in Season 11, he stepped down again due to continued pressure.
The Family’s Struggle
According to his brother Daboo Malik, the controversy “shattered” the entire family. Their elderly parents, who were in their 80s, couldn’t understand what was happening, which added to the family’s emotional distress.
Read More: Who Is Awez Darbar? Know Everything About The Bigg Boss 19 Contestant
Frequently Asked Questions About Anu Malik
Q: What is Anu Malik’s biggest achievement?
A: He won the National Film Award for Best Music Director for the film “Refugee” in 2001.
Q: How many Filmfare Awards has Anu Malik won?
A: He has won multiple Filmfare Awards, including ones for “Baazigar” (1993) and “Main Hoon Na” (2004).
Q: Is Anu Malik still active in the music industry?
A: Yes, he continues to work as a music director and has been associated with reality shows, though his involvement has been limited due to controversies.
Q: What happened to the MeToo case against Anu Malik?
A: In January 2020, the National Commission for Women closed the case citing insufficient evidence, though it can be reopened if new evidence emerges.
