Anu Malik was born into a musical family. His father, Sardar Malik, was a respected music composer in Bollywood. From a young age, Anu was trained in Indian classical music and was deeply influenced by legendary composers like R.D. Burman, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, and Kalyanji-Anandji.
Even though he came from a musical background, he had to struggle for years before getting a breakthrough in Bollywood.
Musical Career
Filmography
1970s
Year
Film Title
Notes
1977
Hunterwali 77
Debut as a composer; one song contribution
1980s
Year
Film Title
Notes
1981
Poonam
Aapas Ki Baat
1982
Hum Paagal Premee
1983
Ek Jaan Hain Hum
Mangal Pandey
1984
Sohni Mahiwal
Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
Aasmaan
Love Marriage
Ram Tera Desh
1985
Mard
Phaansi Ke Baad
Apna Jahan
Television film
Jaan Ki Baazi
1986
Manav Hatya
Television film
Jaal
Begaana
Karamdaata
Pyaar Ke Do Pal
Allah Rakha
Angaaray
Mera Haque
Car Thief
Ek Chadar Maili Si
1987
Insaniyat Ke Dushman
Dadagiri
Mera Lahoo
Hawalaat
Naam O Nishan
1988
Shukriya
Som Mangal Shani
Maalamaal
Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswati
Ek Aadmi
Aakhri Adaalat
Jeete Hain Shaan Se
1989
Ustaad
Vardi
Aakhri Baazi
Abhimanyu
Mujrim
Toofan
Ladaai
Taaqatwar
Chahungi Tujhe Bar Bar
Daana Paani
Jaaydaad
Dav Pech
Kalpana House
Malayalam film
Meri Zabaan
1990s
Year
Film Title
Notes
1990
Banglow No. 666
Khatarnaak
Awaargi
Gunahon Ka Devta
Paap Ki Kamaee
Doodh Ka Karz
Zimmedaaar
Tejaa
1991
Shikari: The Hunter
Izzat
Ramgarh Ke Sholay
Bhabhi
Naag Mani
Maa
Naamcheen
1992
Virodhi
Police Officer
Laat Saab
Radha Ka Sangam
Chamatkar
Tahalka
Dil Ne Ikraar Kiya
Maarg
1993
Phool Aur Angaar
Sir
Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee
Television film
Baazigar
Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
Jaanam
Tahqiqaat
Shabnam
1994
Gopalaa
Madam X
Imtihaan
Khuddar
Aa Gale Lag Jaa
Vijaypath
Naaraaz
Main Khiladi Tu Anari
Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
Yaar Gaddar
The Gentleman
Zaalim
Hum Hain Bemisaal
1995
Jawab
Surakshaa
Naajayaz
Hathkadi
Baazi
Takkar
Hulchul
Ahankaar
1995
Year
Film Title
Notes
1995
Naajayaz
Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
The Gambler
Akele Hum Akele Tum
Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
Sabse Bada Khiladi
Raja
Takkar
Nazar Ke Samne
1996
Year
Film Title
Notes
1996
Diljale
Judaai
Jeet
Loafer
Himmat
Sapoot
Krishna
Ghatak
Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi
Daraar
Chaahat
1997
Year
Film Title
Notes
1997
Border
Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
Judwaa
Virasat
Ishq
Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
Hero No. 1
Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi
Auzaar
Ankhon Mein Tum Ho
1998
Year
Film Title
Notes
1998
Soldier
Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
Duplicate
Dulhe Raja
Baadshah
Aunty No. 1
Zakhm
Hindustan Ki Kasam
China Gate
Wajood
1999
Year
Film Title
Notes
1999
Biwi No.1
Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
Haseena Maan Jaayegi
Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
Jaanam Samjha Karo
Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain
Baadshah
Hello Brother
2000
Year
Film Title
Notes
2000
Refugee
Filmfare Special Jury Award; National Film Award for Best Music Direction
Fiza
Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
Josh
Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega
Raju Chacha
Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai
2001
Year
Film Title
Notes
2001
Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai
Aśoka
Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
Yaadein
Ajnabee
Kyo Kii… Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta
2002
Year
Film Title
Notes
2002
Tum Se Achcha Kaun Hai
Jeena Sirf Merre Liye
Humraaz
Ab Ke Baras
Annarth
Hum Kisise Kum Nahin
2003
Year
Film Title
Notes
2003
LOC: Kargil
Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon
Jism
Ishq Vishk
Tere Naam
2004
Year
Film Title
Notes
2004
Main Hoon Na
Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
Murder
Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Music Director
Mujhse Shaadi Karogi
Fida
Dhoom
Veer-Zaara
Love
Kannada film; Anu Malik’s debut in Kannada cinema
2005
Year
Film Title
Notes
2005
Kalyug
Zeher
No Entry
Garam Masala
Neal ‘n’ Nikki
2005
Year
Film Title
Notes
2005
Elaan
Jurm
Tango Charlie
Waqt: The Race Against Time
Kyaa Kool Hai Hum
Bachke Rehna Re Baba
Fareb
No Entry
Shaadi No. 1
Deewane Huye Paagal
Kalyug
2006
Year
Film Title
Notes
2006
Humko Deewana Kar Gaye
Pyare Mohan
Aatma
Jai Santoshi Maa
Zindaggi Rocks
Jaan-E-Mann
Nominated–Screen Award for Best Music Director
Umrao Jaan
2007
Year
Film Title
Notes
2007
Undertrial
2008
Year
Film Title
Notes
2008
Hastey Hastey – Follow Your Heart
Music Score
Woodstock Villa
Don Muthu Swami
Love Story 2050
Ugly Aur Pagli
Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam
Victory
2009
Year
Film Title
Notes
2009
Kambakkht Ishq
7 Days in Slow Motion
2010
Year
Film Title
Notes
2010
Toonpur Ka Superhero
2011
Year
Film Title
Notes
2011
Yamla Pagla Deewana
2012
Year
Film Title
Notes
2012
Gali Gali Chor Hai
Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai
2013
Year
Film Title
Notes
2013
Shootout at Wadala
Three songs
2015
Year
Film Title
Notes
2015
Dum Laga Ke Haisha
Won–Zee Cine Award for Best Music Director
Welcome Back
Two songs
2017
Year
Film Title
Notes
2017
Begum Jaan
Indu Sarkar
Judwaa 2
Two songs (“Chalti Hai Kya” and “Unchi Hai Building”) along with Sandeep Shirodkar
Qarib Qarib Singlle
One song (“Daana Pani”)
2018
Year
Film Title
Notes
2018
Paltan
Batti Gul Meter Chalu
One song (“Gold Tamba”)
Sui Dhaaga
2021
Year
Film Title
Notes
2021
Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar
One song (“Faraar”)
Hungama 2
2023
Year
Film Title
Notes
2023
Selfiee
2024
Year
Film Title
Notes
2024
Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
Tu Meri Puri Kahaani
Under Production
Early Struggles (1977–1989)
Anu Malik made his Bollywood debut as a composer with the film “Hunterwali 77” (1977). However, his initial films did not gain much recognition.
Some of his early works include:
“Aapas Ki Baat” (1981)
“Ek Jaan Hain Hum” (1983)
“Mard” (1985) – A minor success featuring Amitabh Bachchan
During the 80s, he struggled to make a name in the industry, composing for B-grade films and small projects.
Rise to Fame (1990s – Early 2000s)
Anu Malik’s career skyrocketed in the 90s, as he became one of the most sought-after music directors in Bollywood.
Breakthrough Hits
His breakthrough came with “Baazigar” (1993), where he composed superhit songs like: ✅ “Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen” ✅ “Baazigar O Baazigar”
This film established him as a leading music director in Bollywood.
Golden Era (1994–2005)
In the 90s and early 2000s, Anu Malik dominated Bollywood music, composing for superhit films and delivering chartbusters.
During this era, Anu Malik was known for his versatility, composing romantic ballads, patriotic anthems, club hits, and soulful melodies.
Music Style & Innovation
Anu Malik is known for: ✅ Mixing Indian classical and Western beats ✅ Unique orchestration and catchy rhythms ✅ Experimenting with different sounds and genres ✅ Strongly influenced by Western pop and Arabic music
He has also sung many of his own compositions, often using a nasal, quirky vocal style.
Famous songs he has sung:
“Ek Garam Chai Ki Pyali Ho” – Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega (2000)
“Gori Gori” – Main Hoon Na (2004)
“Oonchi Hai Building” – Judwaa (1997)
Awards & Recognition
National Film Award for Best Music Direction (2001) – Refugee Filmfare Award for Best Music Director (2005) – Main Hoon NaMultiple Zee Cine, IIFA, and Screen Awards Recognized for Iconic Songs Across 3 Decades
His patriotic song “Sandese Aate Hain” (Border) remains one of the most loved Indian war songs ever.
Reality Shows & Television Career
Anu Malik became a popular TV personality as a judge on Indian Idol (several seasons). His funny, outspoken, and dramatic style made him a fan favorite.
Controversies & Challenges
✔ Plagiarism Allegations – Many of his songs have been accused of being inspired by Western, Middle Eastern, or regional tracks. ✔ MeToo Allegations (2018–2019) – Several female singers accused him of misconduct, leading to his temporary removal from Indian Idol. ✔ Comeback Attempts – He returned as a music director in the late 2010s but didn’t regain the same level of success.
Recent Work (2010s–Present)
In recent years, Anu Malik has worked on fewer films but has composed for:
Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015) – “Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” (a major hit)
Sui Dhaaga (2018) – “Sab Badhiya Hai”
He continues to be active in reality shows and playback singing.
