
Basic Information:
- Full Name: Anwar Sardar Malik
- Stage Name: Anu Malik
- Date of Birth: November 2, 1960
- Place of Birth: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Music Director, Composer, Playback Singer
- Genres: Bollywood, Pop, Indi-Pop, Classical Fusion
- Years Active: 1977–Present
Early Life & Musical Training
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
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.
Some of his biggest hits:
- Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994) – “Chura Ke Dil Mera”, “My Adorable Darling”
- Virasat (1997) – “Payalay Chunmun Chunmun”, “Tare Hain Barati”
- Border (1997) – “Sandese Aate Hain”, “Toh Chalun”
- Soldier (1998) – “Mehfil Mein Baar Baar”, “Tera Rang Balle Balle”
- Baadshah (1999) – “Baadshah O Baadshah”, “Hum To Deewane Huye Yaar”
- Refugee (2000) – “Panchi Nadiya Pawan Ke” (won National Award)
- Fiza (2000) – “Aaja Mahiya”, “Mehboob Mere”
- Aks (2001) – “Aaja Gufaon Mein”
- Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai (2001) – “Dupatta Mera”
- Asoka (2001) – “Raat Ka Nasha”
- Ajnabee (2001) – “Mehbooba Mehbooba”
- Filhaal (2002) – “Filhaal”
- Kaante (2002) – “Ishq Samundar”, “Rama Re”
- LOC Kargil (2003) – “Seemayen Bulati Hain”
- Murder (2004) – “Bheege Honth Tere”, “Janaabe Ali”
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 Na Multiple 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.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z9t8Hp_mHk&pp=ygUTQW51IE1hbGlrIGludGVydmlldw%3D%3D
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/anumalikmusic/?hl=en
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/TheAnuMalikPage/
Twitter : https://x.com/the_anumalik