'Nothing Is Original Except God': Anu Malik on Music Theft Charges

Music composer Anu Malik has long been known for his commercial hits, but his career has also been marked by repeated allegations of copying tunes and arrangements. One of the most direct confrontations on the subject came during a 2017 television show, when he was questioned about the accusations.

Malik was born Anwar Malik on 2 November 1960. He began demonstrating his musical gifts at the age of seven. Growing up in a family immersed in music, he was shaped by the sounds of Shankar-Jaikishan and by the work of his father, music director Sardar Malik. He has also spoken about the influence of his maternal uncle, lyricist Hasrat Jaipuri.

An early sign of his ability came when he composed a Marathi poem and performed it for his father. Sardar Malik was surprised by the result. He then tested his son by asking him to compose music for a series of different songs. Anu Malik produced several melodies in quick succession, and his father responded with warm approval.

His professional start came at 16 or 17, when he was given work as a music composer. In 1978, he was assigned music for Hunterwali 77, a film featuring comedian Mohan Choti. His first song, 'Julmon Sitam Par Itrane Wale', was sung by Asha Bhosle and written by Hasrat Jaipuri. Later, F.C. Mehra's Ek Jaan Hain Hum and Sohni Mahiwal helped him establish a firmer footing in the industry.

His work on Baazigar brought him new recognition. The songs of Border were widely successful, and he received a National Film Award for Refugee.

His success was accompanied by accusations of plagiarism, including claims that he had borrowed melodies and arrangements from international and Indian compositions. In 2017, during the show Entertainment Ki Raat, Raghu Ram of Roadies raised the issue directly. Malik defended himself by saying that nothing is original except God and that inspiration differs from theft. He referred to Border, LOC Kargil and Main Hoon Na as examples of his own creative work.