Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has spoken out in support of composer Anu Malik, who is making a musical comeback after a seven-year hiatus. Malik, who stepped away from the limelight following multiple sexual harassment allegations during the #MeToo movement in 2018, has been roped in to compose the album for Bhatt’s upcoming film, 'Tu Meri Poori Kahani'.
Mahesh Bhatt, serving as the creator for the film, emphasized that the decision to bring in Malik was driven by the need for a single, unified musical vision.
Mahesh Bhatt on Anu Malik's comeback
According to the Mid-Day report, Mahesh Bhatt offered a unique perspective on Anu Malik's return, suggesting that the pressure of a comeback can spark a new level of creativity. "I wish the younger lot of music composers matched his passion. An artist on the brink of extinction is the most creative," Bhatt explained.
The veteran filmmaker further added, "The survival mechanism kicks in as an artist, who is almost a fame junkie, suffers from withdrawals and wants to rebirth himself."
How did Anu Malik come onboard for the film?
Mahesh Bhatt revealed that it was producer Vikram Bhatt who first suggested Anu Malik’s name for the project. The filmmaker, who shares a long history with the composer, including their collaboration on the 1993 film 'Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee', expressed his confidence in Malik’s talent.
"I didn’t want six different songs from different music composers. I wanted somebody with a unified vision." Mahesh Bhatt added that Vikram suggested Malik's name to him for the project. He further added that the new album is not "comeback music" but "hit-back music."
Mahesh Bhatt also stated that he asked Malik not to ride on trends just to cater to Gen Z's musical taste. The filmmaker said that he told him to keep his late father, Sardar Malik Saab, in his mind while composing.