The relationship between Anu Malik and Daboo Malik, two brothers from one of Bollywood’s prominent musical families, has long been a subject of intrigue. As sons of the late composer Sardar Malik, they inherited a legacy of melody-making that shaped Indian cinema. Anu, the elder brother, rose to fame in the 1990s with blockbuster soundtracks for films like Baazigar (1993) and Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), earning him multiple awards and a reputation as a hit-machine. Daboo, on the other hand, has had a more subdued career, composing for films such as Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar (2001) and occasionally collaborating with his family. While publicly they’ve maintained an image of familial harmony, recent revelations—particularly from Daboo’s son Amaal Malik—have exposed deep-seated tensions, allegations of sabotage, and emotional scars that span decades. This article delves into their bond, drawing from recent interviews and public statements amid ongoing family controversies in 2025.
Roots in Music: A Shared Family Legacy
Born into a family steeped in music, Anu (born Anwar Sardar Malik in 1960) and Daboo (Daboo Sardar Malik) grew up under the influence of their father, Sardar Malik, who composed for classics like Saranga (1961). The brothers, along with their sibling Abu Malik, pursued careers in composition, with Anu breaking through first. In the early days, their relationship appeared supportive; Daboo has spoken of assisting Anu on projects, and Anu has credited family for his inspiration. However, the competitive Bollywood landscape soon highlighted disparities in their success. Anu became a household name, while Daboo’s contributions remained niche, leading to whispers of rivalry.
In August 2025, Anu addressed the rumors in an emotional statement, describing Daboo and Abu as “pieces of my heart” and insisting, “Hum log ek the, ek hai, aur ek rahenge” (We were one, we are one, and we will remain one). He attributed any friction to a “Malik trait” of fiery passion born from love, not malice. Daboo, in his own interviews, has echoed a sense of unity, downplaying sabotage claims by stating, “It’s not possible to sabotage someone.”
Allegations of Sabotage and Professional Betrayal
The facade cracked publicly in July 2025 when Amaal Malik, Daboo’s elder son and a successful composer himself (known for hits like “Naina” from Khoobsurat), accused Anu of deliberately undermining his father’s career. In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Amaal claimed Anu was “overly competitive” and would “snatch” projects from Daboo by offering to work for free or at reduced rates. A key example cited was the 2004 film Murder, where Anu allegedly took over after Daboo had been signed, leading to Daboo’s depression at age 32 and reliance on confidence pills.
Amaal described Daboo as “too naive to fight back,” suggesting Anu’s actions stemmed from jealousy over Daboo’s potential. He also implicated other composers like Sajid-Wajid in similar tactics. These revelations, Amaal said, fueled his own drive for “revenge through music” starting at age 16. The accusations resurfaced in August 2025 amid Amaal’s participation in Bigg Boss 19, where he reiterated the claims, labeling Anu as having an “evil heart.”
Deeper Family Traumas: Mistreatment and Generational Scars
The feud extends beyond professional rivalry into personal grievances. During Bigg Boss 19 episodes in September 2025, Amaal shared harrowing stories of his mother’s mistreatment while pregnant with him in the joint family home. He alleged she was taunted and overworked, leading to an incident where she “smashed her hand on a cupboard” in frustration. Amaal termed this “womb trauma,” claiming it has affected him lifelong.
Another anecdote involved a childhood flood in Juhu when Amaal was 7; he claimed Anu’s family saw him struggling in chest-high water but locked their car doors and drove away, ignoring his pleas. Amaal also recounted a humiliating incident where Anu tricked Daboo into recording a song already done by Udit Narayan years earlier, from which Daboo “never recovered.” He blamed “wives” for exacerbating family divides, specifically pointing to Anu’s spouse.
These stories have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with X posts highlighting Amaal’s emotional revelations and questioning the Malik family’s dynamics.
The MeToo Controversy and Family Solidarity
Adding another layer, Anu faced MeToo allegations in 2018 from singers like Sona Mohapatra, Neha Bhasin, and Shweta Pandit. In August 2025, Daboo broke his silence on the matter, revealing how it “shattered” the family. “We couldn’t handle the pain,” he said, emphasizing their support for Anu during the ordeal. Amaal, however, addressed fresh accusations against himself in September 2025, linking them to his family’s past controversies.
Daboo also touched on Anu’s strained relationship with their parents post-fame, adding to the narrative of success’s personal costs.
Anu’s Defense and Hopes for Reconciliation
Anu has consistently denied sabotage, reaffirming his love for nephews Amaal and Armaan (Daboo’s younger son). In August 2025, he stated, “Aur jahan tak unke bachchon ka sawaal hai woh hamari jaan hai aur hamesha jaan rahenge” (Their children are our life and will always remain so). Daboo, commenting on Bigg Boss 19, viewed it as a platform for Amaal beyond the family shadow, noting Armaan’s rise as the “face of the family after Anu.”
Public opinion remains split, with some seeing it as Bollywood’s cutthroat nature and others as unresolved grudges.
Conclusion: A Bond Tested by Ambition and Time
The relationship between Anu Malik and Daboo Malik is a poignant tale of brotherhood strained by ambition, success, and personal traumas. While Anu and Daboo project unity, Amaal’s 2025 disclosures have brought hidden pains to light, especially amid Bigg Boss 19. As of September 18, 2025, the saga continues, raising questions about reconciliation in a family where music binds but egos divide. Whether the “Malik trait” leads to healing or further rifts remains to be seen.
References
- https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/anu-malik-breaks-silence-on-family-feud-with-nephews-armaan-malik-and-amaal-mallik-woh-humari-jaan-hain-9161872
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/bigg-boss-19-amaal-mallik-reveals-his-mom-was-mistreated-by-his-father-daboo-maliks-family-while-she-was-pregnant-with-him-says-ive-carried-trauma-since-the-womb/articleshow/123954280.cms
Anshu Pathak is a passionate writer and avid reader whose love for stories shapes her world. With a heart full of imagination, she weaves tales that resonate with emotion and depth. When she’s not crafting her next piece, you can find her lost in the pages of a novel, exploring new worlds and perspectives. At Moodframe Space, Anshu shares her creative journey, offering insights, stories, and reflections that inspire and connect with readers everywhere.