Anu Malik, undeniably, has given Bollywood some of its most iconic numbers in the past few years. Besides his peppy tunes, he is also famous for being upfront and brutally honest. Recently, Anu Malik, who is criticised for allegedly copying tunes, got offended when his nephew and singer-composer, Amaal Malik didn’t take his ‘permission’ to curate a remixed version of ‘Neend Churayi‘ for Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal Again. The song was originally composed by Anu Malik for the film Ishq. This:
A reworked version of the same by Amaal Malik lies with Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal Again. This:
While talking to Bombay Times about it, Anu Malik said,
If you want to give a twist to a song, I have no problem, but don’t forget to mention the original composer’s name. I wish Amaal all the best, but it will always be an Anu Malik tune. The younger generation, which has never heard that song, will think this is the original composer. It is fine to recreate, but don’t forget to credit the original composers. You should pick up the call and tell the original composer, ‘this is what I am going to do.’ But if you don’t have the courtesy to do that, at least, give credit. Thankfully, people know who the composer is, so it is a great feeling.
Now, while the senior Malik alleges that Amaal didn’t ask for his permission, the ‘Kar Gayi Chull‘ composer has a different story. Elaborating his side of the story, Amaal issued an official statement:
The YouTube video of ‘Maine Tujhko Dekha‘ my revamped version of the song ‘Neend Churai‘ from the 1997 film ISHQ, duly credits the composer Anu Malik and lyricist Rahat Indori.
A decision to redo an old song, get the rights from the other labels is something movie producers and the labels take care of, not me, but I make sure it’s done right. I don’t understand, how can a composer demand me to call him and take his permission when this song is not even his own original composition?
It was only last week though that I realised that Anu Malik’s song is a direct lift from Linear – Sending all My Love and bar to bar rehashed by him (Anu Malik) back in 1997. Nevertheless, the kindness has been shown in the youtube credits.
I’m just here doing my job & following my director’s vision. If my director wants me recreate a song, I do so and add my own touch to it. I don’t believe in recreating a track as is and hence have introduced two new stanzas – A New Mukhda & A New Antra & only utilised the hook line from the old ‘Neend Churai‘ song (which actually isn’t even an original song)
It makes no point dishing out the same thing yet again, it’s very simple !!! A contribution, no matter how small, must be made to the existing melody, atleast this is my way of approaching a recreation.
You can hear the original English song here:
It’s interesting to see how Amaal has clearly stated that the song in question doesn’t even belong to Anu Malik in reality and has been lifted from somewhere else and that he did try contacting Anu Malik who never responded to any of his calls.
Okay, looking for peace, anyone?
