Aamir Khan and Anu Malik
Dhaval Roy (DNA; October 18, 2017)

In Aamir Khan’s next Secret Superstar, he plays a flamboyant and outlandish music composer called Shakti Kumar. Buzz is that the character is inspired by music composer Anu Malik. Especially because Shakti is a music composer who is also a judge of music reality show, and makes outlandish comments, just like Anu.

'I TRUST AAMIR'
Anu, who has heard about Shakti Kumar being inspired by him, says it’s all good, “Aamir is one of the most outstanding actor, and human beings I know, so I’m sure whatever he has done, will be great and I completely trust his instincts,” says the composer.

FEELING LOST
What were his thoughts when he first heard the news of Aamir playing him? “I didn’t know how to react. I’m completely lost in my own work. Also, someone told me that Aamir had five composers in mind for this character. I have no clue whether I’m one of them. But, I secretly look forward to watching Secret Superstar,” he laughs.

WON'T BE OFFENDED
From what one has seen, the character comes across as a flashy and vain guy. What if the role turns out unflattering? “I will laugh it off. Aamir will never belittle or ridicule anyone. He is too big to resort to such gimmickry,” he reasons. It is also his equation with Aamir that’s at play for him to take the depiction in his stride. “We have known each other for decades. I composed the music of Baazi when he just entered the industry. With Akele Hum Akele Tum or Ishq, we have given big hits. Whenever there is something important or a celebration, he calls me up. When we run into each other at parties, he will come to say hi. He is one guy who has time for everyone. To me, Aamir is Aamir and whatever he does, I will respect."

NO PROBLEM!
Anu has been imitated on the small screen a number of times in comedy shows. He chooses to take how he is portrayed or even perceived with a pinch of salt. “Imitation is the best form of flattery. I guess I have made a mark with the way I dress, speak and move around. Besides, you can’t live your life if you get worked up about these things. If me being mimicked makes people laugh, I laugh too and move on,” he smiles.

He signs off with, “I read somewhere that I judge reality shows because I have no work. But people don’t know that I am up to my neck in projects right now.” The music director is composing for J P Dutta’s Paltan and two other projects. “I have been around for 40 years but the music that I am now composing makes me feel like I’m just starting off, especially after Dum Laga Ke Haisha and now Judwaa 2.”