Finding himself in J P Dutta’s fold again for Paltan, Malik on challenges he faces when tackling the genre
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; August 20, 2018)

His duties as judge of Indian Idol notwithstanding, Anu Malik has a busy year ahead. He is set to gauge the response that three September releases garner, all of which have been composed by him. In an industry where musicians are attempting to create a niche for themselves, Malik is happy that he can still offer variety in his composition.

The variety of genres seen in his upcoming releases, are testimony — J P Dutta’s war drama, Paltan, Shree Narayan Singh’s social drama Batti Gul Meter Chalu, and Sui Dhaga, Sharad Katariya’s tale of self-reliance.

“I want my work to do the talking,” he says, adding, “I want to surprise the audience. I want them to ask, ‘Really, Anu Malik has composed this?’” That’s the kind of reception he got for his acclaimed melody, Moh Moh Me Dhaage (Dum Laga Ke Haisha, ­ 2015).

Thirty-eight years into the industry, Malik admits that despite being among the most revered, he had his share of ups and downs. “At times, I have been rattled, but friends like J P saab [ Dutta] kept me going.” He has collaborated with the filmmaker for multiple ventures, including Border (1997), which had the soulful Sandese Aate Hai. Yet, he says, composing for a war film is tough. “How do I approach it? The canvas is huge; it’s stark and real.”

He recalls that during Border, Dutta had rejected his initial compositions. “I was shattered.” But this also proved to be a turning point in his life, which egged him to create Sandese Aate Hai. “I was shown photographs of the [set] locations, and footage of what J P saab had shot. He made me accompany him to New Delhi, where we met Army men. They narrated their stories of keeping vigil at the border, at times, performing their duty in neck deep snow. I was moved to hear of their hardship. Something hit me. I sat with my harmonium and the tune of Sandese Aate Hai was created.”

Dutta had told him to remain unfazed by criticisms. “I followed his advice. Doing so helped me create some of my best compositions, including those in Asoka (2001) and Main Hoon Na (2004).”

Malik is hoping to recreate the magic with Paltan. The title track, which celebrates brotherhood, was released last week. “There are two more songs, one if which is sure to make people teary-eyed.”

His next films, Batti Gul Meter Chalu and Sui Dhaaga, have been shot in the heartlands. In accordance with that, his compositions will capture desi nuances. “I feel the situation and then create the sound.”