In an exclusive chat with BT, singer Caralisa Monteiro talks about the composer’s alleged attempt to invite her home 15 years ago
Soumya Vajpayee (BOMBAY TIMES; October 22, 2018)

After singers Sona Mohapatra and Shweta Pandit, the latest female singer to join the bandwagon of those speaking up against composer Anu Malik, who has been accused of sexual harassment as part of the #MeToo campaign, is Bollywood playback singer Caralisa Monteiro.

Talking to BT, she said, “There were always people (like him). I just didn’t play into their ways and always believed that my voice is why they will always want me back. So, while I have never been abused or violated, I’ve had a specific incident with Anu Malik. I had to tell him that I only work in a studio. This happened almost 15 years ago, when I was starting out. I have never worked with him since.”

Explaining the incident, the singer, known for hits like Nashe Si Chadh Gayi (Befikre, 2016), Ranga Re (Fitoor, 2016), among others, said, “Anu Malik wanted me to come over to his place to jam with him. He was insistent that I came home, as that’s how it was done. And I told him, ‘If you need me to sing a song since I’m a professional recording artiste, I will meet you at the studio, take the brief and then track’. So, when I met him later, I went with my dear friend Clinton (Cerejo, singer), because I was uncomfortable going alone. Everyone knew the kind of individual Anu Malik was/is.”