Mumbai: In a shift mirroring a long-established trend in Western markets, a growing number of Indian composers and singers are launching their own music labels, signalling that music is increasingly being viewed as an asset class by both artists and investors, executives at independent labels, music licensing platforms and industry analysts said.

Most recently, Tamil composer Anirudh Ravichander launched Albuquerque Records, his own music label.

Over the past six to seven years, at least eight prominent artists have set up similar ventures, including Salim Merchant, A R Rahman, Badshah, Armaan Malik, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Arijit Singh. The move reflects a broader push by artists to retain control over intellectual property and capture a larger share of long-term revenue streams.

“Over the past four to five years, India’s music industry ecosystem has become fairer and more transparent. Singers and composers have realized that music has genuinely become a very valuable asset class which they can monetize in different ways,” explained Gaurav Dagaonkar, co-founder and CEO of Hoopr, a leading platform for music licensing.

A favourable revenue structure involved in functioning as a label is a key reason why artists are launching their own labels.

“It is a great time to be an independent artist. Today, seven out of the top ten songs on audio streaming platform Spotify are non-film songs, which shows the growing importance of independent artists in the music ecosystem. By launching a label, an artist gets the share of labels in royalties. They also own perpetual rights to their creations. This is a much better deal for them,” said Shivansh Jindal, CEO, Merchant Records, a label launched by music composer duo Salim-Sulaiman.

Apart from streaming, publishing, licensing platforms, YouTube and other digital avenues, music labels earn revenues from royalties (from audio streamers as well). The revenue structure of royalty payment is as follows: 50% goes to labels, and the remaining 50% of royalty revenues is equally shared by composers and lyricists. Singers earn revenues from payments either by composers or labels and from concerts. So, when composers or singers launch their own labels, they earn 50% of the royalties earned by labels, in addition to their own share of earnings.

Increasingly, labels fetch attractive valuations in the long run, music licensing players said.

“Today, private equity investors and HNIs are interested in music assets. They want to now invest in intellectual property. And music is good for long-term monetization," shared a CEO of a leading platform for music licensing. "Also, labels, when acquired by private equity investors, can generate 10 to 25 times returns on investments. Emerging labels are good candidates for acquisition by large labels as well,” he added.

“Beyond the acquisition of music IPs, these strategic investors have realized that music assets provide almost consistent revenues from various digital avenues available in the music ecosystem. One must also bear in mind investing in labels can be a way of portfolio diversification for these investors,” he explained.

In launching one’s own label, artists gain creative freedom under their own labels. “A label frees artists from the constraints of film music. They can create music the way they want to. Independent artists also nurture new talent through their labels. So, in a way, they give back to the industry what they have rightfully earned through their labels,” said Aditya Kalia, an independent music business professional.

- On average, singers generally earn between 2 lakhs to 10 lakhs a song

- Singers earn from concerts—a strong revenue source.

- Royalty Revenue Structure: 50%--labels, 25%--composers, 25%--lyricists

- In launching labels, composers gain more than singers as their share goes up to 75% in royalties.

- Singers gain 50% of royalties in launching labels apart from perpetual rights to creations

- Globally, more composers than singers launch labels.

- Film Music fraught with uncertainty as stories do not demand songs and films flop

- Young artists reinvest money earned from concerts and digital avenues to launch labels

Proficient in singing across multiple languages and steeped in South Indian sounds, Armaan Malik has carved a niche for himself in both regional and global music. But the singer says it’s regional music that gives him the most space for freedom and discovery.

“I love singing in South Indian languages... It’s only here that I get to try something offbeat,” Armaan says, reflecting on hits like Butta Bomma, Ninnila, Emo Emo, and his recent chartbuster Vibe Undi. Ahead of his Hyderabad concert on Saturday, the singer spoke about his journey through regional and international music, his bond with the city, and the evolving landscape of Indian pop.

Armaan recently recorded Vibe Undi for Teja Sajja’s fantasy action adventure film Mirai: Super Yodha, a track that challenged him to step out of his usual Bollywood-style romantic repertoire. “At first, I was a little surprised because in Bollywood, I’m usually called for romantic songs. It’s only in South Indian languages that I get to try something a bit offbeat, so this felt different right from the start. This song itself is uptempo, though it has romantic elements at its core. It required a tone quite different from my usual style, so I had to approach it in a completely new way. That challenge excited me! I always want to give my 100% when I get a chance to step out of my usual style. Another special aspect is that I’ve sung it in three languages: Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada. It’s been incredible to see how well the song has been received across all three languages,” he shares.

Armaan’s comfort with South Indian languages comes from years of practice and experience. “Telugu is my mother tongue, so it comes naturally. For other languages, I’ve learned over the years. Singing in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam has become second nature. Initially, pronunciation and expression were challenging. You first have to understand the line before emoting it. At this stage of my career, attempting a song in a language other than Hindi or English feels completely natural.”

From collaborations with Ed Sheeran to working in studios in LA and London, Armaan reflects on his global music experience. “Singing in different languages and genres has always excited me. Working styles differ across countries, and I’ve been fortunate to understand both sides. Bringing Indian music to international audiences has been a wonderful experience, and I hope to continue pushing boundaries.”

Armaan describes Hyderabad as a city close to his heart, both personally and professionally. “I have visited Hyderabad so many times because my mother is from here. Some of my favourite spots include Charminar, Golconda Fort, and Taj Falaknuma Palace, which I’ve been visiting since I was a child. It feels like my second home after Mumbai. Food-wise, I love Andhra cuisine! I enjoy all the pickles, achar, and the kaaram podi (spice powders). They’re to die for!”

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"Until recently, there was a lot of confusion about Indian music globally, with Bollywood often seen as the entirety of it. But in the last 5–10 years, non-film music has grown strongly and started competing with Bollywood songs"

He might have a new project in the pipeline, but composer Anu Malik has been making headlines for his feud with nephew, composer-singer Amaal Mallik.

Controversy first struck in July, when Amaal accused Anu of sabotaging his father, singer Daboo Malik’s career due to jealousy. Last month, on a reality show, Amaal claimed that his uncle had ‘abandoned’ him during the Mumbai floods of 2005.

Addressing the claims, Anu tells us, “A lie told 1,000 times will never become the truth. One can’t waste energy reacting to everything.”

The 64-year-old adds, “My father (composer Sardar Malik) always told me, never allow poison to churn in your mind. If you do, you’ll never be a good composer. People may hurt you, but they can’t take away your talent, that’s yours. I sit at my piano, make a new tune, and that’s my answer to the world.” 

Earlier this year, Anu had dismissed claims of a rift in the Malik family, calling Daboo his “jigar ka tukda” and described Amaal and his brother, singer Armaan Malik “humari jaan”.

Despite the controversy, Anu says his focus is “solely” on his work. The composer, who is working on songs for an upcoming romance, shares, “It is a very beautiful, tender story about a girl who has to choose between love and fame. The director told me, ‘I want songs that will stand the test of time.’ That’s how it all began.”

Even so, Anu admits that he often feels under-appreciated for his contributions to the industry. “I feel like I’ve been underused and underutilized. There’s still so much more I can give.”

During an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Amaal aired out several personal and professional grievances against Anu. He claimed his uncle had “ruined” his father Daboo’s career and mistreated his mother Jyoti while she was pregnant. Last month, on Bigg Boss 19, he alleged that Anu and his family had seen him, aged 7, struggling to get home during the Mumbai floods and “locked their Mercedes, leaving me there”. He also said that he had chosen not to speak up for Anu when he was accused of sexual harassment cases during #MeToo since he no longer considers his uncle as part of the family.

Daboo with his wife Jyothi and sons Amaal and Armaan

Daboo Malik’s journey in the entertainment industry is one of survival against the odds. After a short stint in acting, he turned to music and delivered hits like Maine Dil Tujhko Diya and Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge. But with the rise of new-age sounds, he felt left behind. The loss of his father in 2006 pushed him further into despair, and he told his young sons, Amaal and Armaan, that he was done. Instead of restarting, he channelised his energy into preparing them for the future he couldn’t secure. Amaal and Armaan’s success as a composer and singer became the redemption he thought was lost.

Talking about his autobiography Never Too Late, Daboo shares, “I felt I was the right person to write it because I am not a so-called success story. I was the observer, who saw my father’s pain and then witnessed my brother’s rise and fall. Writing this lifted a huge weight off my chest.”

After composing for many years, there came a time when Daboo felt his music was becoming outdated. He recalls, “I was never the kind to push or fight for opportunities, so the fault was partly mine as well. However, I believe I was a progressive composer. I still remember the day songs like Dhoom Machale and Das Bahane released…I knew then the industry was changing and that I was history. In 2006, when I lost my father, I felt broken. During one such low moment, I came home, hugged my kids and told them…I am done. Amaal was 15 and Armaan 10, and they just saw their father crash. Instead of restarting, I chose to dedicate my energy to preparing my children because I knew deep down that they would succeed. And the rest, as they say, is history.”

Reflecting on that phase, he says, “My children have carried the pain and rejection I endured for nearly two decades. In hindsight, I feel they turned it into strength. For them, the greatest high is bringing a smile to my face.”

Life threw another curveball in March, when Amaal announced on social media that he had cut ties with his family, accusing his parents of favouring Armaan. Daboo admits, “What Amaal said was true, and I thank him for making me realize it. We put all our focus on Armaan. In the process, we forgot what we needed to do for Amaal. Jo mere saath nahi hua, woh humne literally force kiya Amaal ko ki Armaan ka haath pakad kar isko superstar banaye. When I heard his side, I realised ki parents se galti ho gayi.”

He adds, “It was hard for my wife to accept it because woh ek school teacher jaisi thi, bas yeh karna hai, yeh nahi. Usko laga woh kuchh galat kar hi nahi rahi. Par nahi, galti hui hai. I told Amaal, ‘Jab tu bada ho raha tha, main bada hua hi nahi. I was learning to be a father’. That is when he broke down. I told him jokingly that from being unnoticed to suddenly being targeted, he made me a star overnight. Honestly, his decision to write a post about his feelings was a good one, else it would not have been such an eye-opener for us. In the end, what happened brought the family closer.”

For long, there have been whispers of tension between Daboo and his elder brother, music composer-singer Anu Malik. Amaal even alleged that Anu sabotaged his father’s career. Daboo clarifies, “I told Amaal that the way he processed dinner table conversations came across as resentment. He cannot be the one to tell the story. I would not allow anybody to blame Anu, whether it is my own son or anyone else. If he worked harder and got a film, it doesn’t mean he shortchanged me. I got my share of opportunities. Blaming belittles my thought process, and I do not appreciate it.”

He adds, “In over 30 years, maybe once or twice, I voiced resentment towards my brother, saying, ‘You didn’t help me’. But I gold no grudges against anyone. Nobody can make anyone a star. Everyone has their own destiny and journey. If you are relevant, if your work connects, who can stop you?”

He continues, “The amount of love Anu has showered on me is unreal. Sometimes he surprises me with the kind of personal love he has for me. His love can be defined as even if I have a cold, and he finds out, he will shake up the world to help me. If we are always talking anti-Anu, the world should also know he has tremendous love for his younger brother.”

When asked why he hasn’t tried to bridge the gap between the two families, Daboo explains, “The gap couldn’t be bridged because there was a huge disparity in our success stories. For 25 years, Anu became alienated, not just from my children, but also from our parents. We were two parallel tracks, one a star, the other still struggling. The disconnect became so wide that my children couldn’t reach him anymore. He moved ahead in life, and we weren’t part of that journey. It wasn’t an inclusive success story. We watched from the sidelines, trying to make ends meet. But he wasn’t expected to carry the whole family on his shoulders. Sometimes so much water flows under the bridge that nothing can be done.”

Singer-songwriter Armaan Malik is embracing the freedom and global recognition that come with being an independent artiste, while ensuring that playback singing doesn’t take a backseat.

The singer whose latest track Baari Baari releases today, says, “I have taken a keen interest in building this independent side because that is the true Armaan Malik. Having said that, I have sung some really beautiful songs for movies which will come out this year and probably next year. So it does co-exist for me. I feel that many artistes have shifted their focus to the independent side of their artistry now. And I think it is about time. We, singers, have been waiting on the sidelines for far too long as artistes, we’ve just been voices, but now we are the main character as well.”

Armaan tied the knot with beauty influencer Aashna Shroff earlier this year, and he believes marriage has brought about a quiet transformation in him and his music.

“I’ve become more mature in the way I think, the kind of songs that I’m writing, the kind of lyrics that I’m focusing on. For the longest time, I was singing lyrics written for me by lyricists, but now I’m figuring out what I want to say. There’s a difference. There are so many feelings I’ve felt over these last few years that I never got an opportunity to say. But now that I am focusing on my journey as an independent artiste, there are a lot of songs that I’m writing myself,” he explains.

Talking further about finding a creative partner in his wife, he says, “I have the most creative partner I could ever ask for. Aashna is extremely creative and hard-working in her field. There is an overall transformation in me, and I can gladly say it’s because of her. The man that I have become now is going to change my music for the better. My music will have a lot more depth and weight.”

Earlier this year, his composer brother, Amaal, made headlines when he posted on social media about cutting ties with his family. Later, in an interview with us, Amaal spoke about how that entire episode brought their entire family closer.

On an emotional note, Armaan adds, “Amaal is right. It’s got us all very close. Obviously, everything that happened is now in the past. We are in the most beautiful phase that we have ever been in. What happened was that we became collaborators. Now, we’ve just come so much closer, and we are in a much better and positive space. We have different conversations, which is beautiful. I don’t think I’ve ever felt better.”

He adds, "We are so intertwined into each other's lives in terms of music, in terms of collaborators, the song making sessions become therapy sessions for both of us. We get to talk about life a lot more. And now he doesn't see me as his younger brother anymore. He sees me as a married man, which is very different. And we are kind of having very different conversations, which is beautiful for me. I don't think I've ever felt better ever".

In recent times, Indian artistes have collaborated with international performers, including Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh on Sapphire, and Jackson Wang and Diljit Dosanjh on the track BUCK.

Speaking about global collaboration, Armaan says, “In 2020-2021, I kind of opened those doors. I feel a sense of pride because not many people were looking at India as a destination for collaboration back then. I’m proud that the Indian scene has grown so much over the last few years and so many performers are coming to India. India has the opportunity to reach that global audience that it’s been waiting for. The biggest advantage we have here is the numbers. Everyone is rooting for Indian artistes to go global, and slowly, a lot of us are doing that. I hope the biggest global song comes from India.”

Under the spotlight and in front of a roaring Bangalore crowd, Amaal Mallik took the stage - his first as a solo concert - and left the audience humming. “It’s the best feeling on earth. You feel like a superhero,” he says, the thrill still palpable in his voice. For years, Mallik has been the man behind the curtain—a “Batman in the cave,” as he puts it—crafting hits in the shadows while letting others take the mic. “The love that fans have poured into me over the last ten years—I’m giving it back,” he says. 

Fresh off the adrenaline high of his solo concert, Amaal joins us from Bangalore over a call—his first interview in months, and the first since his candid, much-talked-about post earlier this year, where he revealed stepping away from his family. What follows is a conversation as raw as it is revealing.

Talking about performing so rarely, Amaal shares, "If you try to figure out the artistry that I am made of it is of a musician who likes to be at home, likes to wear his headphones, sitting on his pair of shorts, making good music. I am a prime example of how to be indie within Bollywood. My attitude and soul are very indie."

The shift from behind-the-scenes producer to on-stage performer wasn’t an easy one for Mallik. “I used to play the keys, and my brother Armaan would sing,” he recalls of his earlier performances. “I would never even try to sing until I was 15 or 16. Singing is something I never took any formal classes for.”

Even now, Mallik, who has sung over 10 songs, is still honing his craft, admitting that he’s not quite where he wants to be vocally. “Singing is something I never took any formal classes for. When you're performing on stage, you do get to know that it's a different art and a different ball game. I can safely say I’m 60-70% on pitch, but that 30% is something I want to train. I’m trying to learn Hindustani classical, not heavily, but at least the basics and the light classical that I can,” the Sooraj Dooba Hai composer shares.

During the current political situation multiple singers, including Shreya Ghoshal, Usha Uthup, and Arijit Singh, canceled their concerts. Amaal, however, decided to go ahead with his show. "I was fully convinced that we should not (go ahead with it), because if there's a safety issue. Till I think 2 am or 3 am, it was a no go anyway. We had all been told that's almost not going to happen. But then the ceasefire was announced and the security in the southern part of India is safer. Also, on a professional level I had to do it as I was already paid. Obviously the country comes first. I wouldn’t want to sabotage anyone’s security. Shreya and Arjit Singh's concerts were called off because they are much bigger artist and they rake much bigger crowd. They cannot take that chance to take the risk. I think musically I may have healed and helped them," he explains.

Earlier this year, Amaal made headlines when he shared a post announcing his decision to cut ties with his family, including his brother, singer, Armaan Mallik and his father, composer Daboo Malik. For the first time, Amaal opens up about the post and reveals the state of his family. “It was something I had been keeping in for a long time,” he admits.

“Every kid, I think, goes through repressed feelings. I've been like the soldier who marches on. I felt a little light talking about it. But I know on social media people have this feeling that you cannot talk about your family. But sometimes even family doesn't manage to realize what you're going through because we're all so busy in spite of being connected. I think Armaan, me, mom, and dad, are like the fantastic four. But there are things that maybe I don't know that Armaan's going through. Possibly he might hide. All of us go through that. I think it was important for me to let it out; even for my fans, for a lot of people, expecting out of me - 'Why is he not sending songs?' I just spoke what my inner voice wanted to say. My parents also understood it. It actually brought us closer as a family. They were obviously a little hurt, but they understood that our son is going through so much and we don't get time to understand that sentiment. But it's been much more precious and beautiful after that. I know there have been critics, saying that I have thrown your family under a bus and all, but I think my family got closer after that. We're stronger and happier about these discussions,” he shares.

He adds, "Being depressed can have many facets to it. It's not just a career thing. My dad told me something very beautiful: 'People say parents are God, but we are also just humans. Mistakes happen. We are also first time bringing someone into this world. We're also learning.’ My relationship with Arman is so precious to the world and to us. Nothing can change that."

He also shares, "No two people's trajectory - personal or professional can be the same. God has been kind that both have had like a bazooka start in this industry. Very rarely from a family, two swords come in and, take over an empire. We've done that as youngsters, however, sometimes my parents would feel that my way of approaching projects, or how I work, or how I speak, or how I opinionate should be just as correct as Armaan's. It may not work like that. We are two different people like chalk and cheese. That is a beautiful part of being human. So, these things have to be understood. Eventually we all have understood that about each other."

So all is well with the Malliks? The Ami Je Tomar 3.0 composer replies, "Yeah. It is all sorted. There's no stress. There never. There never will be any stress like that. This family is too close to get into stress.”

He adds, "Armaan's just laughing. He's like, 'I'm just stuck here. I'm being tagged in everything the minute you tweet'. That is his only complaint. Otherwise, I think me coming out and speaking has made my fans also realize why I'm not putting 20 songs a year and also the industry to understand that I'm not AI. And I'm not AI Malik. I'm Amaal Mallik. I am now taking a little bit of a stand for my health and eating home food. It's not happened for 14 years. I've lived and slept in studios. It's all added to this feeling. This post is like a meltdown for a human being. Now I think back on path and replenishing, trying my best.”

Amaal Mallik recently opened up about his battle with clinical depression, blaming his family for his struggles in a now-deleted Instagram post. Amid the buzz, an old interview with his mother has resurfaced, where she spoke about leaving her teaching career to support his and Armaan Malik's musical dreams.

Does he feel that the post was impulsive? He replies, "It's been years of things on my mind and in my heart, a lot of things from my career. Everything just came to me at a point. The only way I could put it out was through that. It was not impulsive. It may have happened in an impulse, but it's a collection of emotions over years. Everyone's not talking to just get some limelight or some front page. There are things which we feel. But the kind of love and the kind of support that I got from within my family, from my fans, and from people around me, made me feel that at least I am important enough to not give up on myself. That is what that post did for me. I was somewhere beginning to give up on myself. I don't want to do that."

For Amaal the next chapter isn’t just about music—it’s about reclaiming his life, his family, and his truth. "Right now, I am finding myself. In finding yourself, the music arrives. I'm not sitting down recording songs back to back, I'm not making a bank. Not pushing too hard towards just creating, I am absorbing," he concludes.

Recently, composer Amaal Mallik shocked his fans when he took to Insta to share that he was severing ties with his family, blaming his parents for the rift between him and his younger brother, singer Armaan Malik.

However, the latter, opening up for the first time, tells us, “Our bond is and will always be the same. I know my relationship with my brother and we are pretty tight. I don’t care about what people think or social media users think. All I care about is what my brother and I think, and we are pretty sorted. Nothing can ever change between us. Amaal also mentioned on his social media that humare beech mein koi problem nahin hai.”

In fact, Armaan, who recently performed at The O2 Arena in London, is collaborating with Amaal on a project. “I have sung a single and Amaal has composed it. It’s tentatively titled BB. It’s a Hindi-Punjabi song that we plan to release in a month or so,” says Armaan, adding that he has about 40 singles coming up this year.

Meanwhile, the singer, who celebrated his first wedding anniversary recently, shares that his wife, beauty influencer Aashna Shroff, has influenced his music: “I feel the space that you are in — mentally and emotionally — reflects in your work. That’s why I have been coming up with a lot of love songs (laughs). Aashna is my greatest critic when it comes to work and I like how honest she is with her feedback. That has only helped me get better as an artiste.”

Wildfires swept through southern California in the US, floods devastated parts of Brazil, and an unrelenting heatwave is being experienced in South Asia. All of this, in the first four months of 2025. With the climate crisis fast becoming the backdrop of our lives, many of us have wondered, ‘How did we get here? What can we do, moving forward?’ Armaan Malik says his next single, What In The World, is born from these questions.

When we get on a call with Malik, he says that he arrived at the single after a personal wake-up call. The singer-composer-songwriter recalls, “The stillness during the pandemic made me reflect on how disconnected we had become from nature and each other. During that phase, I wrote this song.”

Keeping its theme in mind, What In The World will be released on Earth Day, April 22. For the musician, the track is his way to urge people to pay attention to Mother Earth. What baffles him is that the pressing issue is not addressed enough.

“I don’t think there is a lot of urgency around us with regard to the degradation of our planet. However, music has the power to reach many people around the world, and as an artist and someone who deeply cares about the world we live in, I hope to bring that much-needed awareness through this track. There is a line between art and activism, and I see that. What In The World, I felt a responsibility to not only entertain, but also start a conversation about what we’re doing to our planet,” he shares.

Malik says that living in today’s day and age, it’s almost impossible to not feel a gnawing anxiety about the climate crisis. “There are days I wake up, scroll through the news, and it just hits me—this sense of ‘what are we even doing?’ What In The World doesn’t come from a place of answers, it comes from sitting with that feeling—the confusion, the grief, but also that flicker of hope that maybe music can spark something, even if it’s just a conversation.”

Malik’s discography is largely populated by romantic numbers, from Main Hoon Hera Tera (Hero, 2015) to Bol Do Na Zara (Azhar, 2016) and Jazbaati Hai Dil (Do Aur Do Pyaar, 2024). The latest pop/rock song can be seen as him pivoting to a new sound. The change, he says, was organic, given the subject at hand.

“The urgency of the message called for something bolder. The message is strong, and going into a pop/rock-backed chorus felt like the right sound to carry that emotional weight. I hope after listening to the song, people ask themselves, ‘What am I doing to help this planet heal?’”

Last week, musician Amaal Mallik penned a lengthy Instagram note, revealing that he had been diagnosed with clinical depression. In the caption of the now-deleted post, Amaal shared that his family had held him back and blamed his parents for the growing distance between him and his brother, singer-composer Armaan Malik.

On Saturday, Amaal’s father, composer Daboo Malik, reacted to the news with an emotional post on social media. The 62-year-old shared a picture of Amaal giving him a kiss on the cheek. He simply captioned it, “I love you.”

Singer Sonu Nigam tried to cheer Daboo up, commenting, “Everything was fine, everything is fine, and everything will be fine.” Fans also reacted to the post; one Instagram user wrote, “Can’t wait to see you all back together as one.” Another read, “Everything will work out. Good things come to good people like you.”

In his post, Amaal had written: “My self worth has been diminished countless times by actions of near and dear ones that stole pieces of my soul.”

Following this revelation, we reached out to his mum, singer Jyothi Malik, who said, “Whatever he has put is his choice. I am sorry.”

Composer-singer Amaal Mallik shared a post on Instagram announcing his separation from his family yesterday. In his note, he also blamed his parents, Jyothi and Daboo Malik, for his strained relationship with his brother, Armaan Malik.

Amaal wrote, “I’ve reached a point where I can no longer keep silent about the pain I’ve endured. For years, I’ve been made to feel like I am less in spite of spending days and nights toiling away to make a safe life for people. Cancelled every dream of mine to only find myself to be spoken down to and question what I’ve ever done. I have spent my blood, sweat and tears to create each of the 126 melodies that have released over the last decade (sic).”

Amaal further wrote, “I made every dream on earth within an arm’s reach for them, so that they can stand tall in front of the world and keep their head held high. I, along with my brother’s vocal prowess, have changed the narrative of being called XYZ’s nephew or son to whoever we are today! The journey has been terrific for the both of us, but the actions of my parents have been the reason we as brothers have gone too far from one another and all of this has made me step in for myself as it has left a very deep scar left across my heart.”

“Through the last many years they have left no opportunity to disturb my well-being & belittle all my friendships, my relationships, my mindset, my self confidence. But I just kept marching on because I know I can and I believe I’m unshakable. Everything that we stand on today has come from one mind, mine and from the blessings of the almighty,” he continued.

Stating that he has clinical depression, the composer-singer wrote, “But today I stand at a point where I have been robbed of my peace, drained emotionally & maybe financially too, but that’s the least of my concerns. What really matters is that I am clinically depressed because of these happenings. Yes, I have only myself to blame for my actions, but my self-worth has been diminished countless times by actions of near and dear ones that stole pieces of my soul.”

“Today, with a heavy heart, I announce that I am stepping away from these personal ties. From now on, my interactions with my family will be strictly professional. This isn’t a decision made in anger, but one born from the necessity to heal and reclaim my life. I refuse to let the past rob me of my future any longer. I am committed to rebuilding my life, piece by piece, with honesty and strength,” he signed off.

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Amaal deletes emotional post; asks people not to harass his family

Amit Trivedi appears to be having a lot of fun, and here's why this fact isn't to be taken lightly. Sure, Trivedi isn't one to disappoint with his compositions, but there's something magical that follows those phases when his interactions with fans and media are markedly playful. Speaking about his upcoming album, Azaad Collab, Trivedi appears delighted and nervous in equal measure. With a bevy of popular faces putting their might behind the project, he admits to having his hopes pinned on this pop album that presents the "music icons of India" in new light.

Fans of Trivedi will agree that his four-year-old label, AT Azaad, is a goldmine of music that is both innovative and appealing. Evidently then, this latest 14-track offering is being welcomed with open arms. In this interview, he discusses the response to the first song, Jubin Nautiyal and Hansika Pareek's Rangeeni, and crafting an entrepreneurial journey as an artiste. Edited excerpts from the interview:

The [reason] behind creating the label wasn’t to be the next T-Series or Saregama. It is an artiste-led label. I should have the upper hand [when it concerns] what I create. I am putting in the work and money. I should have the freedom to make what I want. If I was signed on by a label, I’m not sure if I would have had that liberty. There would have been a lot of restrictions and clauses that may have been in their favour. I wanted to avoid the hassle.

I launched it in April 2020. So, it’s been four and a half years. I’d say, the label isn’t doing that great, nor is it doing too poorly. There is a lot of scope for improvement. I need a song that can really do well. [Some] songs become popular, but those that do [very well] are made rarely. I would say, of the 10 lakh songs that are released in a year, only 10 to 15 do that well. Not every song becomes a [banger]. I was lucky that my first song, Moti Veraana, did that well, and so did the following ones, Lagan Laagi Re and Madhubala. But, for a label to function regularly, we need at least one song per year to do that well. That hasn’t happened in the past two years. I’m hoping that changes with Azaad Collab. I have 14 more songs to go. So, let’s see how it does. It’s up to the audience.

I do a lot of film work. A film’s soundtrack usually has only four to five songs. In a rare case, we may have 10 songs. But to arrive at those five songs, we create a lot of music. If I have created 25 songs, and only five are chosen, what should I do with the rest? They are all great songs; ones that I believe in. Maybe they didn’t work for the filmmaker, but that does not imply that the song is bad. So, many of the songs are those that were made for films. Rangeeni was one such song. It was made for a film, but it [wasn’t used]. But, people are loving it today. Then there are some songs that I pro-actively create, keeping the album’s structure in mind.

It has 22 collaborators, including artistes of all [calibres]. We started off with Jubin Nautiyal and Hansika Pareek. There are songs with Neha Kakkar, Sunidhi Chauhan, Armaan Malik, Neeti Mohan, Nikita Gandhi, Shahid Mallya, and Javed Ali, among others. They are all playing 'front'. They are called playback singers, but now they are playing front. They are starring in their own videos, and in those of this album too. They are all out there, dancing, acting, performing, and grooming themselves well. Look at Armaan, Sunidhi, and Neeti—they are like rock stars, both on and off the stage. They are our country’s musical stars.

Also, Jubina and Hansikar have never been paired before. I don’t think I’ve heard them before together. That’s [a pattern] I’ve tried to retain across the album—create [a pairing] and a video that the audience has not seen before. Javed and Shahid have never been heard together before, and neither have Neeti and Asees Kaur. I’m trying these new combinations.

Every collaborator is special in their own way. Each singer has been amazing, both in the studio and on the set, while we were shooting. The shoot lasted 14 hours, and they were accommodating. I’m genuinely blessed that these artistes have agreed to do this for me. [The album’s genre] is pop, mostly. There is folk, and Sufi music too, but it’s all in the space of pop music. There are no sad, intense, or hard-hitting songs. It’s my first season. If this works, it will encourage me to do the next season in which I can experiment more. This one is smooth, easy, and colourful.

We are in a democratic situation. Everybody and anybody can showcase their content easily. You simply need to record and upload it on YouTube. At our time, it was very tough. But the drawback is that today, there is no filtration process. There are a lakh singers and composers, and all are making music. Creating a song is like throwing a grain in a room full of grains. They all look the same. Only the audience will decide which one will stand out. Either it grows organically, or you will need to pump in a huge amount of money.

So, I don’t know if this boom is good or bad; it may be good for the artistes. But, to truly thrive, the artiste has to have talent, and must not be dependent on anything.

That’s a vision. These days, I can’t talk about film music. I don’t know what’s going on. I only notice that things are not working very well. I have not seen such a downer in the Hindi film industry in my entire life. In the '80s, I heard there was a lull. But that too was not as bad as this is. Till 2019, things were good; we had a lot of work. After the pandemic, things haven’t picked up. Various factors would be at play. We are seeing a different side to cinema; people are not going to theatres, and OTT has also become saturated. So, where are people consuming content? Creators are putting in a lot of money, but their effort and money are going to waste. It’s sad to see that. Maybe it’s a phase; I believe it will come back up. 

There are exceptionally talented people in the industry today. I’m happy to hear about some of the work that people are doing. But, right now, the pie has been divided among too many people. Earlier, only a handful of people were operating in films. Today, there are 20,000 composers working for films alone. So, there share has been divided. It’s a strange place that we find ourselves in. For a track to work, you must pump in money, or [hope] it can organically grow, like Hanumankind’s song, or Gulabi sari did. It’s pure luck, sometimes.

As a performer, this has been a great year for singer Armaan Malik so far. He shared the stage with international artistes such as Eric Nam, Lauv, and more recently, Ed Sheeran. “It’s been quite a hallmark year for me from a live concert perspective, because I have had the opportunity to do something that probably very few Indian artistes have got,” says Malik.

Besides work, things have been great for him on the personal front too, as he got engaged to influencer Aashna Shroff in October last year. Malik says being in love and getting engaged has impacted his music. “Being in love has changed everything for me. When you are engaged, it’s such a big step in your personal life. It is bound to have an impact on you as an artiste,” says the singer.

Malik, who turns 29 today, adds, “When I sing today, I feel every single word. I don’t think that was true years back when I was not with Aashna. The words of my songs have taken a deeper meaning because of my love life and relationship.”

Ask about his birthday plans, and Malik says, “I am a big foodie, so I would have South Indian for breakfast and Italian for lunch. I have planned different things with everyone. So one is with family, one is with friends and one is with Aashna.”

Musicians Armaan Malik, 28, and Amaal Mallik, 33, have given plenty of hit chartbusters together. The love for music took root in them in childhood, reveals their mother Jyothi Malik. A former teacher, Jyothi quit her job to support her sons’ musical aspirations.

“I’ve taught in big schools in Mumbai, but when my kids needed me, I dedicated myself to taking them for their various music classes and recordings, as both of them started working very early. So, managing them and their careers took over my teaching profession,” says Jyothi, who grew up in Hyderabad and Kolkata, and since her father had a transferable government job, had a chance to experience life in several different cities before settling to study in Mumbai.

Admitting that she had no qualms about choosing kids over career, Jyothi shares that Armaan and Amaal’s childhood gave her some of her most heartwarming memories. “When Amaal was four, he showed great interest in playing the piano since my father-in-law used to teach music. Musical sittings, too, would take place at home. Even as children his age got into sports, Amaal wanted to spend as much time as possible with the piano,” she recalls.

Talking about Armaan, she reveals that as a baby, he would sing himself to sleep. “It reached a point that my father-in-law said, ‘Ye toh abhi se sur me gaata hai’. When he was around three, he sang Nanha Munna Rahi Hoon at his preschool, and we decided to enrol him in singing classes,” she says.

Asked if the boys were naughty while growing up, Jyothi laughs, “Amaal was naughty as a kid, but Armaan was slyly naughty. He would push Amaal’s milk glass, spill it and then pretend to cry as if Amaal hit him, and get Amaal into trouble. I remember this very funny incident when their dad (Dabboo Malik) was performing at a show in Nepal at a casino and Armaan went missing. We had to shut the venue doors and search for him. We found Armaan under a roulette table, playing with the colourful pills!”

Her unwavering determination serves as constant inspiration. Her never-say-die attitude motivates me to strive for excellence in everything I do. If there’s one trait of my mother’s that I aspire to emulate, it’s her strength. I admire her ability to remain unshakeable in the face of adversity. One quality I’ve inherited from my mother is her persistence. She’s an incredibly driven woman.

I am the male version of her; she’s taught me to be rebellious. She is a risk-taker, and never gives up. So, perseverance is something my mother taught me. Without her, we wouldn’t be so close to the realities of life or understood how to take obstacles head on. She is the backbone of this family and the anchor for all three of us, Armaan, me and dad. Without mum there is no ‘hum’.

Having spent 17 years as a musician, Armaan Malik now wants to try his hand at acting. The singer, who shared the stage with American musician Lauv at a recent gig in Mumbai, says that he is “now prepared” to act in films. Malik says, “Now, I am keen to do something that is in the acting space. Main chahta hoon ki achhe se karoon and not just for the sake of it. I would want people to talk about me as an actor the same way they talk about me as a singer. I don’t want to be like: ‘He is a singer, he thought he can act, so he’s now acting’. I want it to be meaningful.”

The 28-year-old says he hasn’t found the right project, yet: “I have been offered films and OTT shows, but I didn’t take them up as I didn’t get the vibe ki yeh Armaan Malik hai! I feel the role must be designed for me. So, I will either create something for myself or wait for the time when someone writes a role that suits me.”

Malik says being part of music videos made him realise that he has an actor in him. “Earlier, I wasn’t open to acting. But featuring in my music videos over the years has helped me become more comfortable in front of the camera. Of course, mujhe apne talent ko nikhaarne ki zarurat hai,” the Ankaha (Main Atal Hoon) singer signs off.

For singer and song writer Armaan Malik, 2023 has been “crazy both personally and professionally”. “I don't think there has been a better year for me,” Armaan unabashedly admits. For the unversed, Armaan released his second album this year after a gap of almost nine years, and also proposed and got engaged to his longtime partner Aashna Shroff. “I can't wait for the next year now. 2024 is going to be better with lots of exciting stuff,” he mentions.

Talking about the year, he states, “I didn't anticipate a lot of things this year. I knew that I wanted to propose to Aashna, but I never had a month in my mind. I feel this year spoke to me. The year told me what I should do as a person and at what point in time. I went a lot with my intuition and gut feeling. That is what made this year so magical for me.”

Armaan Malik and Ashna Shroff celebrated their engagement in a truly magical way. The couple made hearts skip a beat when they shared photos from their intimate ceremony in London that beautifully blended modern Bollywood romance with a touch of European royalty. Not only the proposal, Armaan set the bar high by dedicating a love track to his fiance titled Kasam Se that showcases his love for her. The track has garnered immense love and has become a canvas for fans to recreate their own love stories.

This year, Armaan also got engaged to his partner Aashna. “I really wanted to propose to Aashna by singing an original song. Also, with the proposal a lot of things happened spontaneously and in the flow. I really wanted it to be as natural as possible. I told her we were going to a sporting event. And at the venue, I was there with the guitar standing and then on my knees. It was a very organic proposal in a way. It was beautiful to have our family there as well, which was a mammoth task, and we were in our favorite city which is London. I'm so glad that it all fell together,” the singer recalls.

Armaan refuses to talk further about Aashna, however, when asked if marriage is on cards, he does respond, “My father already said it. But yeah, we are looking forward to a wedding in 2024. I won’t be able to reveal anything at this point, but, it definitely will happen next year and we're all looking forward to it.”

Although Armaan primarily sings in Hindi, this year, the singer focused on singing multiple songs across languages from Odia to Marathi. The Main Hoon Hero Tera singer states that it is a conscious decision to sing songs pan India

“In a way it was a strategy. I am pretty strategic when it comes to my music career, otherwise I would be singing way more songs than I already sing. The songs that I'm singing are very carefully chosen. I believe I'm an Indian singer and I want to represent India, which is so diverse with each state having its own language, there are different dialects and sub languages. I tour a lot across the country. So, for me, it becomes a way to connect with my fans in their mother tongue. I'm an Indian singer and Indian singer means probably singing almost all the languages in India,” he elaborates.

Interestingly, not many are aware that Armaan, who didn’t have a Hindi chartbuster this year, sang for the Tu Jhooti Main Makkaar song Jaadui. However, Armaan’s version of the song wasn’t used in the final cut.

Ask him if that bothered him, and he replied, “It used to bother me initially, (but) now I am kind of immune to it. It probably is just the way the industry functions. What it has done to me is that it has hardened me up. So, I stopped having emotions with songs that I go to record, for a film. I used to be attached to it. Now I go in, do my job and leave. It has happened to me so many times that I have decided that it is okay. I have stopped expecting anything. There are so many songs that have not come out. I just cannot sit and be upset about all those songs. I just look forward to the next music. I feel like every song has a destiny and it chooses a singer. Whatever songs are in my destiny will come to me and I don't think anyone can take those away from me,” he ends.

Singer-songwriter Armaan Malik and blogger Aashna Shroff announced their engagement on Instagram on August 28. The much-in-love couple shared pictures of the ceremony and posted, “And our forever has only just begun (sic).”

In a conversation with Bombay Times, Armaan’s father, singer-composer-actor Daboo Malik said, “This is an exciting moment for all of us because this is the first time that something like this is happening in our family. We all are excited and very happy that the younger ones are taking their lives ahead. My blessings are always there with them.”

Talking about Armaan and Aashna, Daboo added, “They both are made for each other. They are two beautiful hearts that are coming together. I call them my little birds and they are my cuties. Their engagement makes me feel older (smiles). From now on, I think I need to pull up my socks and behave like a daddy ji (father-in-law)!”

When asked about the wedding details, he said, “The wedding will take place next year, but we haven’t finalized the date yet.”

Talking about his elder son Amaal Mallik’s plans, he said, "Amaal ke liye chalo ab hum sab dhoonte hain. He is now the most eligible bachelor in town.”

On March 9, actor and filmmaker Satish Kaushik passed away in Gurugram, after reportedly suffering a heart attack. His friends and colleagues from the film industry who remember him as ‘a great artiste and a greater human being’ are still reeling from the shock of his sudden demise.

On April 13, his close friend of many years, Anupam Kher, hosted a musical event to commemorate his birth anniversary. The event was attended by several celebrities who have shared a long association with the late actor. Guests included Subhash Ghai, Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Anil Kapoor, Chunky Panday, Poonam Dhillon, Rani Mukerji, Neena Gupta, Nadira Babbar, Vivek Agnihotri, Sonali Bendre, Johny Lever, Talat Aziz, Lalit Pandit, Udit Narayan, Shankar Mahadevan, and Papon.

At the event, there were musical performances interspersed by moments where his friends shared heartwarming memories of him. During Aditi Singh Sharma’s rendition of Hawa Hawai (Mr India), Anil Kapoor came on stage, shook a leg and paid a tribute to his dear friend.

The event wrapped up on a highly emotional note when Satish’s wife Shashi and daughter Vanshika came on stage to cut a cake and they were joined by others. Vanshika also read a posthumously addressed letter to her father, which deeply moved everyone. Satish Kaushik would have turned 67 on April 13.

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With memories, love, music and laughter, late actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik’s birth anniversary on Thursday, April 13, was an emotional yet wholesome celebration. A musical night was organised in his memory by his friend of four decades, actor Anupam Kher, with Satish’s daughter, Vanshika Kaushik, and wife, Shashi Kaushik, in attendance. While singer Armaan Malik sang Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon, which Anupam said was “Satish’s favourite song that he would hum all the time”, singer Papon sang Moh Moh Ke Dhaage (Dum Laga Ke Haisha; 2015).

Singers Udit Narayan Jha and Sadhana Sargam belted out their classic number Pehla Nasha (Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar; 1991). Ghazal singer Talat Aziz and composer-singer Shankar Mahadevan sang the title track of Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003).

Vanshika reading aloud a letter she wrote to her father was the most emotional part of the evening, and a cake-cutting ceremony came next. A part of the letter read, “Hello Papa, I know that now you are no more but I want you to know that I will always be there for you. If I knew this was going to happen, I would miss school just to spend time with you. I wish I could have hugged you once.”

Another highlight was Satish’s close friend Anil Kapoor breaking into an impromptu dance on stage to Hawa Hawaii, a song from Mr India (1987), which co-starred him and Satish. Actor Shabana Azmi and her husband, lyricist-writer Javed Akhtar, spoke about their association with Satish and left the audience in splits with funny anecdotes. The one thing no person forgot to mention was the late actor’s smile and his positive attitude at all times.

Anupam told ANI, “Initially, I’d thought not to do it (the celebration). But around 4-5 days ago, Satish came in my dream and said, ‘Yaar, tu mere liye kuch nahin kar raha hai kya?’ So I decided to celebrate his life today.”

Remember singer Justin Bieber’s 2017 gig in India or musician A P Dhillon’s performances at Lollapalooza India 2023 and more recently at the Women’s Premier League? Their acts left audiences fuming. Reason? The artistes were accused of lip-syncing at their respective shows.

Singer Armaan Malik’s recent tweet denouncing the trend of lip-syncing triggered reactions on social media. He wrote: “Sad to see that lip-syncing at a live concert has become a normal thing. Like c’mon, why is there zero effort? The worst part is some people don’t even lip sync and the let the track play as is while they “vibe”. Like is this a joke? Do you not care about your fans? (sic).”

Ask how fair is it for musicians to lip-sync on stage when music lovers buy tickets to see them sing live, and artistes unanimously criticize the trend. Singer Jasleen Royal, who returned from a concert tour along with actor Akshay Kumar recently, says, “I perform all my songs live. The fans pay to watch me sing on stage. There are so many things one does at live shows — talk, dance, jump... So, sometimes, you can go off-note too. I feel live rendition should be different from the original version.”

Singer Shaan says artistes like him invest a lot of effort in their shows, as they like to entertain the audience. He adds, “Thanks to technology, anyone can sing in the studio. The real test of a singer is when you sing live. If it’s a regular show and someone is lip-syncing, it’s criminal. Whether it’s a ticketed show or not, you should put in effort in your singing. If someone is not even lip-syncing and just ‘vibing’, what’s next? Kal ko main apna poster laga ke chala jaunga and my songs will be played on a recorder!”

Singer Alka Yagnik feels one should take to lip-syncing only “if there is an issue with the singer’s voice”. She explains, “If the artiste has to take the stage because the show cannot be cancelled last-minute, lip-syncing can be an SOS, but not otherwise. Fans pay to see us perform live.”

Malik’s tweet also suggested that lip-syncing sets “a wrong precedent for the next generation”. Singer Amit Mishra says, “I have never lip-synced in any show yet. Since we, musicians, have such big bands, we can produce music live, with so many instrumentalists on stage.”

What she orders: Pancakes

How is it customized: Katrina has pancakes during every festival. These are hot-chocolate pancakes made with cinnamon, Belgian chocolate, and buckwheat flour. There is no added sugar, and we don’t use sweeteners either. The cinnamon lends some sweetness, and she has it with a cookie butter spread. Again, we make a healthier version using buckwheat and almond butter. Since the spread has coconut, it also lends a sweet taste.

Tips to make pancakes healthier: If you plan to make pancakes, use yogurt instead of butter. Yogurt will lend the pancake the same kind of fluffiness and softness that butter can. If you are vegan, you can also use coconut yogurt.

What do they order: Vanilla cakes

How do you customize it: They don’t like chocolate, and [prefer cakes] with yogurt frosting, fresh vanilla and berries. The texture resembles whipped cream, but it is made of yogurt. We may add maple syrup. 

Tips to make cakes healthier: We need to remember that it’s not only about calories. The substitutes may have the same amount of calories, but they will have more nutritional value. So, celebrities prefer the alternatives. For example, coconut has the lowest glycemic index, so, it will give you the lowest sugar spike. Also complex carbs like jowar will make your body burn more calories to [break them down]. 

For those who count their calories, we also serve subscription boxes. For example, Bhavna Panday has our 85-calorie cupcake subscription. So, anyone consuming it can keep track of how many calories they’ve had.

What she orders: Jowar nutty cake

How is it customized: It is made of Belgian chocolate, and has a molten centre.

Tips to make cakes healthier: Gluten-free versions that are made of oats or jowar flour are better than maida, which has no nutrients. 

Substituting the flour will not hamper the taste of the cakes. In 2022, let’s get rid of the notion that healthier options are not equally tasty. Instead of processed oil, use olive oil or avocado oil. The latter has a high smoking point, so the nutrients are retained. Refined oil is only fat, and is thus best avoided.

What does she order: She orders our box of cupcakes. Out of six cupcakes, five will be different varieties of chocolate cupcakes. 

How do you customize it for her: She doesn’t have maida or sugar. We make the vegan cupcakes gluten-free. 

Tips to make cupcakes healthier: For regular cupcakes, choose yogurt frosting. I use jaggery, dates or honey. If you are only starting to make healthier choices now, take small steps. For example, instead of one portion of maida, use half portion of maida, and half portion of a multi-grain flour. Replace sugar with jaggery or coconut sugar. If you need a binder, dates are a great option. Avocado oil is a great replacement for butter. Both of them lend the final product a lot of moisture. Avocado oil is neutral-tasting too, so, the taste [won’t bother] anyone.

What he orders: Indian sweets

How do you customize it: Armaan wants everything to be sugar-free and vegan. If it is gluten-free, it is a bonus. It is tough to get vegan options in Indian sweets, because everything normally has ghee. I make vegan besan ka ladoo, chikki, and nankhatai for him. 

Tips to make Indian sweets healthier: Use Indian flavour appropriately. I use jaggery and saffron to mask the taste of the gluten-free flour. Jaggery and nutmeg complement Indian flavours very well, and it is easier to achieve a taste that’s closer to regular Indian Mithai. 

What does she order: Fruit cakes

How do you customize it: Erica is very strict [with her diet]. She has gluten-free and sugar-free desserts. She likes to avoid butter and milk. She likes the mango and strawberry fruit cakes we prepare during the respective seasons. She prefers a Greek yogurt [frosting] and doesn’t mind a jaggery base. 

Tips to make fruit cakes healthier: Apple purée is a replacement for eggs, and a natural sweetener as well. Berries are great for one’s health, and so are seasonal fruits, which can be added  atop the frosting.

Juhi Pahwa caters to Katrina Kaif, Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa, and Jacqueline Fernandez

Natasha Gandhi caters to Kajal Aggarwal, Armaan Malik, and Erica Fernandes