Amaal Mallik on creative clashes: 'I am Amaal Mallik without their films'
Synopsis
Amaal Mallik didn't hold back during the Awarapan 2 promotions — he laid out exactly how he handles creative clashes in Bollywood, why being an insider isn't always an advantage, and why he'd rather lose a project than compromise on music. It's a rare, unfiltered take from inside the industry.
Key Takeaways
Amaal Mallik composed 'Yeh Awarapan' for the Emraan Hashmi film 'Awarapan 2' , currently in cinemas.
Mallik says he never backs down in creative disagreements, but avoids framing them as right-or-wrong conflicts.
He acknowledged that his approach costs him projects, saying 'there will be less work, there will be more enemies.' Mallik challenged the 'insider privilege' narrative, noting that industry connections also result in composers being removed from films. 'Awarapan 2' is a sequel to the 2007 cult classic, with Hashmi reprising his role as Shivam Pandit .
Music composer Amaal Mallik, who scored the track 'Yeh Awarapan' for the newly released Emraan Hashmi film 'Awarapan 2', has opened up about navigating creative disagreements in Bollywood — and why he refuses to stay silent when his artistic vision is challenged.
Amaal Mallik's Stance on Creative Differences
Speaking to reporters during the promotional events for 'Awarapan 2' at the BKC area of Mumbai, Mallik was candid about how he handles friction in professional collaborations. He said he never backs down, but also never frames the disagreement as a binary right-or-wrong situation.
'Yes, there are creative differences. I don't back off. I don't say, 'This is wrong'. It is the ability of the other person to make creative differences. Those who have a big ego remove me from the film. Those who have a good mind, work with me. Both ways are right,' he said.
On Industry Privilege and the 'Insider' Debate
Mallik, who comes from a prominent musical family, also addressed the persistent narrative that industry insiders enjoy an easier path. He pushed back firmly, noting that connections cut both ways.
'People think I get privileges from the industry since I belong to the industry. They think insiders get a phone call easily. They get 3 movies in a night. 2-3 people call us and remove us from the movies as well. But, I want to stand with music,' he said.
The composer acknowledged that his approach — prioritising artistic integrity over commercial convenience — comes at a cost. 'There will be less work. There will be more enemies,' he noted, adding that he considers making good music a non-negotiable priority regardless of the professional consequences.
About Awarapan 2
'Awarapan 2' is a sequel to the 2007 film 'Awarapan', with Emraan Hashmi reprising his role as Shivam Pandit. The original film was considered a box-office disappointment on release but went on to acquire cult status over the years, driven largely by its soundtrack and Hashmi's performance. The sequel is currently running in cinemas.
What This Signals for Bollywood's Creative Culture
Mallik's remarks arrive at a moment when the industry is grappling openly with questions of creative ownership, insider access, and the power dynamics between composers and filmmakers. His willingness to speak plainly — including the admission that directness costs him projects — offers a rare unfiltered view of how music is made, and sometimes unmade, in mainstream Hindi cinema.
Point of View
Not a creative decision. The insider-versus-outsider debate in Bollywood tends to focus on actors; composers rarely enter it this openly. His admission that standing firm means fewer projects is a data point the industry rarely volunteers. Whether it shifts how collaborations are structured is another question entirely.
NationPress
17 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Amaal Mallik say about creative differences in Bollywood?
Amaal Mallik said he never backs away from creative disagreements but avoids labelling the other person as wrong. He said filmmakers with large egos tend to remove him from projects, while those with open minds continue working with him — and he considers both outcomes acceptable.
What is Amaal Mallik's connection to Awarapan 2?
Amaal Mallik composed the song 'Yeh Awarapan' for 'Awarapan 2', the sequel to the 2007 Emraan Hashmi film. The sequel is currently running in cinemas, with Hashmi reprising his role as Shivam Pandit.
How did Amaal Mallik respond to claims that industry insiders have an easier path?
Mallik pushed back on the insider privilege narrative, pointing out that connections within the industry also lead to composers being dropped from films. He said two or three people can call and have a composer removed just as easily as they can bring one in.
What was the original Awarapan film, and why is it significant?
'Awarapan' was a 2007 film starring Emraan Hashmi that underperformed at the box office on release but later gained a loyal following and cult status, largely due to its music and Hashmi's performance. 'Awarapan 2' continues that story.
Why does Amaal Mallik say he risks fewer projects by speaking his mind?
Mallik acknowledged that prioritising artistic integrity over industry relationships means less work and more professional friction. He said it is more important to make good music than to protect his project count, even if that stance costs him opportunities.
