Amaal Mallik on fearlessness: 'I'm not doing it for show-off'
Synopsis
Amaal Mallik says his outspokenness on artistes' rights is not a trend or a pose — it is simply who he is. Promoting 'Awarapan 2' in Mumbai, the composer who debuted at 23 made clear he refuses to measure himself against any industry peer, senior or junior. With the film dropping on 14 August 2026, all eyes are on whether his score can echo the cult magic of the original.
Key Takeaways
Amaal Mallik spoke about his fearless attitude during promotions of 'Awarapan 2' in Mumbai .
He composed 'Yeh Awarapan' for the film and says his outspokenness is rooted in conviction, not image-building.
Mallik made his debut at age 23 and says quality work is what makes a composer fearless.
He declined to place himself at the level of any senior or junior composer, saying he operates outside those hierarchies. 'Awarapan 2' stars Emraan Hashmi reprising his role as Shivam Pandit and releases on 14 August 2026 .
The original 'Awarapan' (2007) was initially a box-office disappointment but later attained cult status for its music and Hashmi's performance.
Music composer Amaal Mallik has opened up about his reputation for speaking out on artistes' rights, saying his fearless approach is rooted in conviction rather than image-building. The composer was speaking during promotional activities for 'Awarapan 2' at the BKC area of Mumbai.
In His Own Words
Mallik, who composed the track 'Yeh Awarapan' for the upcoming film, was candid about his self-image in the industry. 'I think I am only fearless. I have not balanced anything. I am a vagabond. There is no principle. I'm not fearless just for show-off,' he said.
He pushed back on the idea that outspokenness is becoming a calculated trend among musicians. 'I don't think it will be a trend,' he said, adding, 'I am the youngest musician of this era. I was 23 when I made my debut. Everyone has done a good job. I think I have also done a good job, which is why people have remembered it. When you could do a good job, you automatically become fearless.'
Where He Places Himself in the Industry
Mallik was equally direct about how he views his standing relative to peers and seniors. 'There is a system where 15–20 composers come. There are some seniors, who are not a part of this system, they are in a separate league. I don't say that I consider myself at the level of seniors or at the level of juniors. I don't consider myself at anyone's level,' he said.
The statement reflects a recurring theme in Mallik's public persona — an insistence on charting his own course rather than positioning himself within industry hierarchies.
About Awarapan 2
'Awarapan 2' is a sequel to the 2007 film 'Awarapan', which was initially deemed a box-office disappointment but went on to develop a devoted cult following, largely driven by its music and Emraan Hashmi's performance. Hashmi reprises his role of Shivam Pandit in the sequel.
The film is scheduled to release on 14 August 2026, with Mallik's composition 'Yeh Awarapan' already generating anticipation among fans of the original.
What to Watch
With 'Awarapan 2' arriving on Independence Day weekend, it faces a competitive release window. Whether Mallik's score can replicate the emotional resonance of the original's cult soundtrack will be closely watched by both the music industry and the film's fanbase.
Point of View
Or remains a personal philosophy without structural backing, is the more interesting question. 'Awarapan 2' is a useful test case: a cult-IP revival where the composer's contribution is, unusually, part of the marketing conversation.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Amaal Mallik say about his fearless attitude?
Amaal Mallik said his fearlessness is genuine and not performative, stating 'I'm not fearless just for show-off.' He linked it to doing quality work, saying that when a musician delivers good work, fearlessness follows naturally.
What is 'Awarapan 2' and when does it release?
'Awarapan 2' is a sequel to the 2007 Bollywood film 'Awarapan', with Emraan Hashmi reprising his role as Shivam Pandit. It is scheduled to release on 14 August 2026.
What song has Amaal Mallik composed for 'Awarapan 2'?
Amaal Mallik has composed 'Yeh Awarapan' for 'Awarapan 2'. The track is part of the film's promotional campaign and is expected to carry forward the musical legacy of the original.
How does Amaal Mallik view his place among Bollywood composers?
Mallik says he does not measure himself against seniors or juniors in the industry, stating he does not consider himself at anyone's level. He describes himself as operating outside the conventional system of 15–20 composers who compete within the same space.
Why did the original 'Awarapan' become a cult film?
The original 'Awarapan' (2007) was considered a box-office flop on release but gained a loyal following over the years, primarily due to its music and Emraan Hashmi's performance, eventually achieving cult status.
