Anu Malik on three films with Hema Malini: 'Memories close to my heart'
Synopsis
Anu Malik's Instagram tribute to Hema Malini after a recent felicitation doubles as a rare public window into three decades of Bollywood collaboration — spanning the 1986 literary adaptation Ek Chadar Maili Si to Mahesh Bhatt's 1992 drama Maarg. For a composer best known for chartbusters, it is a reminder of the quieter, more textured work that shaped his career.
Key Takeaways
Anu Malik was felicitated by Hema Malini and shared his gratitude on Instagram .
Malik worked with Hema Malini in three films : Maarg (1992), Aawargi , and Ek Chadar Maili Si (1986).
Maarg (1992) was directed by Mahesh Bhatt and also starred Vinod Khanna and Dimple Kapadia .
Ek Chadar Maili Si (1986) was adapted from Rajinder Singh Bedi 's Urdu novella, directed by Sukhwant Dhadda .
Malik is known for hits including 'Baazigar O Baazigar', 'Mere Humsafar', and 'Tumhe Jo Maine Dekha'.
Music composer Anu Malik has expressed deep gratitude after being felicitated by veteran actress and politician Hema Malini, using the occasion to recall their creative collaboration across three films spanning nearly a decade of Hindi cinema.
The Felicitation and Malik's Response
Malik shared a series of photographs on Instagram showing him receiving the award from Hema Malini, describing the moment as an 'honour.' In his post, he wrote: 'What an honour it is to be felicitated by the one and only, the legendary Hema Malini Ji.'
He went on to add: 'I also had the privilege of working with her in three films...MARG, Aawargi, and Ek Chadar Maili Si. Those memories will always remain close to my heart. Thank you so much, Hema Ji, for your grace, your kindness, and everything you've given to Indian cinema. It truly means the world to me. Forever grateful.'
The Films They Shared
Maarg, released in 1992 and directed by Mahesh Bhatt, featured Vinod Khanna, Hema Malini, and Dimple Kapadia in lead roles. The film centres on a romantic arc between Aarti, a devout woman, and Suraj, a reformed criminal seeking redemption.
Ek Chadar Maili Si, released in 1986 and directed by Sukhwant Dhadda, is an adaptation of Rajinder Singh Bedi's celebrated Urdu novella of the same name. The film starred Hema Malini, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rishi Kapoor, and Poonam Dhillon, and was shot across village Jandiala, Nurmahal railway station in Punjab, and locations near Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. The story follows Rani, whose life is upended after her husband Trilok is killed and she is compelled to marry her brother-in-law.
Anu Malik's Legacy in Hindi Film Music
Malik is widely recognised for a string of commercially successful compositions, including 'Woh Ladki Jo' and 'Hum Toh Deewane' from Baadshah, 'Tumhe Jo Maine Dekha' from Main Hoon Na, 'Taal Pe Jab' and 'Mere Humsafar' from Refugee, 'Eli Re Eli' from Yaadein, and 'Baazigar O Baazigar' from Baazigar.
Notably, the felicitation underscores the enduring bonds forged on film sets across generations — a reminder that Bollywood's collaborative memory often outlasts individual box-office verdicts. The event adds another chapter to Hema Malini's long record of recognising contributions to Indian cinema in her public role.
Point of View
A formative stretch when he was building his compositional identity alongside serious literary adaptations like Ek Chadar Maili Si. That the acknowledgement comes from Hema Malini, who straddles both cinema legend and active political life, gives it a cultural weight beyond routine award-circuit courtesy. It is also a quiet corrective to the tendency to reduce Malik's career to its chartbuster phase alone.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which three films did Anu Malik work on with Hema Malini?
Anu Malik worked with Hema Malini in three films: Maarg (1992), Aawargi, and Ek Chadar Maili Si (1986). He mentioned all three in an Instagram post after being felicitated by her.
What is Ek Chadar Maili Si about?
Ek Chadar Maili Si (1986), directed by Sukhwant Dhadda, is an adaptation of Rajinder Singh Bedi's Urdu novella. It follows Rani, whose life changes drastically after her husband Trilok is killed and she is forced to marry her brother-in-law. The film starred Hema Malini, Rishi Kapoor, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Poonam Dhillon.
Who directed the 1992 film Maarg?
Maarg (1992) was directed by Mahesh Bhatt and starred Vinod Khanna, Hema Malini, and Dimple Kapadia. The film presents a romantic story between a devout woman and a reformed criminal seeking redemption.
What is Anu Malik known for in Hindi film music?
Anu Malik is known for composing popular songs such as 'Baazigar O Baazigar' from Baazigar, 'Mere Humsafar' and 'Taal Pe Jab' from Refugee, 'Tumhe Jo Maine Dekha' from Main Hoon Na, and 'Eli Re Eli' from Yaadein, among others.
Where did Anu Malik share his tribute to Hema Malini?
Anu Malik shared a series of photographs and a written tribute on Instagram after receiving an award from Hema Malini, calling the felicitation an 'honour' and expressing lifelong gratitude for her contributions to Indian cinema.
