Kumar Sanu recalls studio fights with Anu Malik during 90s recordings
Synopsis
A resurfaced clip from Kapil Sharma's show has Kumar Sanu recounting how Anu Malik walked out mid-session calling his take 'disgusting' — only to call back seven hours later with glowing praise. The anecdote is a rare window into the high-pressure, high-reward creative dynamic behind some of Bollywood's most beloved 1990s tracks.
Key Takeaways
Kumar Sanu recalled frequent arguments with Anu Malik during recording sessions in the 1990s .
In one session, Malik called Sanu's take 'disgusting' and walked out of the studio without explanation.
Anu Malik called Sanu at 11:00 pm — nearly 7-8 hours later — to say he had performed 'exceptionally well.' Their collaborations include cult classics like 'Baazigar' , 'Tere Dar Par Sanam' , and 'Chura Ke Dil Mera' .
Kumar Sanu and daughter Shannon K recently performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London .
Veteran playback singer Kumar Sanu once offered a candid glimpse into the turbulent yet productive dynamic he shared with music composer Anu Malik during their celebrated collaborations in the 1990s. A resurfaced clip from Kapil Sharma's comedy show has reignited nostalgia for that golden era of Hindi film music, with Sanu recounting how their recording sessions were rarely without friction.
The Studio Standoff
In the clip, Kumar Sanu described his approach to recording: 'I have a habit that I try to give 100 percent the first time.' After his very first take, he recalled Anu Malik responding with sharp criticism — 'Disgusting! What's wrong with you, Sanu? You are not in tune. Learn it once.' Sanu, unfazed, attempted another take. Without a word, Malik got up and walked out of the studio, leaving Sanu standing at the microphone.
The Late-Night Verdict
The recordist eventually signalled that the session was over, and Sanu headed home. At 11:00 pm, his phone rang. It was Anu Malik, who greeted him with his personal nickname for the singer — 'Bondka.' The composer's message was a complete reversal: 'You performed exceptionally well today.' As Sanu noted, it took seven to eight hours to receive that reaction. The anecdote captures a creative process driven by high standards, delayed validation, and an unconventional working chemistry.
A Partnership That Defined an Era
The creative tension between Kumar Sanu and Anu Malik did not hinder their output — it arguably fuelled it. Together, they delivered some of the most enduring tracks of Hindi cinema's 1990s golden run, including the 'Baazigar' title track, 'Tere Dar Par Sanam', and 'Chura Ke Dil Mera', all of which retain a cult following decades later. Their collaborations remain a benchmark for melodic composition and vocal delivery in Bollywood.
Kumar Sanu Today
Kumar Sanu continues to perform on international stages. Most recently, he and his daughter Shannon K performed together at a grand live symphony orchestra concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London, underscoring his enduring global appeal among Indian music lovers.
Point of View
Abrasive as it appears, may have been a deliberate pressure technique that extracted peak performances. What mainstream coverage misses is how rare this kind of intense, unfiltered composer-singer dynamic is in today's largely remote, click-track-driven recording culture. The 1990s produced an outsized share of evergreen Hindi film music, and anecdotes like this suggest the process was as unconventional as the output was exceptional.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kumar Sanu say about recording with Anu Malik?
Kumar Sanu recalled that there were arguments during almost every recording session with Anu Malik. In one instance, Malik criticised his take as 'disgusting,' walked out of the studio, and only called back seven to eight hours later to say Sanu had performed 'exceptionally well.'
Where did the Kumar Sanu and Anu Malik studio story resurface?
The anecdote resurfaced through a clip from Kapil Sharma's comedy show, which began circulating again on the internet. In the clip, Sanu recounts the incident in his own words.
What songs did Kumar Sanu and Anu Malik collaborate on?
Kumar Sanu and Anu Malik collaborated on several iconic 1990s Bollywood tracks, including the 'Baazigar' title track, 'Tere Dar Par Sanam,' and 'Chura Ke Dil Mera,' all of which have retained a cult following.
What has Kumar Sanu been doing recently?
Kumar Sanu recently performed alongside his daughter Shannon K at a live symphony orchestra concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London, highlighting his continued relevance on the international stage.
Why did Anu Malik walk out of the recording session?
According to Kumar Sanu's account, Anu Malik walked out after a take without giving any immediate feedback. He later called Sanu at 11:00 pm to praise the performance, suggesting the walkout was part of his unconventional creative process rather than dissatisfaction.
