Amaal Mallik Opens Up About Bollywood Politics, Threats and Lost Projects

Singer-composer Amaal Mallik has alleged that influential figures in Bollywood and the music industry pushed him out of more than 60 projects over the past several years. In a detailed Instagram note shared with fans, the composer claimed that “powerful” people within the industry had sidelined him and created obstacles for his work in films.

Addressing his followers, Amaal wrote that between 2019 and 2026, he was removed from “more than 60 odd projects,” while also turning down around 20 films on his own terms. He said he refused to work in setups where he could not “respect” himself as a musician.

“My Dear #AMAALIANS, 2019 to 2026, the big boys in powerful positions have got me out of more than 60 odd projects. 20 films toh maine khud hi mana kar diye, as it was beneath me to work in those setups,” he wrote.

Amaal added that despite professional setbacks, he continued creating music and videos independently for his audience. He apologised to fans for hearing less of his music in films and said the situation had affected his visibility in mainstream cinema.

The composer also claimed that speaking openly about the workings of the industry had led to “pointless threats” directed at him and his family. Without naming individuals or companies, he alleged that a “mixed syndicate of egoistic humans” within the industry had worked against him for years.

“There are some very powerful sets of people that don’t want me to be part of their films or any film, for a matter of fact, and it’s not just LABELS, it’s beyond that,” he wrote.

‘Even the nepotism isn’t working’

Amaal, the son of composer Daboo Malik and nephew of Anu Malik, also referenced nepotism in the industry, saying family connections had not helped his career progression.

“I can’t be part of a clout, a power setup, or be part of petty groupism. Even the NEPOTISM isn’t working,” he wrote.

While urging listeners to support his independent music releases.

The composer stopped short of naming the people he accused, but alleged that “award-worthy politics” had been affecting his career for nearly eight years.

Earlier comments on music labels and Bollywood

This is not the first time Amaal has spoken publicly about industry practices. In an earlier interview with Pinkvilla, he criticised music labels over revenue sharing and pay disparity in Bollywood music.

Referring to the song “Sooraj Dooba Hai” from Roy, Amaal claimed the track earned significant revenue for the label while he received little beyond publishing rights.

He also compared the compensation of Hindi music composers with South Indian composers, citing artists such as A. R. Rahman as examples of musicians who retained stronger negotiating positions.

In another interview with Mirchi Plus in 2025, Amaal spoke about what he described as the changing public perception of Bollywood following the death of Sushant Singh Rajput. He said audiences had become disillusioned with the industry and viewed it as a “dark place.”

Amaal Mallik’s career and recent work

Amaal Mallik made his Bollywood debut as a composer with Jai Ho starring Salman Khan. He gained wider recognition with songs from films including Hero, Airlift, Kapoor & Sons, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Kabir Singh and Vedaa.

Alongside film music, Amaal has continued releasing independent tracks. His latest independent song, “Yahin Guzaar Doon,” featuring Farrhana Bhatt, was released on Valentine’s Day 2026.