‘She was giving constant feedback while I was composing songs’: Anu Malik talks about his first collaboration with Hema Malini in ‘Maarg’
Music composer and singer Anu Malik spoke about his early career journey and his first association with veteran actress and politician Hema Malini during the film ‘Maarg’. He pointed out that the project represents the beginning of a meaningful creative connection that will continue in subsequent years.
Anu Malik for his ongoing partnership and ‘Awarji ‘
Anu Malik shared in an interview with IANS that their collaboration did not end with ‘Maarg’, as they later worked together in ‘Awaargi’, a film produced by Hema Malini herself. He noted that the experience allowed him to engage more closely with her vision as a producer while shaping the film’s musical identity.
Creative feedback from Hema Malini
Speaking about his work experience, the composer highlighted how involved Hema Malini was during the music making process and how her feedback influenced his work.
He said, “My first association with Hema ji was in the film Maarg. Then we did the song Awaargi together, which was produced by Hema ji again. She inspired me a lot. She used to give constant feedback while I was composing the songs.” He also stated that her appreciation for his work in “Ek Chadar Maili Si” remained a memorable moment in his career.
Malik added his great personal admiration, saying: “There will be nothing more beautiful than Hema Malini.”
Memories with Dharmendra and Sunny Deol
Anu Malik also spoke about his long association with the Deol family, describing the warm bond with Dharmendra and Sunny Deol over the years. He noted that his association with Sunny Deol also extended to professional collaboration in cinema. He said, “I have always enjoyed a very homely relationship with Dharam ji (Dharmendra). I have been very close to Sunny (Deol). I even provided music for his second film, ‘Sohni Mahiwal’.”
“Sharing deeper personal memories, Anu Malik spoke about Dharmendra’s fondness for his compositions and the casual relationship they shared. He recalled how the veteran performer appreciated both lively and rhythmic musical scores, and how their interactions often extended beyond professional spaces. “Dharam ji was very fond of my music. In fact, I once came up with a fun number, ‘Pal Na Mane Tinku Jiya’, and Dharam ji, who was very happy, loved that song,” he added.
He also liked my outrageous numbers. He treated me like a family member, so we used to meet often.”Anu Malik’s previous full-length musical work is the romantic drama film ‘Tu Meri Poori Kahani’.