Amaal Mallik has opened up about a long-running issue surrounding song credits in the Bollywood music industry, revealing why his father, veteran music director Daboo Malik, chose to remain silent for around 15 years.
The composer recently spoke publicly about the issue after a credit-related dispute involving his song Main Hoon Hero Tera resurfaced online. Amaal said that he had spent years attempting to resolve such concerns privately before deciding to speak publicly.
According to Amaal, his father also chose not to raise the matter for years because he wanted to maintain professional relationships within the film industry.
Why Did Daboo Malik Stay Silent for 15 Years?
Amaal Mallik explained that Daboo Malik's silence was a conscious decision. He said his father remained quiet “out of dignity, respect and consideration” for his relationships in the industry.
Amaal questioned why people were focusing on the fact that his father had spoken about the issue only now, rather than asking what had led him to break his long silence.
According to Amaal, Daboo eventually decided to speak because he felt that the situation had gone too far.
The revelation has brought attention to the broader issue of how music creators are credited for their work in the Hindi film industry.
Amaal Mallik Says He Tried to Resolve the Matter Privately
Amaal stressed that his public comments were not his first attempt to address concerns about credits.
He said that over the past decade, he had approached music labels, production houses, actors and other people involved in various projects, requesting that the correct credits and metadata be added to streaming platforms.
According to the composer, those private efforts did not always result in the changes he was seeking.
Amaal said he ultimately decided to speak publicly after repeatedly failing to get what he described as basic recognition for his work.
Main Hoon Hero Tera Credit Row
The latest issue resurfaced around Main Hoon Hero Tera, the title track from Salman Khan's 2015 film Hero.
The song was composed by Amaal Mallik, with lyrics by Kumaar. Amaal's brother Armaan Malik initially sang the track, while Salman Khan later recorded and performed his own version.
The controversy returned after Salman Khan Films shared a social media post marking 11 years of the song. Amaal pointed out that the post did not initially mention him as the composer.
He questioned why the people who created the song were not being properly acknowledged while the track was being celebrated.
Amaal Says It Is About Credit, Not Controversy
Amaal has repeatedly maintained that he does not want the issue to be framed simply as a celebrity controversy.
For him, the matter is about due credit, authorship and accountability. He has argued that composers and lyricists contribute significantly to a song and should receive recognition whenever their work is discussed or promoted.
The composer also said that the problem is not limited to one song and that several of his credits have remained incomplete on streaming platforms.
The issue has therefore developed into a wider conversation about proper attribution in the music industry.
Amaal Mallik Recalls M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story
Amaal also recalled facing a similar situation earlier in his career.
He mentioned M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, which featured his first solo soundtrack, and said that he had to fight for credit for songs he had composed for the 2016 film.
By bringing up the experience, Amaal suggested that his concerns about recognition have continued throughout his career rather than emerging only because of the latest dispute.
He has described the decade between 2016 and 2026 as a period during which he continued to seek proper acknowledgment for his work.
What Happened After Salman Khan Films’ Post?
After Salman Khan Films shared the anniversary post for Main Hoon Hero Tera, Amaal commented on the post and questioned the missing credits.
He also asked the account managing the post not to delete his comment, saying that he wanted Salman Khan to see his message.
The incident subsequently generated discussion on social media, with Amaal explaining that he had tried to address the matter privately before making his concerns public.
Amaal Mallik’s Fight for Music Creators’ Recognition
Amaal's latest statements have shifted attention towards the importance of accurate music credits in the digital era.
With songs available across multiple streaming platforms, composer, lyricist and singer metadata can determine how creators are identified and recognised by audiences. Amaal's comments highlight his demand that such information should accurately reflect the people responsible for creating a song.
For now, the Main Hoon Hero Tera credit issue has brought Amaal and Daboo Malik's long-standing concerns back into the spotlight.
Amaal has made it clear that his decision to speak publicly came after years of private efforts, while his father’s 15-year silence, according to Amaal, was driven by a desire to preserve dignity and professional relationships.
Click here for the latest news from Bollywood, Hollywood, South Film Industry, Bhojpuri and TV world… Click here to join the Facebook Page, Twitter Page, YouTube page, and Instagram of Bollywood Mascot!
Leave a Comment