Music composer Amaal Mallik has spent the last week defending his song ‘Yeh Awarapan’ from Emraan Hashmi’s film ‘Awarapan 2.’ The track, sung by Arijit Singh, has triggered a public back and forth between Mallik and unnamed sections of the film and music industry. Here is what happened, step by step.
The song and the film
‘Awarapan 2’ stars Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani. Nitin Kakkar directed it. The film continues the story of Shivam Pandit from the original 2007 film. It released in theatres on August 14, 2026.
Amaal Mallik composed the title track ‘Yeh Awarapan’ for this sequel. Arijit Singh sang the song. The original 2007 ‘Awarapan’ had its own iconic soundtrack, most famously ‘Tera Mera Rishta’ sung by Mustafa Zahid. That 2007 film flopped at the box office but later became a cult favorite. Its music is still remembered fondly by fans.
Why fans reacted negatively
Once ‘Yeh Awarapan’ dropped, listeners began comparing it to the original soundtrack. Many felt the new song did not match the emotional weight of Mustafa Zahid’s version. Social media saw mixed reactions, with some praising the track and others calling it a weak follow-up to a beloved original.
Amaal Mallik’s first response
Amaal addressed the comparisons directly on social media. He said comparison is the killer of happiness. He added that nobody could recreate what Mustafa Zahid did, and that his team did not wish to touch or spoil that legacy. He asked listeners to feel the song rather than judge it against the old one. He also thanked fans for their response to what he called a melody close to his heart.
Amaal accuses the industry of a paid PR campaign
The situation escalated when Amaal alleged something bigger than fan criticism. He claimed that certain sections of the film industry ran a coordinated paid PR campaign to damage the song and the film before release. He did not name any individual or company.
The ‘dangerous dad’ post
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On August 26, Amaal posted a longer note on Instagram aimed at what he called the music and film industry. He wrote that he was not in a race with anyone and never needed marketing budgets to build his identity. He called his songs his babies and said he was a dangerous dad protecting them. He criticised what he described as rampant use of paid engagement, corporate bookings, and bought views to fake success. He ended the post thanking fans for both love and hate, saying neither could touch his legacy.
In a follow-up story, Amaal made a distinction. He wrote that criticism is different from manufactured hate. This suggested he was not against genuine feedback on the song, only against what he saw as organized negativity.
Announcing break from film music
On August 27, Amaal announced on X that he was stepping away from film music. He wrote that he needed a break for his mind, body, soul, and physical healing. He said he would not compose for films until next year. He clarified that older unreleased songs from smaller budget films would still come out if those films release. He asked fans not to keep asking him about his decision and said he would return when ready.
I am all good & I will go all the way in, this time, to do what is best for me & only do what is important to my heart & for my health.
Need a break for my mind, body, soul and overall physical healing.
Need to rise, recuperate and bounce back soon with a heart full of melodies… pic.twitter.com/nSk0QioC05
— Amaal Mallik (@AmaalMallik) August 27, 2026
His father steps in
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Daboo Malik, Amaal’s father and also a composer, publicly backed his son. He shared an emotional message referencing the messages sent, calls made, and negativity spread against Amaal, saying magic happened against the odds anyway. Daboo also congratulated the ‘Awarapan 2’ team, including director Nitin Kakkar and Emraan Hashmi, and spoke about how meaningful the project was for Amaal, who had dedicated the song to his father’s musical journey during a live Instagram session.
Background context
This is not Amaal’s first public airing of industry or family friction. In March 2025, he had posted about cutting personal ties with his parents, citing emotional distance and comparisons with his brother Armaan Malik, a singer. He later deleted that post and reconciled with his family during Armaan’s wedding to Aashna Shroff. Amaal has also spoken previously about dealing with clinical depression.
He was also a contestant on Bigg Boss 19, where he finished as the fourth runner-up in December 2025.
- Amaal Mallik
