Anu Malik steps into theatre with Anupam Kher’s play, Calls it his most exciting challenge yet

Anu Malik is stepping into a new creative space after decades in the music industry. New reports say that the veteran composer is making his theatre debut after 45 years of working in films.Known for composing music for over 240 films, Malik is now exploring stage as a medium.

and the composer seems excited about this new journey and the challenges it brings.

Collaboration with Anupam Kher

Anu Malik is composing music for the stage play Jaane Pehchaane Anjane which is presented by Anupam Kher and Swaroop Sampat, and is written and directed by Gajendra Ahire.Speaking about working with Anupam Kher again after years, he tol The Free Press Journal, “It feels very, very good, as I respect Anupam-ji not just as a filmmaker but also as an actor and above all as a human being, and he approached me.

I have never done a stage play before, but when I heard the script, I was bowled over. It is one of the most emotional plays I have ever come across. He also asked me if I could do it as he thought that I was the right man for the job, so I took it up as a challenge! And something new is always exciting.

Besides, Anupam himself is an inspiration in the way he works on his music and performances."

Music for stage brings new challenges

Talking about composing for theatre, Anu Malik highlighted the differences from film music, “Music is music, it is creation, and stage as a medium is a bigger challenge as those who are watching the play and hearing your song should be interested in what you have done.

In a play, the crowd is right there, watching it. If your song is not melodic it will not hold them. In films, there is choreography, there are great sets or locations, and sometimes there is action also going on during a song to also crave for attention.

Over here, it is only the song, minus any props, that has to stay back and linger in the heart of a viewer. There are no second chances! Either a song is good, or not good. I have to ensure that you will hum the melody after it is over."He also spoke about what the project demanded creatively, “I feel he wanted something very melodic that can take the play forward in terms of music and also in creativity. And the fact that he gave me the respect and approached me made a major difference, because a man of his level of talent wanted someone like me, who he thought had the talent. I felt very nice when he said such beautiful words."

Reinvention after decades in industry

Reflecting on his journey, Anu Malik emphasised the importance of evolving with time.

He said, “I am grateful to God for everything. I have never taken it easy. One has to change—and keep changing—with time. There are so many composers who have taken a backseat. But I believe that one must keep fighting and reinventing! This is new-age cinema now, and the world keeps changing. I must keep respecting these changes and the change-makers.

I must be right there at the forefront understanding what all is happening and also making a mark."

Strong musical team

The play features four songs, including one extended composition. Anu Malik has collaborated with lyricist Kausar Munir for the project. The songs are rendered by popular singers Shaan,

Sukhwinder Singh

, and Anandi Joshi.