His dream project cancelled because of Amitabh Bachchan's bankruptcy, he took financial help from Raju Srivastav: ‘I had nothing for my children'

Indian Express

2 days ago

Music composer Daboo Malik, now widely recognised as the father of singers Amaal Mallik and Armaan Malik, once dreamt of being an actor. In the early days of his career, long before becoming a respected figure in the music industry, he wrote a script inspired by the life of his brother, renowned composer Anu Malik. In a recently released episode on his YouTube channel, Daboo opened up about that time, revealing how he pitched the film to none other than Jaya Bachchan, who took it to her husband Amitabh Bachchan's ABCL production house.
'There was a point in my life when I wrote a script, Gayak, with my own hands. It was a big effort on my part, and I was determined to narrate the story myself. The film was based on the journey of my father and my brother Anu Malik, a story of a father and son, which I had closely witnessed. I submitted the script at ABCL, and Jaya ji liked it. Through the company, the film was greenlit, and we shot nearly 70–80% of it.'
However, fate had other plans. Just when he seemed on the cusp of realising his acting dream, the project came to an abrupt halt. 'ABCL collapsed. And with it, the dream of making Gayak remained unfinished.' Daboo went on to share how the sudden derailment of such a personal project took a massive toll on his mental health. 'I couldn't handle it. I had two children to think about, their future to secure. And the strange part is, despite coming from such a successful family, I had nothing. I was the brother of a prominent and successful music composer, but I had nothing at home for my children.'
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He then recounted a deeply emotional and inspiring anecdote involving the late comedian Raju Srivastav, whom Daboo once helped during his early years in Mumbai. 'The person who supported me the most during that time was comedian-anchor Raju Srivastav. He made me feel that whatever I needed, he was there. He told me, 'Sit with me, I'll help you buy a house.' By then, he had become quite successful.' Daboo then reflected on their earlier encounter, years before Raju's fame.
'About 20–25 years ago, when Raju was still struggling, he came to meet me before leaving Mumbai. He said, 'Daboo ji, please give me some money, I want to return to my village. I don't think anything will happen for me here.' I hugged him and said, 'Take whatever money I have, and every month, I'll send you more. But don't leave the city.' This is a true story. And the result? Years later, when he became a superstar and I was looking for a house for my family, that same man came back into my life and said, 'I will make sure you never lack anything.' I will always be grateful to Raju Srivastav.'
From this first house, Daboo started a new chapter of his life and ventured into music composition, steadily beginning to carve his own niche before admitting defeat once again and passing the baton to his children.