‘People can say…': Armaan Malik says his bond with brother Amaal is ‘solid' even after the latter stepped back from family; balancing mental health and boundaries

Indian Express

23-05-2025

Armaan and Amaal Malik have long been admired for their deep musical synergy and brotherly bond. Known for their collaboration on several soulful tracks, the duo seemed inseparable — professionally and personally.
But in March 2025, Amaal's emotional Instagram post left fans stunned. He shared that he had been diagnosed with clinical depression and was stepping back from personal ties with his family. In that same post, he wrote, 'From now on, my interactions with my family will be strictly professional. This isn't a decision made in anger but one born from the necessity to heal and reclaim my life.' He also acknowledged the impact this had on his relationship with his younger brother, writing, 'Yes, I have only myself to blame for my actions, but my self-worth has been diminished countless times by the actions of near and dear ones who stole pieces of my soul.'
Though he later deleted the post and urged people not to harass his parents, fans continued to speculate about the brothers' bond. Armaan Malik finally broke his silence recently, reaffirming the strength of their connection. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he said, 'Our bond is and will always be the same,' adding, 'People can say what they want, but I know what I share with my brother. We're solid. It (BB) is composed by Amaal, and I've sung it. We're looking at releasing it in about a month,' revealing that the brothers are continuing their collaboration in music.
Neha Parashar, clinical psychologist, Mindtalk, tells indianexpress.com, 'When a family member chooses to set boundaries for their mental well-being, it can be emotionally complex for everyone involved, especially siblings who may maintain close ties with the same family. In such cases, the most supportive thing a sibling can do is validate their loved one's need for space without trying to 'fix' the situation.'
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She adds that it's important for the sibling to recognise that love can exist alongside distance. Emotional neutrality and active listening become crucial, acknowledging the sibling's experience without immediately drawing comparisons or trying to mediate. Each person's relationship with family is unique, and honoring those individual journeys, even if they diverge, helps maintain mutual respect.
Emotional reassurance is vital, Parashar says, especially during times of familial discord. Armaan's statement reflects something deeply protective, an affirmation that their bond is intact, even when the broader family dynamics are in flux.
'Such reassurance serves as an emotional anchor. It reinforces trust, counters feelings of isolation, and creates a safe psychological space within the relationship. In many cases, when external narratives or judgments threaten to define one's reality, this kind of unwavering loyalty becomes both grounding and healing,' states the expert.
Parashar suggests, 'Families can protect themselves by setting internal ground rules, choosing not to respond to rumors, limiting social media exposure, and designating safe spaces for emotional expression. It also helps to have a united front rooted in empathy rather than defense, supporting the individual without needing to constantly clarify or justify their choices publicly.
Therapy or family counselling can be instrumental during these times, not just for the individual, but for the entire support system. Healing often requires boundaries not just within the family, but also between the family and the outside world.'