Anu Malik, who turned 47 this month, has often been accused of adopting and plagiarising songs. But the composer is now stepping into a new groove. He has done a Hindi version of the chart-busting track 'World, Hold On' by Bob Sinclar entitled 'Ruba Dilruba World Hold On' for Apoorva Lakhia’s Mission Istanbul. Instead of simply ‘stealing’ the tune, Anu has acquired the copyright for it.

He reasons, “It’s better, no? Nowadays, every composer is picking up songs off the computer arbitrarily. Ironically, people are now congratulating me for my originality! Earlier, I just couldn’t hear the accusations about how I was inspired by this and that source. Today, when Lataji says my title track of Main Hoon Naa stands out or when Ashaji congratulates me for Chura Ke Dil Mera, I feel vindicated.”

New voice

Anu has found a new female vocalist to inspire him. “Earlier, I never paid attention to her voice. But today, Mahalaxmi Iyer’s vocal flexibility has bowled me over. I’ve three female vocalists whom I rely on Sunidhi Chauhan, Maha-laxmi and my daughter Anmol. With them, I’m ready to conquer the world again.”

He adds, “I am at a juncture in my career where I need to re-examine my career. Earlier, I’d agree to do things I didn’t believe in. But now I have become extremely quality conscious. My work in Harry Baweja’s Love Story 2050 and Mission Istanbul is unlike anything I’ve done.”