Music composer Daboo Malik has opened up about the emotional turmoil his family endured when his elder brother, celebrated Bollywood composer Anu Malik, faced sexual harassment allegations during India's MeToo movement in 2018.
In a candid interview with journalist Vickey Lalwani, Daboo admitted the period "shattered" the entire family. "We couldn't handle the pain he went through at the time with so many people targeting him," he shared. "We supported him emotionally and saw to it that he got back in terms of work and meetings."
The allegations came as a shock to the family, particularly affecting their elderly parents who were in their 80s at the time. "They couldn't understand what was happening," Daboo revealed, describing how the controversy left his parents bewildered and emotionally unsettled.
In October 2018, multiple women accused Anu Malik of sexual harassment as India's MeToo movement gained momentum. Singer Shweta Pandit claimed Malik made unwanted advances when she was just 15 years old. Other prominent singers including Sona Mohapatra, Neha Bhasin, and Alisha Chinai also leveled allegations against the composer.
The public backlash was swift and severe. Anu Malik was forced to step down as a judge from Indian Idol Season 10. Though he briefly returned for Season 11 in 2019, he resigned again, citing his inability to concentrate on work amid ongoing scrutiny.
Daboo emphasized that as a family, they chose not to pass judgment on his brother. "When you see someone going through so much, it was quite a setback for him," he explained. "I have supported him on an individual level because witnessing a loved one suffer was reason enough to offer support."
When asked about facing public criticism, Daboo downplayed the family's celebrity status. "We are musicians, not superstars like Shah Rukh Khan," he noted. "Unnecessarily, we keep talking about someone on social media and end up giving them a position. I don't think we are that important to even have this conversation."
In January 2020, the National Commission for Women closed the case against Anu Malik, citing insufficient evidence. However, the commission stated it could be reopened if new information emerged. Throughout the ordeal, Anu Malik consistently denied all allegations.
This isn't the first time Daboo has spoken about family struggles. Earlier, he revealed how Anu's meteoric rise to fame created distance within the family, with their parents continuing to live in their small house while never being invited to share in his success.
The MeToo revelations add another layer to the complex family dynamics of one of Bollywood's most successful music composers. While Anu Malik's professional reputation took a significant hit, his family's unwavering support during the crisis highlights the personal cost of public scandals on entire families, not just the individuals involved.
The case remains a reminder of how the MeToo movement impacted the entertainment industry, forcing conversations about accountability while also affecting the lives of those connected to the accused.
