Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 31: Composer Daboo Malik has penned an emotional message for his son and music composer Amaal Mallik following the release of Awarapan 2 and the controversy surrounding its music.

Celebrating the film's box-office and musical success, Daboo described himself as a "Proud Father" while reflecting on the challenges Amaal faced during the project. In an Instagram post, he addressed the negativity and criticism surrounding the film's music and his son's work.

"Messages were sent, Calls were made, Negativity was spread, Judgements were passed... But sometimes the magic happens against all odds..." Daboo wrote.

He congratulated the team behind Awarapan 2, including Vishesh Bhatt, Nitin Kakkar, Vishesh Films and Emraan Hashmi, while highlighting the personal significance of the project for Amaal.

Amaal composed the song Yeh Awarapan, which was sung by Arijit Singh. During an earlier Instagram Live session, Amaal had dedicated the song and the project to his father's musical journey.

Referencing the dedication, Daboo wrote, "A Proud Father ... A Son who dedicated YEH AWARAPAN to his fathers Journey ..."

The message comes amid controversy over the song's release and the response it received online. The track faced criticism and mixed reactions from fans, with some comparing it with the music of the original Awarapan, released in 2007.

Amaal had pushed back against the criticism and alleged that a coordinated "paid PR campaign" was being used to undermine his work. In a recent Instagram Story, he reshared a post about the controversy and wrote, "Criticism is different from manufactured hate."

Amid the backlash, Amaal also announced a temporary break from film music, saying he needed time to heal his mind, body and soul.

Amaal, son of Daboo Malik and nephew of music director Anu Malik, made his Bollywood debut in 2014 with Jai Ho, composing three songs for the Salman Khan-starrer.

His relationship with his family had also come under public scrutiny in March 2025, when Amaal released an emotional social media statement saying he was officially cutting personal ties with his parents and would keep interactions with them strictly professional.

He had said his parents' actions and expectations had created emotional distance between him and his brother, singer Armaan Malik. Amaal also spoke about his struggles with depression, resentment over constant family comparisons and feeling unappreciated despite years of hard work.

He later deleted the post and reunited with his family during the wedding celebrations of his brother Armaan Malik and Aashna Shroff.

Amaal also participated in Bigg Boss 19, hosted by Salman Khan, and finished as the fourth runner-up among the Top 5 contestants when the reality show concluded in December 2025.