Anu Malik regrets copying Macarena
Rajeev Masand: Your collaborations with Sonu Nigam for JP Dutta's films are legendary. You did, of course, Sandese Aate Hain for Border, and you did Panchhi Nadiyan for Refugee. You've really given Sonu some of his best tracks in JP's films, specially –
Anu Malik: Yeah sure, because Sonu is a terrific singer. In fact, today he is one of the best we have. But I remember the time when he was called to sing Sandese Aate Hain. I think Sandese... was the song that gave him a boost in his career. I remember the time when he was singing for me. There was a line with Roopji and Sonu, there was a particular line I remember - Aye guzarnewali hawa, bata mera itna kaam karegi kya. Nobody knows, it was originally supposed to be sung by Roopji. Roopji is a terrific singer. But I just felt that this guy who is singing this song could just carry it off. I went up to him and I spoke to JP sir – "Can we interchange the lines?" – I gave it to Sonu and Sonu was game for it, and the way he sang Aye guzarnewali hawa bata, I would say that set off a relationship that was to last for a long time, as far as our professional relationship is concerned.
Rajeev Masand: It's said that Himesh Reshammiya is the new Anu Malik. He is supposed to be as flamboyant as you are. He is seen as much as he is heard, he's a real music star, much like yourself. Do you feel that he's taken a few lessons from you?
Anu Malik: One, everyone knows I am still around so I'm the only Anu Malik. Two, if he's the new Anu Malik, that's a compliment to me and it should be because he's taken my caps. Now the world knows I used to wear my caps, I was the guy who started the beat trend, I used to get loads of caps. I remember I used to write 'Anu' on the caps, so many things. And, if I've set a trend and people follow it, why not?
Rajeev Masand: Sure. You know, I think most people tend to remember the instant hit songs of yours. What they tend to forget are your old hits – Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayegi, Asoka, the melodies.
