With a decade-long legacy of creating unforgettable Bollywood tracks, Amaal Mallik shares his insights with The Pioneer on the art of crafting music that transcends generations, his experiments with Indian classical music, and the vision behind his latest song, Ami Je Tomar 3.0
Aarti Sreenath
Amaal Mallik is a musical force who has crafted anthems and heart-wrenching ballads that speak to multiple generations, seamlessly blending contemporary and classic sounds. Since bursting onto the Bollywood music scene, Amaal has built an impressive catalog of tracks that capture both the youthful energy of today and the emotional depth of timeless melodies. His ability to mix electronic elements with live instrumentation, seen in hits like Sooraj Dooba Hai and Kar Gayi Chull, has made him a household name.
However, his talents go beyond just upbeat tracks—his soulful compositions like Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon demonstrate his versatility in striking emotional chords. Amaal’s musical journey began at a young age, assisting industry legends and then stepping into the limelight as a solo composer with Jai Ho in 2014.
His track record speaks volumes: whether it’s an adrenaline-pumping anthem or a reflective melody, he knows how to craft songs that resonate with listeners across ages. His work isn’t just about catchy tunes; it’s about creating music that evokes real feelings. He has a knack for blending old-school musical influences with modern sounds, making each song feel both fresh and nostalgic. With every composition, he doesn’t just create music—he crafts the soundtrack to our lives, proving that a good melody can transcend time and trends.
The dynamic composer who’s been behind some of Bollywood’s most infectious dance anthems and heart-melting ballads has taken his music career to a whole new level with his latest track, Ami Je Tomar, for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Known for creating hits that blend modern sensibilities with a nostalgic touch, Amaal is now venturing into a space he’s never explored before—Indian classical music. In this candid chat, Amaal reflects on how Ami Je Tomar marks a turning point in his career, not just as a composer but as an artist who is constantly evolving.
For him, working on Ami Je Tomar 3.0 was a monumental challenge. “This is a huge deal for me,” he admits, excited yet reflective. “People always see me as the ‘contemporary guy,’ but I wanted to show that I can work with something much more rooted. It’s a chance for me to showcase another side of my musical identity.” His vision for this track was to honour its classical roots while still making it his own—a balancing act that he has always strived for in his decade-long career.
What’s even more fascinating is how fate played a part in Amaal’s involvement with this iconic song. He reveals that during the making of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, he casually played around with the melody of Ami Je Tomar, just as an experiment. “One evening, I wondered, ‘What if I were to reimagine this song?’ It was more of a ‘what if’ than a serious attempt,” Amaal laughs. He never expected it to go anywhere, but when Pritam da, the original composer, had to step aside due to prior commitments, Amaal found himself entrusted with the song—a serendipitous moment that turned into a musical milestone. While Pritam’s original song remains a solid reference point, Ami Je Tomar 3.0 stands out as a complete reimagination by Amaal Mallik, adding his unique touch to the recreation.
The responsibility of reinterpreting a Bollywood classic for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was no small feat, especially with the likes of Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit bringing their powerhouse performances to the screen. He explains, “The song is integral to the story—it’s not just background music. It plays during key emotional moments, including a high-stakes dance-off and the climactic sequence. With such powerful actresses leading the scene, I knew I had to get it just right.” His nine-month creative journey to breathe new life into Ami Je Tomar 3.0 shows just how seriously he took this responsibility. “I don’t often recreate songs, but when I do, I make sure to respect the original. I added a new stanza, but the soul of the song is untouched,” Amaal says, proud of his delicate balance between staying true to the original and infusing his own signature style.
What makes this version of Ami Je Tomar stand out is not just its classical elements but its timeless appeal. He has an uncanny ability to marry the old with the new, and it’s a skill he’s perfected over the years. “I’m lucky to be an ‘old soul,’” he laughs, referencing his deep connection to melody and meaningful lyrics. His approach to music is one of continuity—preserving the magic of timeless classics while adapting them for modern ears. This duality is at the heart of his philosophy: melody and lyrics come first, always. “The goal is to create something that lasts,” Amaal asserts. “Whether it’s a new song or a recreation, I don’t want my work to fizzle out after the promotional cycle.”
His work on Ami Je Tomar 3.0 is a continuation of this love of creating songs that endure. It’s a track that appeals to both young audiences and those who grew up with the original. His versatility is on full display in Ami Je Tomar 3.0, where he infused darker, deeper tones into the raags, aligning them with the horror elements of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. “The melody needed to carry the emotional weight of the film,” he explains. This darker interpretation was not without its challenges, but director Anees Bazmee understood the vision and allowed him the creative freedom to experiment. He worked tirelessly with live instruments—tabla, dholak and strings—to give the track a warmth and authenticity that stands apart in an age of digital and AI-driven music production. “Eighty percent of what you hear is real musicianship,” he proudly notes.
And this will to live, organic sound is something Amaal is eager to continue in his future work. “I’m working on an EP, something fresh and independent, the first of its kind for me,” he teases, hinting at more surprises in store for his fans. In the meantime, Ami Je Tomar 3.0 is already making waves, with Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam’s renditions adding a new layer of charm to the track. “The reaction has been amazing,” Amaal says, pleased with the positive feedback from both the audience and critics.
For him, the journey of crafting songs like Ami Je Tomar 3.0 is as much about introspection as it is about artistic growth. As he approaches his tenth year in the industry, his focus remains on creating music that feels genuine and authentic. “I want my songs to stand the test of time,” he says, noting that his music has become more mature over the years. “The melodies now have a different depth. They reflect where I am in life and in my music.”
In a world where the pressure to meet audience expectations is ever-present, he stays grounded in his creative principles. “I focus on the essentials—good melody, meaningful lyrics and a sound that’s relevant to the times,” he says. This approach, he believes, ensures that his work resonates with listeners across generations. As he continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a composer in Bollywood, one thing is clear: Amaal Mallik is here to stay.
