A song-credit dispute has now opened an older chapter in the Malik family's relationship with the Bollywood music industry. Composer Amaal Mallik says his father, veteran music director Daboo Malik, remained silent for around 15 years over issues regarding credit, choosing to protect professional relationships before eventually speaking up. The comments came amid Amaal's ongoing dispute over the credits for “Main Hoon Hero Tera,” a song from Salman Khan's co-production Hero (2015) that was composed by him and written by Kumaar.

Why did Daboo Malik stay silent?

Amaal Mallik said he tried to resolve credit-related concerns privately for years by contacting labels, production houses, actors and others involved. According to him, those efforts did not bring the changes he was seeking, leading him to speak publicly. Explaining his father's decision to remain quiet, Amaal wrote that Daboo stayed silent “out of dignity, respect and consideration for his industry relationships.” He added that his father came forward only after he felt “things went too far.” The composer also recalled his own experience with M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, saying he had to fight for credit for songs he composed in 2016.