Amaal Mallik: Daboo Malik opens up on being ‘like therapy’ for son Amaal Mallik amid ‘Awarapan 2’ singer’s 6-month hiatus, says it won’t affect his industry standing: ‘Physical health is also a very important part of life’ | Hindi Movie News

Amaal Mallik‘s recent announcement of a break from his music career prompted plenty of concern among fans, and his father, veteran composer Daboo Malik, has now stepped in to offer some clarity. In a candid conversation, Daboo addressed the real reasons behind his son’s decision, touching on his health, the pressures of the industry, and what lies ahead.

Daboo Malik calls it a ‘genuine break’

Speaking to News18, Daboo fully backed his son’s decision, framing it as a necessary reset rather than a cause for worry. “I think it’s a good decision. He started very early in life. Every artist goes through moments when they want to reboot themselves so that they know what they want to do in the future. I feel these five-six months would definitely help him in a big way,” he said. He also pointed to the toll that sustained creative and media pressure can take on artists. “A certain kind of exhaustion may set in, in terms of the pressures of creativity and media. I think it’s a good thing to look inside and reboot one’s mindset. Physical health is also a very important part of life.”

Addressing Amaal Mallik’s mental health

Daboo also responded to concerns following Amaal’s earlier hospital post on X, which had worried fans, and his previous disclosure of struggling with clinical depression. “It’s a very sensitive issue. It’s being portrayed as a major complication but that’s not what it is. Every human being is faced with different mental challenges. An artist’s emotional quotient is so high. They need to create emotional songs and dig deep into their mind to create melodies. So, it (mental health) has to be taken care of,” he said. He also spoke about the support system he’s tried to provide his son. “I’ve been like therapy for my son. I like to be around him. We’ve a lot of discussions and arrive at certain points but the challenges will always be there and we’re working hard on it.”

Daboo Mallik on whether the break is a career risk?

Asked whether stepping away at the peak of his career could hurt Amaal professionally, Daboo pushed back firmly. “No, the way in which this industry has changed is fantastic. These aren’t those times when an artist needs to constantly work and make a hundred songs like we did back in the day. This new generation wants to do great work even if that means making five songs in a year. They focus their energies on leaving a footprint that’s extraordinary,” he explained. He added that today’s artists no longer feel pressure to stay constantly visible to remain relevant. “A lot of people have done their bit, and it’s time to focus their energies internally. You can make one hit song and be back in the game immediately. There’s no desperation to keep working. They don’t worry ki industry se bahar ho jaayenge. Ek bhi gaana kar lo toh woh bhi kaafi hai.” (You’ll end up out of the industry. Even if you do just one song, that’ll be enough.)

What’s next for Amaal Mallik?

Looking ahead, Daboo teased that his son has bigger creative ambitions on the horizon. “He wants to do something that leaves a greater impact,” he shared. On the possibility of an appearance on Bigg Boss 20, he added, “He may have a special appearance in it in case they ask him to. All I can tell you is that something very exciting is coming up, which is going to be big.”

Why Amaal Mallik announced the break?

Amaal had shared the news himself on social media, writing, “Need a break for my mind, body, soul and overall physical healing. Need to rise, recuperate and bounce back soon with a heart full of melodies.” The announcement came weeks after he had publicly spoken out about an alleged paid PR campaign targeting his song ‘Yeh Awarapan’.