Amid #MeToo allegations, Anu Malik returns with Ekta Kapoor's web-series
What's the story
The ever-forgiving and forgetful Bollywood is ready to take back another #MeToo accused in its folds after Vikas Bahl and Alok Nath. According to media reports, music composer Anu Malik, who was named in the #MeToo movement by two noted singers last year, has been approached by producer Ekta Kapoor to compose a track for her upcoming web series, Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala.
Statement
"Felt good that someone of Ekta's caliber called me"
As per a Deccan Chronicle report, Malik has written, sung and composed the track for the series. He's also happy to collaborate with Ekta for the show, which will star Divyanka Tripathi and Rajeev Khandelwal. "It felt good that someone of Ekta's caliber called me to compose for her," he said. Malik has also claimed to have been roped in for two "big films."
Quote
Malik has also signed two big projects recently
"I am not at liberty to disclose which two projects I have signed for. It will be the prerogative of the makers to disclose that. But I can tell you that they are big films," Malik was quoted as saying by media outlets.
Comeback
Malik also made his comeback recently with 'Superstar Singer'
Notably, Malik also made his return on Indian television recently with Sony TV's Superstar Singer, wherein he appeared as a celebrity guest along with lyricist Sameer. Talking about the show, he stated, "When I was called by the channel to listen and watch singers on their new singing show, I was stunned to see the kind of talent that is emerging in this country."
Judge
Malik is likely to judge 'Indian Idol 11', say reports
Meanwhile, there are reports that Malik will also be judging the upcoming season of Indian Idol along with Neha Kakkar and Vishal Dadlani. According to a Pinkvilla report, he was approached for Indian Idol 11 as there was no legal action against him. However, when he was quizzed about his return on the singing based reality show, he told IANS, "No comment."
Backstory
Shweta, Sona Mohapatra had accused Malik of sexual harassment
To recall, Malik, who has been associated with the show since its inception, was sacked from Indian Idol 10, following multiple sexual harassment allegations leveled against him. The music composer was accused of sexual misconduct by singers Shweta Pandit and Sona Mohapatra initially, following which two other women also spoke against Malik's predatory behavior. Malik had, however, rubbished all the allegations.
Allegations
Anu asked me to kiss him, Shweta wrote on Twitter
Sharing her ordeal, Shweta wrote a detailed post on Twitter and called Malik a paedophile. Recalling the horrifying encounter, she said that Malik's manager had called her in 2001 in Empire Studio, where she was asked to sing a tune. "I sang it well so he said, 'I'll give you this song with Sunidhi and Shaan, but first give me a kiss'," she wrote.
Twitter Post
You can read Shweta's gut-wrenching post here
Had to go back to my worst memory as a teenage girl today to write this and speak up - its now or never. This is my #MeToo and have to warn young girls about #AnuMalik let you know your #TimesUp @IndiaMeToo
— Shweta Pandit Fucci (@ShwetaPandit7) October 17, 2018
Thank you @sonamohapatra for speaking up about him supporting this pic.twitter.com/e261pGQyEq
Claims
Sona meanwhile had called Malik a "serial predator"
Meanwhile, Sona called Malik as one of the "serial predators" of the industry. Recalling her incident with him, the 42-year-old stated that the music director had passed lewd comments about her in front of her husband (Delhi Belly music composer Ram Sampath). "He didn't know we were married, he made a lewd comment - Kya Maal hai Sampath," alleged Sona.