Anu Malik on working with Mahesh Bhatt on a theatre production: He is like a father figure to me

Iconic Bollywood collaborators Mahesh Bhatt and Anu Malik are reuniting for the upcoming Mumbai stage play Wo Subah Hum Hi Se Aayegi. Malik, who scores the production, called the veteran filmmaker a defining father figure in his life

Mumbai: Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and singer and composer Anu Malik have come together for the stage play ‘Wo Subah Hum Hi Se Aayegi’.

Presented by Mahesh Bhatt, the play is expected to premiere in Mumbai on 5th July this year.

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Directed by Tariquee Hameed and written by Dinesh Gautam, the music for the play has been scored by Anu Malik.

Exploring themes such as silence, suppressed emotions, love, and fear, the play sheds light on the moral courage it takes to confront one’s own truth.

Speaking about joining forces with Anu Malik yet again, Mahesh Bhatt stated that while some associations feel planned, others seem like a part of destiny.

The ‘Arth’ maker said, “Anu and I have travelled together through many seasons of life. What has endured is not merely a professional association but emotional memory. This play carries hope, longing, struggle, and renewal — territories that music understands instinctively. The moment Anu connected with the material, I sensed that familiar spark. Some collaborations are planned; others simply feel destined. This one belongs to the latter category.”

Expressing his excitement about being a part of ‘Wo Subah Hum Hi Se Aayegi’, Anu Malik added, “Mahesh Bhatt saab is like a father figure to me in more ways than one. He has always believed in me; not just as a composer, but as a human being. Whenever I hear his name, melodies begin forming in my mind. That’s his magic, not mine. We’ve shared a beautiful journey from ‘Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee’ to ‘Tu Meri Puri Kahani’, and I believe we still have a long way to go.”

Talking about composing for a live stage production, the singer said that when Imran Zahid narrated the story, he listened to the script, read the lyrics, and composed the tune on the spot.

The title of the play, ‘Wo Subah Hum Hi Se Aayegi’, is inspired by Sahir Ludhianvi’s iconic verse.