Anu Malik is one of the most talented names to ring in the Bollywood music world for several years now. Often accused of plagiarism, Malik's prowess with tunes and his obvious talent has carried him along for more than 25 years in Bollywood, now rated as one of the most successful music directors in the business. Returning to the limelight after a short break from the Hindi film music business, he is upbeat about the future. He discuss his next few projects in a chat with Radioandmusic.com's Abhimanyu Singh Phalke.

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How do you choose your playback singers?

I choose my playback singers according to the song situation. I chose KK because he had been typecast in high-pitched songs before, even by me. I wanted to make him sing romantic numbers. As for Shaan, whenever I hear him I feel that a young soul is singing. Sunidhi Chauhan comes in for the passion, as she understands me in such songs. Basiclly, it all depends upon how the tune is made and who can fit well with it.

Did Indian Idol rejuvenate your career path?

I would say every film and every director I meet, in fact, everything new that happens to me is inspiring enough and I would not say that I needed any kind of rejuvenation because I have always been high on my creativity. I do not worry about the past as I keeping moving on. I am confident that God will always help me in my work as I go.

Any plans of going international?

I am already an international artiste. I am very proud of the Indian Film Industry. But yes, I am really planning something very huge in terms of creating and collaborating and that news would be out soon. There are some great composers around who are doing some great work so getting to work with some great makers and to launch Harman's life with my music is at its own a unique compliment for me.

Is your daughter Anmol also planning to sing for you?

Yes sure, but not with me as for now, she is going to concentrate on her own work. Anmol is talented and I was helping to launch her, I have already made her sing in "Ugli and Pagli" where she sang for Maleka Sherawat and Anmol writes her own music, sings her own stuff and even produces her own stuff. Now she is planning for her future education which is very important because i feel one has to have a strong base to progress in life. Music is in her blood and genes and she's definetly going to do a lot in music.

Why haven't some of the biggest filmmakers in the industry not worked with you despite your presence in this industry for more than 25 years?

I have always felt that there are some great filmmakers around and I have a lot to give it to them but I have always been a survivor on my own through my hard work with sheer tenacity. I have been around with or without filmmakers but with due respect to all the people, I give my best to each and every producer and director who comes to me. The brand Anu Malek keeps on growing whether it was Indian Idol 1,2,3 or 4. I am being called the face of Indian Idol. As long as God gives me the will to work, I will keep on working to the best of my ability.

What do you think about the new lot of musicians? Are they ready to take on your generation?

I think it's wrong to compare anyone with any generation. When I was 16, I was compared to others, that was unfair. I think the current lot is doing a fabulous job and to tell you the truth, I am learning from them. I have never had the feeling that I am making a 'comeback'because I was never absent from the industry. I think the new lot is doing great work and I'm happy to be around with them.

Which are your forthcoming assignments?

I have a film called 'Maan gaye Mughal E Azam'coming out, then I than I have 'Ugli and Pagli','Tere Sung'. As I have been launching new heroes, I will also be launching new directors like Sabir who is making a film called 'Kambakth Ishq'starring Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. I am also excited by a new film called 'Victory" starring Harman and Amrita Rao with Ajit Pal in his directorial debut.