Mahesh Bhatt Says Anu Malik 'Understands The Heartbeat Of A Story' On Reuniting For New Play - EXCL

Legendary filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and iconic music composer Anu Malik have given us hits in multiple films including 1998's Zakhm, the 1993 Sir and even the television film Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee. The two have now once again collaborated with Bhatt's latest work - a foray into the theatrical space, with Wo Subah Hum Hi Se Aayegi. An original play premiering in Mumbai on July 5, it is slated to be one of the most enduring creative collaborations in recent times. Produced by Mahesh Bhatt, directed by Tariquee Hameed, and written by Dinesh Gautam, the production stars acclaimed theatre actor Imran Zahid alongside actress Namitaa Sachdeva.Speaking exclusively to Zoom, Mahesh Bhatt has now opened up on reuniting with Malik, reflecting on the composer’s

journey and the deep bond they have shared over the decades. “Whenever I think of Anu, I cannot separate him from the memory of his father, the late Sardar Malik sahib,” Bhatt reminisced, revealing that he was a great admirer of the late music composer.

“He was an immensely gifted composer, but he belonged to a generation that didn't always know how to push itself in a fiercely competitive world. There was a certain grace and humility about him, and perhaps because of that, he never received the recognition he truly deserved,” the maverick filmmaker shared.Bhatt went on to reveal that Anu Malik witnessed that journey from very close quarters. “He saw both the brilliance of his father and the hardships that followed. Those experiences shaped him profoundly. They gave him an extraordinary hunger to work, to keep evolving, and never take success for granted.”Elaborating on the musical prowess of Anu Malik, Mahesh Bhatt shared that even now, what amazes him is Malik’s passion, which he says “hasn’t diminished.” He added, “Every time he commits himself to a project, he approaches it with the same energy, curiosity and madness that I saw decades ago.”“That is why working with him never feels like a professional collaboration - it feels like breathing. There is a trust between us that has grown over a lifetime, and that trust found a beautiful expression once again in Wo Subah Hum Hi Se Aayegi."Bhatt also revealed why Malik was the perfect choice to compose for the stage production, saying the veteran musician instinctively understood the emotional core of the story.

"When he agreed to compose for Wo Subah Hum Hi Se Aayegi, I wasn't reminded of any one film or one song. I was reminded of the quality that has always defined him - his willingness to respond to sincerity. He recognised that this wasn't a commercial venture; it was a labour of love driven by people who believe theatre can still ask difficult questions. That generosity touched me.”According to Bhatt, the music Malik has created does not try to dominate the play, but rather quietly enters its emotional landscape, almost like another character. “That's the Anu Malik I have always admired - not just the composer who writes memorable melodies, but the artist who understands the heartbeat of a story before he writes a single note."Reflecting on his return to theatre, Bhatt added, "I never really left theatre. In many ways, everything I have done from Arth to Daddy, from Zakhm to Hamari Adhuri Kahani has always been theatre disguised as cinema. At this stage of my life, I find myself returning to the essentials."Inspired by Sahir Ludhianvi's iconic verse, Wo Subah Hum Hi Se Aayegi reflects the hope that a new dawn arrives not by chance, but through the courage of ordinary people to embrace their true selves.