Amaal Mallik accuses rival composers of paid PR and plagiarism amid Awarapan 2 song controversy

Music composer Amaal Mallik used his X account in late July 2026 to claim that a "paid PR" campaign by elements of the Indian film industry is attempting to discredit the title track "Yeh Awarapan" from the upcoming film Awarapan 2. He thanked fans for supporting the song, which is an adaptation of earlier popular tracks, and urged listeners to judge the music on its own merits.

In the same statement Mallik indirectly targeted fellow composer Tanishk Bagchi, alleging that Bagchi regularly copies original songs, sidesteps royalty payments and has engaged in misconduct toward female singers. Mallik cited specific accusations of plagiarism on the track "Saiyaara" and hinted at sexual‑harassment allegations, describing the behavior as detrimental to the creative community.