Life in Bollywood appears to be glamorous on the outside—red carpets, music, and films—but from behind the limelight, even successful artists experience instances that challenge them in ways they could never have imagined. Singer and music composer Daboo Malik recently shared one such phase in his life, a time of emotional and financial distress that made him feel totally paralyzed. In a passionate chat with Siddharth Kannan, Daboo explained how Salman Khan and Sohail Khan’s love and encouragement literally altered the course of his existence.
The Darkest Phase
Coming from a family rooted in music—son of veteran music director Sardar Malik and brother of composer Anu Malik Daboo—Daboo could have easily had a smooth ride. But life doesn’t work that way. In his early days, Daboo wasn’t even drawn to music; he wanted to act. He appeared in films like Beta Ho To Aisa, Tirangaa, Server Sundaram Gari Abbayi (Telugu), and Baazigar. But later, music was his vocation, and he started writing songs for movies such as Thoda Sa Pyaar Hua Hai (Maine Dil Tujhko Diya), Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge, and Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, among others.
In spite of this, Daboo experienced a moment when life was unbearable. He recalls, “Jab mujhe aisa laga ki main bol nahi pa raha hoon, meri zubaan, mere facial expressions paralyze ho gaye the due to stress. Literally, not medically, agar kisi se kuch maangna chahun ki kuch chahiye toh mere andar ka jo self-respect tha woh kaise jata bolne ke liye ki mujhe kuch chahiye, ki main apne bachon ko bacha nahi pa raha hoon. That was like a diabolical situation ki aisa kaise ho sakta hai.”
Imagine feeling so overwhelmed that even asking for help feels impossible, that your pride and responsibility toward your children make you feel trapped. That was Daboo’s reality.
Enter the Khan Family
During this low point, Daboo found hope in the most unexpected way. Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, and Salim Khan stepped in not just as friends but as family. “Luckily Sohail Khan, Salim Uncle, and Salman Bhai came into my life, and that brought the most significant change,” Daboo says.
Sohail Khan, especially, played a pivotal role. Daboo shares, “Jo pyaar aur jo care Sohail Khan as a person jo usne mujhe sambhala emotionally, physically, and financially in the sense ki har ek cheez ke liye guide kiya. Aur ek hi line mujhe boli ki agar zindagi mein kuch kami padegi na aur kuch nahi hoga, toh main tumhare saath hoon. Baki itni kshamta hai tum mein ki tum kuch na kuch kar loge. Aur waisa hi hua.
Those words, so simple but powerful, were more than encouragement. They were a lifeline. At times, having someone completely confident in you can be enough to draw you back from the brink. For Daboo, the trust renewed his self-esteem, took control of his life, and inspired him for the sake of his family.
A Musical Family Legacy
Daboo’s isn’t a tale of struggle; it’s a tale of love and perseverance. Though he started off as an actor, he ended up doing what he most preferred, which is music. During his years, he built a solid career in Bollywood. His legacy lives on through his sons, Armaan Malik and Amaal Mallik.
Armaan, being a great singer, has given hits such as Bum Bum Bole, Chale Aana, and Bol Do Na Zara, whereas Amaal is also successful as a music composer in movies such as Jai Ho, Khoobsurat, Airlift, Baaghi, Kabir Singh, and Golmaal Again. To see his sons attain success must be a happy sight for Daboo, understanding that all the struggles notwithstanding, he has not only imparted talent but also determination.
The Power of Authentic Support
The most pathetic part of Daboo Malik’s tale is not so much his success but the human relationships that stood by him during the bad times. In a notoriously competitive vocation, genuine motivation from Salman and Sohail Khan counts for more. They did not just offer him money; they offered him counsel, moral support, and unshakeable faith in his capability.
Then life presents to you challenges you never thought existed, and it’s the people you are with that matter. For Daboo, being around the Khan family wasn’t a matter of favors or charity; it was a matter of love, trust, and believing in him.
Conclusion
Daboo Malik’s story is an eye-opener to the reality that there is always a testing time behind any success story. It is also a reminder that real support and friendship can turn an individual from hopelessness to despair. With his story, Daboo adds a human touch to Bollywood strugglers’ lives and instills a hope in anyone who is facing their own hardships that help, love, and good times are always around the corner.
Sometimes, all it takes is someone saying, “I’m with you,” and that alone can change your world.