Singer and music composer Anu Malik has been a part of popular singing reality show ‘Indian Idol’ since its first season but was removed from the show after allegations of sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement.
A Mid-Day report reveals that Anu has recently shot a promo with singer Neha Kakkar for the upcoming season and the channel will soon release the promo.
In the last season, Javed Ali was brought in as replacement of Anu Malik in the judge panel of ‘Indian Idol 11’.
Mid-Day quoted a source as saying, “The makers and channel decided to reinstate Anu Malik as one of the judges as he, with his shair-o-shayari, is synonymous with Indian Idol. He has judged every season since the reality show began airing in 2004’’.
Earlier, singers Sona Mohapatra and Shweta Pandit accused Malik of sexual misconduct with the former calling him a ‘serial predator’ and the later revealing an incident when he demanded a kiss in exchange of a song when she was just 15-years-old. After which, producer Danica D’Souza, who had worked with Malik on Indian Idol 5.
Indian Idol is one of the most popular and longest running singing reality show on Indian television.
The rehabilitation of the multiple accused @IndiaMeToo Anu Malik by @SonyTV on Indian Idol within a year as judge is a slap to ALL the good people of #India who want a better & safer future for their children, let alone women. #AnuMalik #RatReturnsToTheGutter & #SpreadingFilth 🤮 https://t.co/6VWVMWmfjE
— ShutUpSona (@sonamohapatra) September 9, 2019
Had to go back to my worst memory as a teenage girl today to write this and speak up - its now or never. This is my #MeToo and have to warn young girls about #AnuMalik & let you know your #TimesUp @IndiaMeToo
Thank you @sonamohapatra for speaking up about him & supporting this pic.twitter.com/e261pGQyEq— Shweta Pandit Fucci (@ShwetaPandit7) October 17, 2018