Israr Sardar Malik, popularly known as Daboo Malik, is a well-known name in the Indian music industry. He is a music director, composer, singer, actor, and scriptwriter.
Born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Daboo Malik belongs to a family deeply connected with Bollywood music. He is the son of veteran music director Sardar Malik and has carried forward his family’s legacy with his own unique style in music and cinema.
Daboo Malik Early Life

He was born on 21 January 1963 in Mumbai (then Bombay), Maharashtra. He is the second son of Sardar Malik and Bilqis Begum. His mother, Bilqis, was the sister of the legendary lyricist Hasrat Jaipuri, who wrote some of the most evergreen Bollywood songs from the 1950s to the 1980s.
Daboo Malik grew up in a musically rich environment. His elder brother is the famous Bollywood music director Anu Malik, and his younger brother Abu Malik is also associated with music. With such a strong musical background, it was only natural for Daboo Malik to step into the creative field.
He completed his Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) from Narsee Monjee College, Mumbai. While studying, he was already inclined towards the arts, but unlike his family members, Daboo initially showed interest in acting instead of music. Later, he realized his true passion was music composition, which changed his life and career path forever.
Acting Career (1980s–1990s)
In the beginning, Daboo Malik did not want to become a music composer or singer. His dream was to become an actor. He started his acting journey in the late 1980s and appeared in both television and films.
In 1988, Daboo Malik played the role of Devavratha in the famous TV series Mahabharat directed by B.R. Chopra.
Later, he acted in Bollywood movies like:
- Beta Ho To Aisa (1994)
- Tirangaa (1993) as Alok Verma
- Baazigar (1993) as Ravi Shukla (Shilpa Shetty’s college friend)
- Zordaar (1996) as Sudhir
- He also worked in a Telugu film Server Sundaram Gari Abbayi (1995).
Although Daboo Malik got decent roles, acting did not give him the recognition he was looking for. Deep inside, he realized music was his real calling.
Musical Career (2000s–Present)
After spending years in acting, Daboo Malik shifted his focus to music direction and composition in the early 2000s. In several interviews, he admitted that he wasted time chasing acting when his real talent was in composing music.
His first big break as a music director came in 2001 with the Bollywood film Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar. The songs of the movie were well received, and Daboo Malik started gaining recognition.
Notable Works as a Music Director
- Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar (2001) – His debut film as a solo composer.
- Maine Dil Tujhko Diya (2002) – The song Thoda Sa Pyaar Hua Hai became popular.
- Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge (2002) – Featured soulful tracks.
- Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam (2002) – Another big Bollywood film with his contribution in music.
- Tumse Milke Wrong Number (2003)
- I Proud to Be an Indian (2004) – Patriotic themed film.
- Girlfriend (2004)
- Ab… Bas! (2004)
- Nehlle Pe Dehlla (2007)
- Kisaan (2009) – A film on farmers where Daboo gave emotional music.
- 3 Bachelors (2012)
- W (2014) – A musical thriller for which he was also the scriptwriter.
- Ekta (2019)
Over time, Daboo Malik became known for his ability to create both melodious romantic tracks and powerful emotional songs.
Inspiration and Turning Point
Daboo Malik credits his career shift to the legendary screenwriter Salim Khan (father of Salman Khan). In one interview, Daboo shared that his meeting with Salim Khan was life-changing. Salim Khan told him he was born to be a composer, just like his father. This encouragement gave Daboo the confidence to follow his passion for music. He often recalls this incident as a turning point in his journey.
Personal Life

Daboo Malik is married to Jyothi Malik. The couple has two sons who are also famous in the Indian music industry:
Armaan Malik – A well-known playback singer and performer loved for his romantic and soulful songs.
Amaal Mallik – A successful music director and composer, who has given several Bollywood hit tracks.
Both Armaan and Amaal have continued the family’s musical tradition, making the Malik family one of the most respected families in Bollywood music.
Acting Filmography of Daboo Malik
Apart from composing music, Daboo Malik acted in several films:
- Tirangaa (1993) – As Alok Verma
- Baazigar (1993) – As Ravi Shukla
- Beta Ho To Aisa (1994) – As Ravi
- Server Sundaram Gari Abbayi (1995) – Telugu movie
- Zordaar (1996) – As Sudhir
Though acting did not become his main career, these films showcased his versatility as an artist.
Legacy in Bollywood
Daboo Malik is often admired not only for his own contribution but also for nurturing the next generation of talent. With Armaan Malik and Amaal Mallik making their own mark in Bollywood and international music, the Malik family continues to be a pillar of the Indian music industry.
His journey is inspiring because it shows that even if you take time to discover your true passion, once you do, success will follow. From an actor struggling for recognition to a music director creating memorable songs, Daboo Malik’s career is a story of determination and rediscovery.
Interesting Facts about Daboo Malik
- Full name: Israr Sardar Malik
- Nickname: Daboo Malik
- Born: 21 January 1963, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Profession: Music director, composer, singer, actor, scriptwriter
- Father: Sardar Malik (veteran music director)
- Mother: Bilqis Begum (sister of lyricist Hasrat Jaipuri)
- Brothers: Anu Malik (famous music director), Abu Malik
- Wife: Jyothi Malik
- Children: Armaan Malik (singer), Amaal Mallik (composer)
Conclusion
Daboo Malik’s life is an excellent example of how talent, when combined with the right guidance, can create a lasting impact. Starting as an actor and later becoming a successful music composer, Daboo has given many beautiful songs to Bollywood. His family background, his own struggle, and his contribution to music make him a respected figure in the Indian entertainment industry.
Today, with his sons Armaan Malik and Amaal Mallik continuing his legacy, Daboo Malik stands proud as a guiding force in the world of Indian music. His journey teaches us that it is never too late to discover your real passion and shine in the field you truly love.
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