Excited by the popularity of Babli Badmaash Hui and Ala Re Ala – songs from the  eagerly awaited Shootout At Wadala, music composer Anu Malik feels like a star again. At a time when the industry is flooded with scores of music composers, the sensation created by these two songs has once again made him talk of the town – as in 80s and 90s.

“More than 2000 songs are recorded each day. If my songs are turning out to be chartbusters among those, I think I have all the reasons to be excited and I am thankful to Sanjay Gupta for this. Secondly, to Ekta Kapoor, who approached me when other music directors could not match up to her expectation for music in the film,” says Anu, in a candid chat with Metrolife.

Besides being happy, Anu feels proud too to be able to continue in the industry at 52. “For me it’s an achievement that at 52, I am able to compose music which people are enjoying,” says Anu. But what makes him work when he has won so many accolades in his more than three decade-long career? “I have so many dreams and my mind is filled with new ideas. I want to bring them out. I feel that I still lack something even after so many years,” explains the musician.

One thing he has failed to achieve has been his desire to work with Raj Kapoor, “I always wanted to work with Raj Kapoor. So, whenever I see Ranbir Kapoor I feel Rajji is present. Therefore, one thing I want to accomplish in my life as a composer is to see Ranbir Kapoor as director and I as a music director on a film,” he says laughingly.

Inspired by composers like RD Burman and Shanker Jaikishan, Anu has created his niche with music tracks like Ye kaali kaali aankhein, Garam Chaye ki Payali and Gori Gori to name only some.

Having worked with stalwarts from the industry, what does he think about the present day singers? “I find every voice similar. There is nothing different when you hear them. Singers are happy because they get an opportunity to sing but they are unable to build their own brand. For this they need to be unique which they are not.”

Which amongst the current crop is his personal favourite? “Udit Narayan and Sonu Nigam. They both have their unique voice quality, making them different from others. They are a brand in the industry too.”

Having been nominated for the Filmfare Awards 14 times and winning the National Award for Refugee, Anu Malik still feels that his talent has not been exploited by several directors. But, “The one person who had extracted the best out of me is JP Dutta,” says Anu, who is ready to work along with him for Border 2.