In a heated exchange over nepotism on the reality show ‘Bigg Boss 19’, singer-composer Amaal Mallik sparked a major controversy by calling his own father, music director Daboo Malik, a “failure.” The statement, made during an argument with actor Gaurav Khanna, has led to widespread criticism online, with many viewers calling the remark disrespectful.

The discussion began when Khanna argued that individuals with industry connections get their first break more easily than outsiders. He stated, “Our aspirations lie where your struggle starts.” In response, Amaal Mallik vehemently disagreed, asserting that his family, including his brother Armaan and his mother, faced struggles just like any common person waiting outside studios

To counter the perception of privilege, Mallik declared that his father never received career support from his uncle, the famous musician Anu Malik. “We are a product of reverse nepotism,” Amaal claimed, before making the controversial statement: “Daboo Malik was a failure and I have no problem in admitting it. My father failed.”

This remark did not sit well with the public. Social media platforms were flooded with comments from users slamming Amaal for disrespecting his father on national television.[Viewers expressed their shock and disappointment, with many calling his words pathetic and shameful. One user wrote, “To prove your own success, you labelled your own father a failure That was so disrespectful of you.”

During the debate, both Gaurav Khanna and fellow contestant Malti clarified that their point was not to negate the hard work of star children, but to highlight the initial advantage they have in securing a foothold in the industry—an opportunity that might take an outsider decades to achieve. Amaal Mallik, however, maintained that every artist faces a similar kind of struggle.

Read More: Amaal Mallik’s Failure Comment About Father on Bigg Boss 19 Ignites Social Media Firestorm