Himesh Reshammiya Replaces Anu Malik as ‘Indian Idol’ Judge

Malik stepped down after multiple allegations of sexual harassment were levelled against him.

Himesh Reshammiya has taken Anu Malik’s place as judge on Indian Idol 11.

(Photo: IANS/Altered by The Quint)

Himesh Reshammiya has replaced music composer Anu Malik as a judge on Indian Idol 11. The ‘Tera Suroor’ singer said he was pleased to step into the role. “I was a part of Superstar Singer and now my journey continues on Indian Idol 11. Indian Idol is not only one of India's longest running singing reality shows but also one of the most iconic one! I am extremely elated to be on the judges panel. From here on the responsibility only increases two fold. I have been following this season and I must say that this year has seen phenomenal singers come forward, who I am sure will create ripples in the Indian music industry,” he said in a statement.

In November, Anu Malik announced that he had decided to step down from the reality show. He claimed he was taking a “three-week break” and would return only after “clearing” his name. “I have taken this decision voluntarily. I want to take a three-week break from the show and get back to it only after I have cleared my name. While the channel has been supportive, it’s solely my decision to take this break. All I want to say is that before jumping to a conclusion, it’s important to hear the other side as well,” he told Bombay Times.

Malik has been accused of sexual harassment by multiple women, including singers Sona Mohapatra, Shweta Pandit and Neha Bhasin, who called him out last October when the #MeToo movement hit Bollywood. He has previously bowed out of the show following the allegations but was reinstated as a judge for season 11 of the reality show in May.