Anu Malik decides to stay in 'Indian Idol'

After days of speculations, music composer Anu Malik has finally decided to continue as a judge on the fifth season of Indian Idol.

It was reported that Malik was miffed with the channel after he learnt that he was getting less money than co-judge Sunidhi Chauhan.

The singer had some other creative issues as well.

Malik denied that his remuneration was an issue and said that he has decided to stay with the show after judges were given veto power to recall a contestant even after being evicted by the public voting.

"The channel officials came to my home and the matter was finally resolved at 1.30 am last night after they agreed to my demands," Malik told PTI.

"Often the public votes out a good singer only due to regionalism. We are looking for an Indian Idol, and the person can be from any part of the country as long as he has that talent. I salute the choice of the public, but we as musicians also know who should stay and who shouldn't," Malik said.

The composer-singer, who has been judging the show since its inception in 2005, was also reportedly angry over the PR plan being focussed on new judges Sunidhi and Salim Merchant.

"We have come to a conclusion as of now because the show is going to be launched on April 26 but there are still some issues which need to be sorted. The launch date is nearing and Anu can't be replaced at the last minute," a source from Sony channel said.

The programme bosses were apparently planning to approach Bappi Lahiri and singer Mika if Malik quit.

"I have been fighting for these rights ever since the second edition of the show. Since I have been associated with Indian Idol ever since its inception, I decided to take the lead in fighting," Malik said.

"We have lost some really good singing talents all this while only due to public voting. I am happy that now talent will reign supreme in the show," Malik said.