said he had made an unwanted sexual pass at her when she was 15 years old. Lyricist Sameer came out in his support, saying that he was present during the audition where the harassment of Pandit was claimed to have happened. Sona Mohapatra and Neha Bhasin also accused Malik of predatory behaviour. Malik denied the allegations, but the public backlash resulted in him leaving as a judge for season 10 of Indian Idol. Alisha Chinai, who had sued Malik for molestation in the 1990s, supported the allegations. Sonu Nigam also came out in support of Malik, claiming that he had not seen any proof that the allegations were true. In 2019, Malik was reinstated as a judge on Season 11 of Indian Idol, a decision that resulted in heavy criticism. Malik stepped down, claiming that he had decided to take a break as he was unable to focus on his work on the show. On 17 January 2020, National Commission for Women closed the sexual harassment case on Anu Malik due to lack of substantial evidence, but clarifying that it could be reopened if evidence is provided. Sona Mohapatra criticised the commission's decision. Awards and nominations Malik was awarded a Silver Lotus for J.P. Dutta's Refugee and the Filmfare Special Jury Award. He also won the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director for Main Hoon Na and Baazigar. He is a seven-time winner from 42 nominations for best music director, including 14 nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director. National Film Award Filmfare Awards 1994 – Winner, Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Baazigar 2001 – Winner, Filmfare Special Award – Refugee 2005 – Winner, Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Main Hoon Na 1985 – Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Sohni Mahiwal 1995 – Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Main Khiladi Tu Anari 1996 – Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Akele Hum Akele Tum 1998 – Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Virasat 1998 – Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Border 1999 – Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Soldier 2000 – Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Biwi No.1 2000 – Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Haseena Maan Jaayegi 2001 – Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Fiza 2001 – Nominated,