Why did Amaal Malik and other Hollywood stars cut ties with family? Clinical depression and other struggles

Popular Indian musician and composer Amaal Mallik with over 4 million Insta followers alone has taken a deeply personal and painful decision to sever personal ties with his family, citing years of emotional distress and a deteriorating relationship with his brother, Armaan Malik.

In an emotionally charged Instagram post, Amaal opened up about his battle with clinical depression and how the actions of his parents played a significant role in creating a rift between him and his brother. Moving forward, he announced that he would maintain only professional interactions with his family.

"I along with my brother’s vocal prowess have changed the narrative of being called XYZ’s nephew or son to whoever we are today! The journey has been terrific for both of us, but the actions of my parents have been the reason we as brothers have grown distant. All of this has left a very deep scar across my heart," he wrote on his social media handle.

Amaal, known for his soul-stirring compositions in Bollywood, reflected on his decade-long journey in the music industry. Having composed over 126 melodies, he expressed disappointment that despite his relentless efforts, he often felt overlooked and undermined by his own family. The struggle took a toll on his mental health, ultimately leading to his diagnosis of clinical depression.

"But today, I stand at a point where I have been robbed of my peace, drained emotionally and maybe financially too, but that’s the least of my concerns. What really matters is that I am clinically depressed because of these happenings. Yes, I have only myself to blame for my actions, but my self-worth has been diminished countless times by the actions of near and dear ones who stole pieces of my soul," he shared in his post.

Amaal clarified that his decision to step away from personal relationships with his family is not rooted in anger but in the necessity of healing.

"Today, with a heavy heart, I announce that I am stepping away from these personal ties. From now on, my interactions with my family will be strictly professional. This isn’t a decision made in anger, but one born from the necessity to heal and reclaim my life. I refuse to let the past rob me of my future any longer. I am committed to rebuilding my life, piece by piece, with honesty and strength," he added in his post.

Amaal Mallik’s decision to step away from his family echoes similar choices made by other public figures who have prioritised their mental health over familial obligations. For instance, Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey revealed that he was estranged from his mother for nearly eight years due to personal conflicts. According to People Magazine, his mother had allegedly become too eager to share details about his personal life with the press, forcing him to set strict boundaries. It took years for them to rebuild their relationship. Pop idol Mariah Carey has also spoken openly about her tumultuous relationship with her family, particularly with her brother and sister. In her memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, she described instances of exploitation and betrayal, which led her to distance herself to protect her mental well-being. Actress Drew Barrymore emancipated herself from her parents at the age of 14 after a troubled childhood in the spotlight. She has since spoken about the importance of healing and moving forward, acknowledging that cutting ties was necessary for her to create a healthy life for herself, according to People Magazine.

Amaal’s future?

Despite this deeply personal setback, Amaal remains dedicated to his craft. His focus now is on rebuilding his life with honesty and strength while continuing to create music that resonates with audiences.