Amaal Mallik reveals why Salman Khan sang Main Hoon Hero Tera

Music composer Amaal Mallik has revealed the real reason Salman Khan recorded his own version of Main Hoon Hero Tera for the 2015 film Hero, saying the superstar stepped in to protect the film’s newcomers from negative publicity. The revelation has renewed interest in one of Bollywood’s most popular promotional songs.
Speaking during a recent interview with Mashable India, Amaal explained that the original version of the song, sung by his brother Armaan Malik, had already become a major hit after it was released alongside the film’s trailer. However, as the release approached, the project faced intense public scrutiny surrounding debut actors Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty.
According to Amaal, Salman Khan, who co-produced Hero with Subhash Ghai, decided to record the song himself to shift public attention away from the newcomers. The composer said Salman wanted the focus to be on him instead of the debut stars, helping them avoid the growing negativity before the film’s release.
Amaal praised Salman for taking responsibility during a difficult period, saying the actor willingly “took the bullet” for the team. He recalled Salman saying that since he was introducing the newcomers and considered himself a hero as well, he should sing the end-credit version of the song to draw attention toward himself.
The composer also shared behind-the-scenes details of the recording process, describing it as a lengthy and demanding experience. Despite often insisting that he was not a professional singer, Salman remained committed to the project. Amaal revealed that the recording took place across eight different locations, including Himesh Reshammiya’s studio, Yash Raj Studios, Salman Khan’s farmhouse and a film set before the final version was completed.
Main Hoon Hero Tera was composed by Amaal Mallik with lyrics by Kumaar and released in two versions—one sung by Armaan Malik and another by Salman Khan. While Armaan’s version featured prominently during the film’s promotions, Salman’s rendition was used as the end-credit track and became equally popular with fans.
Released in 2015, Hero marked the Bollywood debut of Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty. Produced by Salman Khan and Subhash Ghai and directed by Nikkhil Advani, the film arrived amid intense media attention surrounding Sooraj Pancholi’s legal case at the time, making Salman’s decision even more significant according to Amaal.
Fans have reacted warmly to Amaal’s comments, praising Salman Khan for supporting the newcomers during a challenging period. Many social media users described the story as an example of the actor’s loyalty toward artists launching their careers in Bollywood.
More than a decade after its release, Main Hoon Hero Tera remains one of Salman’s most memorable songs. Amaal Mallik’s latest revelation has offered fans a new perspective on the decision behind the recording, highlighting the actor’s efforts to help the film’s debut stars navigate the spotlight.