Pakistani singer Mustafa Zahid, renowned for his soulful renditions of ‘Toh Phir Aao’ and ‘Tera Mera Rishta’ from the critically acclaimed film Awarapan, has publicly expressed his profound disappointment regarding his exclusion from the soundtrack of its highly anticipated sequel, Awarapan 2. This revelation comes as a significant shock to fans who deeply associate Zahid’s distinctive voice with the emotional depth of the original movie’s music.
During a recent concert in Chicago, Zahid openly addressed his absence, articulating the personal significance of the songs from Awarapan to his career. He shared with the audience that ‘Toh Phir Aao’ was not only the first song he ever wrote and composed but also the very first song he recorded, underscoring its pivotal role in his artistic journey. He lamented that "sometimes art has to suffer because of all the politics around the world," acknowledging that his exclusion is likely a consequence of broader geopolitical tensions affecting cultural exchanges between India and Pakistan. Despite this setback, Zahid graciously extended his gratitude to his Indian fanbase for the unwavering love and respect he has consistently received throughout his career, highlighting the unifying power of music that transcends borders.
The original Awarapan soundtrack served as a monumental turning point for Zahid, propelling him into the Bollywood music scene and subsequently leading to collaborations on other prominent films such such as Blood Money, Aashiqui 2, and Ek Villain. His absence from the sequel is widely understood to stem from the ongoing restrictions imposed on Pakistani artists performing or working within the Indian entertainment industry.
Veteran lyricist Sayeed Quadri, who penned the lyrics for the original Awarapan songs, commented on Zahid’s exclusion, emphasizing the pragmatism often necessitated by political realities. Quadri stated, "There are many things that have to be done depending on the circumstances and the situation. The most important thing is that the nation should always come first. The country is paramount." This statement subtly acknowledges the political climate as the underlying reason for such decisions in the film industry.
For Awarapan 2, the iconic track ‘Tera Mera Rishta’ has been reimagined and recorded by new voices, Saaj Bhatt and Subodhh Sharma. Furthermore, Zahid is not the only key figure missing from the sequel’s musical team; the original film’s celebrated composer, Pritam, has also been replaced. Amaal Mallik and Mithoon have taken over the composing duties for Awarapan 2. Quadri also touched upon Pritam’s absence, noting that writers typically do not influence such production decisions and that the choice was made by the production house. He, however, commended Mithoon and Amaal for their heartfelt efforts in recreating the songs.
Directed by Nitin Kakkar, Awarapan 2 features a stellar cast including Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, and Suvinder Vicky. The film made its theatrical debut on August 14, 2026, and has already garnered significant commercial success, exceeding Rs 55 crore in India within its initial two days of release, indicating a strong audience reception despite the changes in its musical composition.
