‘Awarapan’, released in 2007, achieved cult status soon after its release, and its music played a significant part in that appeal. Songs like ‘To Phir Aao’ and ‘Tera Mera Rishta’ became inseparable from the film’s identity. Now, ‘To Phir Aao’ is set to make a comeback as the title track for the sequel, ‘Awarapan 2’, with Amaal Mallik stepping in to compose and sing the new version. The move has drawn a reaction from Mustapha Zahid, the Pakistani singer who lent his voice to the original soundtrack.
Amaal Mallik calls the new track his career-best
On Tuesday, Amaal turned to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that he had composed the title song for ‘Awarapan 2’, describing it as the best of his career. “The #SoulOfAwarapan is what I always called it until #MukeshBhatt sir gave it a name…Can’t thank him enough for giving me my first Vishesh film, a dream of mine since age 16. Today is the day I get to live a 20-year-old dream of mine thanks to Mukesh Ji & @VisheshFilms. I have created my career best song for this movie —— The ‘Title Song’ of #Awarapan2 penned by the legendary poet #RashmiVirag.”
Amaal Mallik credits Mustapha Zahid for the original magic
In a subsequent tweet, the singer-composer also gave credit to Mustapha Zahid, who had lent his voice to two tracks in the original ‘Awarapan’ – ‘To Phir Aao’ and ‘Tera Mera Rishta’. “Also a big hug to the man we all must never forget, the voice of the original #MustafaZahid and his contribution to the 2007 soundtrack – My homie, my brother from another mother & a dangerous border @Mustafology. We could’ve never been doing this if you hadn’t done the magic in the original my bro. Thank you for the stupendous melodies, the impeccable vocals and that emptiness in your rendition still haunts me and heals me,” wrote Amaal.
Mustapha Zahid’s heartfelt reply
Mustapha responded later that same night, reposting Amaal’s tweet with the message, “Lots of love Amaal, remember borders are dangerous but then so is love. Take Awarapan legacy to another level, the stage is all yours Mere Bhai.”
Mustapha Zahid’s original franchise gears up for a sequel
Last week marked the 19th anniversary of the original film, and it was on this occasion that the teaser for ‘Awarapan 2’ was released. Emraan Hashmi returns to reprise his role as Shivam, the golden-hearted hitman, with Disha Patani and Shabana Azmi joining the cast alongside Suvinder Vicky, Vijayant Kholi, and Atul Kumar. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, written by Bilal Siddiqui and produced by Vishesh Bhatt, the film is slated to hit theatres on 14 August.
About the original ‘Awarapan’
Mohit Suri directed the original ‘Awarapan’, which featured Shriya Saran, Mrinalini Sharma, Ashutosh Rana, Purab Kohli, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Shaad Randhawa alongside Emraan. Though it failed to make a mark at the box office upon release, the film went on to build a devoted cult following over time.