Meet Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami, the voices behind Saiyaara’s soulful title track

The title track of Saiyaara, the latest romantic drama from Yash Raj Films, is fast becoming one of the biggest musical moments of the year. While composer Tanishk Bagchi has been widely credited for the film’s music, few know that the soul of the title song comes from two fresh voices making their Bollywood debut - musicians Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami from Kashmir.

Known in the indie circuit for their heartfelt compositions, the duo has now found a national platform with Saiyaara. For Abdullah, this opportunity is personal. “It is an honour to represent Kashmir in the Hindi film industry with our musical debut in 'Saiyaara'. Our state has beautiful people and incredible artists. I am really happy that two Kashmiri boys have worked really hard to land this project of a lifetime and are trying to make a name for themselves in the Hindi film industry," he told in an interaction with the media.

The collaboration came about when Tanishk Bagchi, whom the duo consider a mentor, introduced them to director Mohit Suri. “We want to make our people back home to be proud of our work, and it is truly humbling to witness that my song is the first track to open the 'Saiyaara' promotional campaign,” Abdullah said.

Listen to Saiyaara title track HERE.

Speaking about the impact of the track, Abdullah shared, “It is quite an overwhelming moment for me, my family, my friends and my well-wishers. 'Saiyaara' title track is one of the purest songs that I have ever heard, and I have tried to pour my everything into it under the guidance of the genius Tanishk Bagchi and the music visionary Mohit Suri. I share this moment with my friend Arslan, without whom the magic of 'Saiyaara' couldn’t come alive.”

For Arslan Nizami, the journey into Bollywood was completely unexpected. “I wouldn’t have believed it if people had told me a couple of years earlier that I would get a chance to compose a song for a big film in the Hindi film industry. So, there was no way that I was dreaming that I would get a chance to compose for Mohit Suri in his directorial. This is an incredible milestone moment in my career and I couldn’t be happier, prouder,” he said. “To have my song, which I have composed along with an exceptionally talented fellow Kashmiri artist like Faheem and the incredible Tanishk Bagchi, lead the 'Saiyaara' promotional campaign feels surreal.”

The emotional response to Saiyaara has been overwhelming, and the duo is embracing every bit of it. “I am in disbelief, and I am speechless,” Nizami added. “I’m proud that two Kashmiri boys are here in Mumbai and trying to show what we can do to the whole country. I know we will work exceptionally hard in the near future to make our state prouder and I thank Mohit Suri sir for his unflinching belief in us. He has given us wind beneath our wings to fly higher from here on.”

Watch Mohit Suri speak about Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, in an exclusive interview with Mirchi Plus:




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