Nearly two decades after ‘Awarapan’ was released, its sequel has finally arrived. Although the original, starring Emraan Hashmi, earned positive reviews upon release, it failed to make much of a commercial impact. Over time, however, it attained cult-classic status and is now considered among the finest works of both Emraan and director Mohit Suri. Pritam’s music for the film, too, has aged remarkably well. Riding on this nostalgia, the makers of ‘Awarapan 2’ have now recreated two songs from the 2007 original: ‘Tera Mera Rishta’ and ‘Toh Phir Aao’. Lyricist Sayeed Quadri remains part of the franchise, but the composing duties have shifted from Pritam to Mithoon and Amaal Malik, who reworked these emotional tracks. Meanwhile, Mustafa Zahid’s original vocals have been replaced by singers Saaj Bhatt and Subodhh Sharma.
Sayeed Quadri on why ‘Awarapan 2’ songs were recreated, not rewritten
In conversation with News18, Quadri explains that the decision to recreate ‘Tera Mera Rishta’ and ‘Toh Phir Aao’ instead of writing fresh songs for ‘Awarapan 2’ came from the bond audiences already share with these tracks. “When you work with all your heart and with honesty, it gets reflected in the work that you do. I was associated with the first film,” he says. “Issi liye iss film ke gaano mein bhi woh hi khushboo hai. People already share a connection with these songs. Here, there are two versions of Tera Mera Rishta. The second version is more upbeat,” adds the lyricist. He also points out that, unlike many recreations that add rap portions purely for commercial appeal, Awarapan 2’s makers chose to steer clear of that trend.
Sayeed Quadri’s long association with Emraan Hashmi
For those who don’t know, Quadri and Hashmi go way back, having teamed up on hit tracks like ‘Dil Ibaadat’, ‘Tu Hi Haqeeqat’, ‘Phir Mohabbat’, ‘Bheege Honth Tere’ and ‘Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai’ over the years. He believes it’s Hashmi who breathes life into his words, and says ‘Awarapan 2’ is no exception to that.
Sayeed Quadri on how Emraan Hashmi brings his songs alive onscreen
Quadri further added, “Gaana complete tab hota hai jab har shaqs jo gaane se juda hota hai behtar tarah se uss gaane ko mehsoos karta hai. Emraan has infused life in a lot of songs that I’ve written over the years and have brought them alive onscreen. Additionally, these songs have all been picturised very well. Sometimes, a good song may not leave an impact if it’s not picturised well or if the actor doesn’t perform well to it. Emraan ne mere gaano ko zindagi di hai aur unka umr aur lamba kar diya hai. We understand each other very well. He often comes to the studio during recording sessions. He sometimes comes to listen to the songs and sometimes he comes to meet us”.
‘Awarapan 2’ release date
‘Awarapan 2’ is set to hit theatres on August 14, 2026.
