India's star voice Arijit Singh and Pakistani singer Atif Aslam to feature in a Bollywood song together
Arijit Singh
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Pakistani musicians used to be active in Bollywood until the September 2016 Uri attacks strained diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Pakistan.
In the wake of the incident, the exchange thinned, with only a couple of films continuing to feature songs by Pakistani singers. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan crooned Aazaadiyan for Begum Jaan and Atif Aslam sang Hoor in Irrfan Khan-starrer Hindi Medium.
Palash Muchhal
Now, young composer Palash Muchhal, who has worked on upcoming film Sweetiee Weds NRI, is reaching out to talent across the border, with a track rendered by top Indian singer Arijit Singh and Aslam.
Titled Musafir, the song has four versions in the film, one of them features the duo. “It's a heart-touching and emotional track. I tried my best to bring out the 'dard' in the song,” says Aslam.
Atif Aslam
Explaining why he thought of chosing Arijit and Atif, Palash says, “They are extremely talented musicians and my favourites, too. I have grown up listening to Atif and I love Arijit's voice. Both express pain, and I needed that for Musafir.”
The composer adds that when the singers heard the tune, they instantly agreed to record it. His sister, singer Palak Muchhal, has penned the lyrics for the number.