Pakistani singer Mustafa Zahid to reprise Tera Mera Rishta for Awarapan 2 amid boycott row

Emraan Hashmi in ‘Awarapan 2’. Pics/Youtube, Instagram

Emraan Hashmi's ‘Awarapan' (2007) remains memorable as much for its songs as for its unrequited love story. So, as soon as ‘Awarapan 2' was announced, speculation abounded whether its hits ‘Tera Mera Rishta' and ‘Toh Phir Aao' would be revisited. Now, mid-day has learnt that Pakistani singer Mustafa Zahid, who voiced the original ‘Tera Mera Rishta', is in talks with producers Mukesh and Vishesh Bhatt to record its reprised version.

This development comes as a surprise - after all, following the 2016 Uri attack, the Indian film industry stopped working with Pakistani artistes. In the aftermath of the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, cine bodies reiterated their stance of boycotting artistes across the border.

Mustafa Zahid

However, talks about a potential collaboration are on between Zahid and the ‘Awarapan 2' makers. If things go as planned, the recording will take place in Dubai this week. A source said, "Should the deal materialise, it will mark one of the rare instances in recent years of a Pakistani playback singer recording for a mainstream Hindi film. The song won't be used in ‘Awarapan 2' as that may land the film in certification trouble. So, the makers are considering bypassing its theatrical use; it will be used only in social media-led promotions. The professional reunion is awaiting approval from both parties at this stage."

mid-day reached out to Vishesh Bhatt, who didn't respond till press time.