"Makers are considering bypassing its theatrical use."
Pakistani singer Mustafa Zahid is reportedly in talks with the makers of Awarapan 2 to record a remake of ‘Tera Mera Rishta’.
The development would mark one of the rare instances of a cross-border musical collaboration between India and Pakistan in recent years.
Mustafa Zahid had originally sung ‘Tera Mera Rishta’ for the cult 2007 film Awarapan, starring Emraan Hashmi in the lead role.
The song became one of the most beloved tracks from the film and remains closely associated with the Awarapan franchise nearly two decades later.
According to a Mid-day report, discussions between Mustafa Zahid and producers Mukesh Bhatt and Vishesh Bhatt are currently underway.
The move has come as a considerable surprise given the Indian film industry’s longstanding stance against working with Pakistani artists.
Following the 2016 Uri terror attack, the industry collectively refused to cast or collaborate with Pakistan-based artists in Hindi productions.
The industry reiterated that same stance after the 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, making the current discussions all the more unexpected.
Despite the ongoing unofficial boycott, talks between the singer and the makers are reportedly still progressing.
If both sides reach a final agreement, the song is expected to be recorded in Dubai rather than on Indian soil.
A source told the media: “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.”
The official trailer of Awarapan 2 dropped on August 6, 2026, and confirmed Emraan Hashmi’s return as Shivam Pandit after 19 years.
The trailer promises revenge, redemption and unfinished battles as Emraan portrays an older version of the iconic character.
Disha Patani joins the franchise in the new film, playing a character named Zara alongside the returning lead.
Shabana Azmi takes on the role of Nafisa, the film’s primary antagonist.
The supporting cast includes Puran Gabbi, Anirudh Rawal, Surendar Vicky, Vijayant Kohli and Atul Kumar in key roles.
Music has always been a defining and emotionally resonant element of the Awarapan universe, and the sequel continues that cherished tradition.
The Awarapan 2 soundtrack features compositions by Mithoon, Jeet Gannguli, Amaal Malik, Ankit Sachdev and Wasif Ahmad.
Songs including ‘Ve Junoon’, ‘Yeh Awarapan’ and ‘Toh Phir Aao’ have already been released ahead of the film’s theatrical debut.
The trailer also features a recreated version of ‘Tera Mera Rishta’, composed by Mithoon and sung by Saaj Bhatt and Subodhh Sharma.
The film is heading into a competitive Independence Day weekend release.
It will face direct competition from Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947 during what promises to be one of the year’s most exciting box office clashes.
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