Pakistan has a treasure trove of chart-busting songs that have made countless listeners fall in love with music the country has to offer, and the tradition still continues. However, even as many new singles release, we bet you’ve heard someone say the classics will always be better! And we can’t help but agree!
But, what happens when those Lollywood classics, ghazals and iconic ethnic songs are breathed new life into with new renditions? Well, that’s when the magic truly happens.
Looking at ten such songs, Diva explores contemporary renditions of hit Pakistani songs we couldn’t help but fall in love with…
Alif Allah Chambe Di Booti
A classic Sufi narrative device, Jugni Ji was re-invented on the Coke Studio platform as Alif Allah Chambe Di Booti in the voices of Arif Lohar and Meesha Shafi. The rendition introduced a completely new generation to the beauty of this song.
Hina Ki Khushbu
A song made popular by the mellifluous Madam Noor Jehan, Hina Ki Khusboo once again became popular as it was rendered into a contemporary track by Samra Khan and Asim Azhar. The song has seen quite a few fusions around the Subcontinent in its history, but the latest rendition won from them all.
Ranjish Hi Sahi
A Mehdi Hassan classic, Ranjish Hi Sahi became the voice of a generation of lovelorn lovers in the past. Today, it is Ali Sethi’s soulful voice which once again made it a song people can hardly resist.
Daanah Pah Daanah
A Balochi traditional song, Daanah Pah Daanah has been the spine of Baloch music, and countless singers have created renditions of the popular track. However, none became as popular in the Coke Studio era than this one sung by Akhtar Chanal Zahri and Komal Rizvi.
Sammi Meri Waar
A song traditionally sung at weddings and in festivities in Punjab, Sammi Meri Waar became known the whole country after it was popularised by Umair Jaswal and Quratulain Baloch. The fast rendition of the classic track is now the one many probably think is the true and only version! Time to Google the old one, maybe?
Laila O Laila
Another track that finds its way to the masses from the rugged mountains of Balochistan and ancient Persian lands, Laila O Laila is a classic that became all the rage when Faiz Baloch sang is back in the 70s. It became even popular today with the new generation when we saw two renditions of it created by Rostam Mirlashari and Ali Zafar!
Don’t Be Silly
A song that people probably remember the great Runa Laila singing back in the Lollywood era, Don’t Be Silly saw its reincarnation in the form of Khilti Kali for 2019’s hit film, Baaji featuring Osman Khalid Butt, Amna Ilyas, and Meera.
Chan Kithan
A traditional song many may have hummed to throughout generations, Ali Sethi made it super popular with his rendition of Chan Kithan which featured Mira Sethi. Can we ever get over this song? We think not.
Jub Koi Pyar Se
Another track by Mehdi Hassan that was featured on Zeba and Mohammad Ali in the film Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai, Jab Koi Pyar Se Bulayega became even more popular when it was featured in Aamina Sheikh and Mohib Mirza’s critically-acclaimed film, Lamha.
Afreen Afreen
One song that probably had the whole world swooning to it, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Afreen Afreen dominated the charts once again when Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Momina Mustehsan redefined it!
Which song is your favourite? Tell us in the comment section below.