Mumbai: ‘Awarapan 2’ has been making headlines ever since its trailer was unveiled, and now a fresh report has added to the buzz.
According to reports, the makers are planning to bring back Pakistani singer Mustafa Zahid to record a recreated version of the iconic track ‘Tera Mera Rishta’.
If the collaboration materialises, it would mark Zahid’s reported return to Bollywood amid the ongoing restrictions on Pakistani artists working in the Hindi film industry.
According to a Mid-Day report, the recreated version of ‘Tera Mera Rishta’ is unlikely to feature in the film, as including it could complicate the certification process.
Instead, the makers are reportedly planning to use the track solely for promotional campaigns.
The report further claims that, if the collaboration is finalised, Zahid is expected to record the song in Dubai.
“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,” a source was quoted as saying by the publication.
The source further added, “The professional reunion is awaiting approval from both parties at this stage.”
Neither Zahid nor the makers of ‘Awarapan 2’ have officially responded to the reports so far.
Collaborations between Indian filmmakers and Pakistani artists have remained limited since several film industry bodies imposed restrictions following the 2016 Uri terror attack.
Although the Bombay High Court rejected a plea seeking a blanket legal ban on Pakistani artists in 2023, projects involving Pakistani talent have continued to face regulatory and public scrutiny.
Directed by Nitin Kakkar, ‘Awarapan 2’ brings back Emraan Hashmi as Shivam Pandit, with Disha Patani and Shabana Azmi in pivotal roles.
Set nearly two decades after the events of the original film, the sequel is scheduled to hit theatres on August 14, 2026.
