While Mohit Suri’s ‘Saiyaara’ continues to soar at the box office, with opening weekend collections surpassing ₹100 crore, one key element that has captured the audience’s heart is the soul-stirring title track. The song’s melody lingers long after the credits roll—and the story behind its creation is even more unforgettable.
From Civil Engineering to Cinema: A Leap of Faith
Behind this hit song are Arslan Nizami and Faheem Abdullah, two musicians from Kashmir with no prior links to the film industry. In a bold move, Arslan, a civil engineer based in Leh, decided to quit his stable job after feeling a deep urge to take his music beyond regional boundaries.
“I told Faheem, ‘Let’s give this a shot.’ That same day, I resigned,” Arslan revealed in an interview. For a Kashmiri family where stability is paramount, the decision wasn’t easy. “Convincing my parents was the hardest part,” he added.
The duo had barely enough savings for 14 days in Mumbai, but their passion outweighed their fear.
A Twist of Fate on Day 13
After nearly two weeks of hustling in Mumbai, fate intervened. On the 13th day, they crossed paths with renowned composer Tanishk Bagchi, who was impressed by their raw talent and unique sound. Within days, they were offered the opportunity to compose the title track for Saiyaara, a major Yash Raj Films production.
“It felt unreal,” said Faheem. “We never imagined we’d work on a Bollywood film. That call changed everything.”
Representing Kashmiri Musical Talent
Both Arslan and Faheem are proud of their roots and believe that Kashmir is brimming with untapped musical talent. “All it needs is a platform,” said Faheem. “We’re just lucky to have found one.”
Their success story stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring artists from remote regions who dream of making it big in the Indian music scene.
What’s Next for the Duo?
Following the massive success of the Saiyaara soundtrack, industry insiders are abuzz with interest in the duo’s next move. While they’ve remained tight-lipped about upcoming projects, one thing is clear: Arslan and Faheem are here to stay.
Their journey from the mountains of Kashmir to the studios of Bollywood is nothing short of cinematic—fitting for the men behind a film that has already captured the nation’s imagination.
About ‘Saiyaara’
- Release Date: July 18, 2025
- Director: Mohit Suri
- Cast: Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda
- Box Office: ₹100 crore+ in opening weekend
- Highlight: Heart-touching title song composed by debutant Kashmiri artists
