Is the Iconic 'Tera Mera Rishta' Making a Comeback in Awarapan 2?
Reviving a Classic: Awarapan 2 and Its Musical Heritage
Almost twenty years after its debut, the legendary track "Tera Mera Rishta" from Emraan Hashmi's film Awarapan is set for a revival as the sequel, Awarapan 2, gears up for its theatrical release next week. Reports suggest that Pakistani vocalist Mustafa Zahid is in talks with filmmakers Mukesh Bhatt and Vishesh Bhatt to produce a new version of this cherished song. This collaboration is particularly noteworthy given the current landscape, where Pakistani artists have been largely absent from Hindi films due to ongoing political tensions.
As per a report from a media outlet, the discussions between Zahid and the Awarapan 2 producers have caught many off guard. The Indian film industry has adopted a cautious approach towards Pakistani artists since the 2016 Uri terror attack, which prompted a widespread boycott. This sentiment was echoed following the 2025 Pahalgam incident, complicating cross-border collaborations. Nevertheless, talks are still in progress, and if an agreement is reached, the song is anticipated to be recorded in Dubai.
A source associated with the project indicated that if the deal is finalized, it would mark a rare occasion for a Pakistani playback singer to contribute to a mainstream Hindi film in recent years. However, the song might not be included in the film itself to sidestep potential certification issues. Instead, it is likely to be utilized for promotional activities on social media, pending approval from both parties.
The trailer for Awarapan 2, which was unveiled on August 6, features Emraan Hashmi reprising his role as Shivam Pandit after nearly two decades. The film promises a compelling storyline centered around themes of revenge and redemption, showcasing Hashmi as a more mature and traumatized version of his character. The cast also includes Disha Patani as Zara and Shabana Azmi as the primary antagonist, Nafisa, along with a supporting cast featuring Puran Gabbi and Anirudh Rawal.
Music remains a crucial element of the Awarapan franchise, with the sequel's soundtrack featuring contributions from renowned composers like Mithoon and Amaal Malik. The trailer also presents a reimagined version of "Tera Mera Rishta," composed by Mithoon and performed by Saaj Bhatt and Subodhh Sharma. Awarapan 2, produced by Vishesh Films and directed by Nitin Kakkar, is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 14, 2026, coinciding with the Independence Day weekend, where it will face competition from Sunny Deol's Batwara 1947.