Pakistani singer Mustafa Zahid expressed deep emotion after watching Awarapan 2
in theaters, where his vocals from the 2007 original film open the sequel. Released on August 14, 2026, the film has grossed over ₹153 crore worldwide while bridging a nearly two-decade legacy divided by geopolitics.
Nearly two decades after his voice defined the cult status of the original thriller, singer-composer Mustafa Zahid found himself sitting in a theater watching its long-awaited sequel come to life. Although contemporary geopolitical tensions kept him off the official recording roster for the new project, the finished film offered an unexpected tribute. As the opening credits rolled, his iconic vocals filled the auditorium, accompanied by scenes featuring Emraan Hashmi and Shriya Saran, sparking loud cheers from the audience and providing a moment of profound personal validation.
An Emotional Return and the Reality of Borders
The journey to that theater seat was marked by both professional pride and the quiet friction of international politics. Earlier, the outlet reported that the singer addressed his absence from the official album during a concert appearance in Chicago, noting that art frequently suffers under the weight of global political divides. Yet, rather than contesting the decision, he maintained a cooperative stance toward the production.
“For 19 years, I carried these songs with me to every stage, every city and every concert. When I was approached about my songs for the sequel, I never had an issue with making space for new voices. I’ve always believed in giving back and making way for what comes next. All I ever asked for was dignity and due credit for what I had contributed to this legacy.”
Mustafa Zahid, Singer-Composer, via Hindustan Times
That perspective shifted the narrative from exclusion to acknowledgment. In return, Mustafa offered his blessing to the new team, remarking that while borders are dangerous, then so is love
.
New Voices and Recreated Melodies on the Soundtrack
While the film opens with Mustafa’s original imprint, the official soundtrack features a fresh lineup of performers tasked with breathing new life into the franchise’s signature tracks. The sequel introduces singer Subodh Sharma, who grew up around music in Jammu under the guidance of his composer-father Pt Prithvi Raaj Sharma and spent a decade working behind the scenes in Mumbai before stepping into the spotlight.
Sharma lent his voice to new versions of cult tracks like Tera Mera Rishta
and Toh Phir Aao
, working alongside artists such as Saaj Bhatt. Meanwhile, trade tracking figures showed the film drawing substantial audiences immediately upon arrival.
Box Office Momentum and Standalone Releases
The commercial reception of the Vishesh Films production has outpaced expectations. Released during a crowded holiday window that included competing titles like Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947
, the film opened to Rs 21.50 crore on its first day across 9,033 shows. In the days following its August 14 premiere, the worldwide gross climbed past ₹153 crore, surpassing the lifetime theatrical figures of the 2007 original.
Capitalizing on this renewed momentum, Mustafa also delivered a direct offering to his listeners. On the day of the film’s release, he launched a standalone track titled Tera Mera Rishta 2.0
on digital platforms. The accompanying video carries an explicit message dedicated to audiences in both nations who prioritize shared artistic expression over political boundaries.
Looking Ahead to a Potential Third Installment
With the sequel proving to be a dominant commercial force, the creative teams and original contributors are already eyeing the future of the brand. Mustafa concluded his public reflections by extending congratulations to lead actor Emraan Hashmi, co-star Disha Patani, and the production house, while leaving the door open for a direct reunion.
Whether future cinematic chapters will navigate international travel restrictions to bring the original voice back into the studio remains unconfirmed. For now, the successful blending of archival nostalgia with new orchestration has set a high benchmark for the franchise as it looks toward an eventual third installment.
