By: Omair Alavi Pakistan’s music industry may be in comatose state but music composers had a great time in 2016 as they released their work through films, and got fame and recognition. While the updated version of late Robin Ghosh’s classic Tu Hai Mera entertained the audience in Salute, there were many original numbers that would have made it…
SAMAA | Omair Alavi – Posted: Dec 29, 2016 | Last Updated: 5 years ago
By: Omair Alavi
Pakistan’s music industry may be in comatose state but music composers had a great time in 2016 as they released their work through films, and got fame and recognition. While the updated version of late Robin Ghosh’s classic Tu Hai Mera entertained the audience in Salute, there were many original numbers that would have made it to any Top 10 Charts, had there been any like in the old days. That’s why we decided to come up with our Top 10, that could be from any film – be it a hit, a flop – but not Superbad! Read on:
10-Befikryan (Lahore Se Aagey)
The new sensation Aima Baig was introduced through Lahore Se Aagey and she became the voice of Saba Qamar, making the already stunning actress look even better. Shiraz Uppal’s composition was top notch as well, making this song an entrant into the Top 10.
9-Noor e Khuda (Ishq Positive)
Noor Bukhari’s directorial venture Ishq Positive may have failed at the box office but the soundtrack was brilliant, perhaps one of the best of 2016. In this song, Wali Hamid Ali Khan shows his prowess as a trained classical singer and makes you think that he might have done bad as an actor, but he has a career as a music composer and a singer in the industry.
8-Janaan (Janaan)
Indian singer Armaan Malik makes his way to Pakistani films through the title track of Imran Kazmi’s flick and does a good job, although he pronouncing the name of the film incorrectly. Salim-Suleman’s composition adds colour to the wonderful film that managed to do well at home, and abroad.
7-Actor In Law (Actor In Law)
When Fahad Mustafa’s character wins his first case as a fake lawyer, the film’s story changes its gear from medium pace to full pace and the title track helps with its appropriate composition. Fahad Mustafa’s dance moves, Shani Arshad’s composition as well as the huge background dancers make this number memorable.
6-Lar Gayian (Dobara Phir Se)
In Pakistan’s first ever English film Beyond The Last Mountain in the 70s, filmmaker Javed Jabbar introduced a novel, classy Mehndi song to the audience – nearly 40 years later her daughter Mehreen repeats the feat on a shaadi with this number which in her own words ‘wouldn’t have been possible without Nigah jee’ the choreographer. The song was sung by Zarish Hafeez and Shiraz Uppal, with the latter also acting as a composer and has Hareem Farooq, Sanam Saeed, Ali Kazmi and Adeel Husain dancing like we all dance in our weddings.
5-Kitni Baar (Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai)
Finally, Sukhwinder Singh makes his way to Pakistani films, something that Kumar Sanu, Sonu Nigam and Udit Narayan had done long time back. This composition from Soch band suited the style of the Bollywood playback singer who sang Chayya Chayya and Dard e Disco and you can add this song to his all-time best list!
4-Shakar Wandan (Ho Mann Jahaan)
And then there was Asim Raza’s musical hit Ho Mann Jahaan where Faakhir’s version of Shakar Wandan was loved by all and the song was played at most of the weddings this year. You can see Adeel Husain, Shaheryar Munawar and Ahmed Ali doing an excellent job on the stage with a ravishing Mahira Khan joining them in the process.
3-Naina Roye (Maalik)
For those who thought that Pakistani composers can’t create emotions with their work, this song is a slap on their faces. Sung by Dr. Masuma Anwar and composed by the one and only Sahir Ali Bagga, Naina Roye makes you want to listen to it again, and again and again. The lyrics by Imran Raza touch the heart and soul whereas the use of multiple instruments keep you engrossed for the song’s entire run.
2-Kalabaz (Lahore Se Aagey)
And then there is the most controversial number of the year – Kalabaaz! Some say it sounds exactly like Ghaagra song from Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani and at first it does but when you talk to the director Wajahat Rauf and music composer Shiraz Uppal, you realize that since it belongs to the same genre, hence the similarity in style. Aima Baig does a wonderful job in this mujra-esque and must be commended for moulding her voice for the requirement of the song and the situation. Add Saba Qamar’s deadly moves, Jabar Abbas’ Sukhwinder-esque voice and Yasir Hussain’s antics and you get a song that you can take anywhere, listen to anytime.
1-Dil Yeh Dancer Hogaya (Actor In Law)
When you have the name of Atif Aslam in the credits, it means that the music composer was dedicated enough to get the best in the business, and the producers were sharp enough to realize the song’s potential. The pop star makes a return to playback singing in 2016 with Ho Mann Jahaan and recorded 3 songs – including this one – within 10 days including Bollywood numbers for Flying Jutt and Rustom. His voice suits the antics of Fahad Mustafa who keeps praising hisKahanyon Ki Pari portrayed excellently by Mehwish Hayat.
