Faheem Abdullah, a Kashmiri singer-songwriter, is the voice behind the soul-stirring title track of the recently released Bollywood film "Saiyaara". While the movie "Saiyaara" is making waves, Faheem Abdullah, along with Arslan Nizami, are also being celebrated for bringing a unique blend of traditional Kashmiri music and contemporary styles to the forefront.
Before "Saiyaara," Faheem Abdullah was known as The Imaginary Poet. He is a multifaceted artist from Srinagar, Kashmir, who is a singer, songwriter, poet, filmmaker, and even ventured into event management. Faheem's musical journey began in 2020 with his debut single, "Jhelum". Since then, he has explored various genres, including Blues, Dream Pop, Sufi Rock, and Ghazals, while staying true to his Kashmiri roots. He gained recognition in 2024 when his song "Ishq," from the album "Lost;Found," went viral on social media.
"Saiyaara" marks Faheem Abdullah's debut as a playback singer in Bollywood. He composed the song with his longtime music companion, Arslan Nizami. Together, Faheem and Arslan run a studio in Kashmir called KMR - Kashmir Music Revolution, where they work on individual and collaborative projects.
The opportunity to work on "Saiyaara" came as a life-changing moment for Faheem and Arslan. Arslan revealed that he had quit his job and convinced Faheem to try their luck in Mumbai. They came to Mumbai with savings for just 14 days. On the 13th day, they met Tanishk Bagchi, the music composer who was working on the "Saiyaara" album, and that transformed their lives.
Reflecting on the overwhelming response to "Saiyaara," Faheem said it was an overwhelming moment for him, his family, friends, and well-wishers. He added that the "Saiyaara" title track is one of the purest songs he has ever heard, and he tried to pour everything into it under the guidance of Tanishk Bagchi and Mohit Suri. Arslan Nizami said that having their song lead the "Saiyaara" promotional campaign felt surreal.
Director Mohit Suri, known for crafting some of Hindi cinema's most beloved musical hits, emphasized his goal of creating a fresh and emotionally rich musical experience for the film. He said that he wanted a completely original and heartfelt romantic album, especially since this is a debut film.
"Saiyaara" is not just rewriting box office records but also rewriting what love feels like for a generation of movie-goers. The film has struck a chord with audiences across the country, not only with its compelling story but also with music that feels like it was born from heartbreak and healing. The success of "Saiyaara" underscores the universal appeal of Kashmiri music, blending tradition with innovation to captivate audiences.
Faheem and Arslan's work in "Saiyaara" is a testament to the power of music to bridge cultural divides. Their inclusion in the film's soundtrack is a significant milestone for Kashmiri artists, paving the way for other talented individuals from the region to make their mark in the music industry. Faheem and Arslan are currently working on independent songs, prioritizing their own projects while hoping for more collaborations in the film industry.
