Awarapan 2 brings back the iconic Toh Phir Aao and Tera Mera Rishta, but Mustafa Zahid’s voice is missingProducer Vishesh Bhatt has now addressed the decision.
Published: August 21, 2026, 2:28 PM IST
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Vishesh Bhatt and Mustafa Zahid (PC: Instagram)
There was always a lot of curiosity around the music of Awarapan 2After all, the 2007 film became a cult favourite over the years, with songs like Toh Phir Aao and Tera Mera Rishta becoming a huge part of its identitySo, when the sequel brought back the two songs with new voices, fans immediately noticed one major change – Pakistani singer Mustafa Zahid was no longer behind the microphoneThe decision led to questions from fans and an emotional response from ZahidWith Awarapan 2 also enjoying a strong run at the box office, producer Vishesh Bhatt has now finally addressed the decision and explained why the makers went ahead with the new versions.
Why was Mustafa Zahid replaced in Awarapan 2?
Mustafa Zahid’s voice became closely associated with Toh Phir Aao and Tera Mera Rishta after the original Awarapan released in 2007For the sequel, the makers decided to retain the songs but give them a fresh treatmentComposer Mithoon and lyricist Sayeed Quadri returned for the recreated versions, while Subodhh Sharma lent his voice to the new renditions.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, when asked if he was ready for the questions around no songs by Mustafa Zahid in Awarapan 2, Vishesh said, “That was to happenI find the questions ridiculous sometimesFor instance, I was not part of Jannat 2But nobody takes Jannat away from meMaine banaya hai (I have made it)Why do people think something is taken away? Some of that is very internet-driven, and sometimes the talent also gets gaslit by fans ki aapki izzat nahi rakhi (they didn’t respect you). It’s nothing to do with any of thatWhat is yours will always be yours.”
Mustafa Zahid gets emotional watching Awarapan 2 opening scene
Mustafa Zahid himself recently watched Awarapan 2 in a Canadian theatre and shared an emotional note about hearing his original voice incorporated into the filmDespite not being part of the new soundtrack, he said he received what he wanted — dignity and love.
In an Instagram post, he wrote, “For 19 years, I carried these songs with me to every stage, every city and every concertWhen 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 nextAll I ever asked for was dignity and due credit for what I had contributed to this legacy.”
He further added, “Tonight, the film began with my voice, followed by the loud cheers from the crowd and in that particular moment, I think I received what I always wanted: Dignity & Insane amount of love from all of you.”
As per a report by Hindustan Times, speaking at a recent concert in Chicago, he said, “This is the first song of my life that I wroteThis is the first song of my life that I composed, and it happens to be the first song that I sang in my lifeIt is unfortunate that sometimes art has to suffer because of all the politics around the worldSo, unfortunately, I am not part of the album, but the amount of love and respect that I have always received from the Indians is absolutely amazingThank you so much guys.”
While Mustafa Zahid’s original vocals remain inseparable from the songs for many fans, Awarapan 2 has chosen to present them through a new musical treatmentThe sequel, starring Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani, is directed by Nitin Kakkar and continues the story nearly two decades after the first film.
