The enchanting melodies of Saiyaara have captured hearts across India, but behind these soul-stirring tracks lies an extraordinary tale of courage, determination, and unwavering faith. What started as a desperate 14-day gamble by two Kashmiri engineers has transformed into one of Bollywood’s most beloved musical journeys of 2025.
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The Unlikely Heroes Behind Saiyaara Songs
From Engineering Sites to Recording Studios
Arslan Nizami, who previously worked as a tunnel engineer at the Zojila Tunnel project, and Faheem Abdullah (formerly known as The Imaginary Poet) were leading completely different lives before their musical breakthrough. Arslan was a civil engineer working near Leh, while Faheem wrote songs that echoed through Kashmir’s valleys, but their dreams extended far beyond the mountainous terrain of their homeland.
The duo had been collaborating on musical projects for years, creating melodies that resonated deeply within Kashmir’s music scene. However, they yearned for a platform that could showcase their talent to the wider world. Their music was beloved locally, but breaking into Bollywood seemed like an impossible dream—until they decided to take the biggest risk of their lives.
The 14-Day Mumbai Adventure That Changed Everything
In an interview with HT City, Arslan Nizami revealed that he had quit his job and convinced Faheem to try their luck in Mumbai. The Kashmiri musician further mentioned that they had savings for just 14 days to bear the expenses of Mumbai. This wasn’t just a casual trip to the city of dreams—it was an all-or-nothing gamble that would either make or break their musical aspirations.
The pressure was immense. With limited funds and no industry connections, every day in Mumbai counted. They had to make their mark quickly or return home with shattered dreams. The weight of expectations from their families and their own burning ambition drove them to push forward despite the overwhelming odds.
The Miraculous 13th Day Encounter
On the 13th day, they met Tanishk Bagchi, the music composer, in what can only be described as a stroke of destiny. This meeting would prove to be the turning point that transformed their lives forever. Tanishk Bagchi, already an established name in Bollywood music, recognized the raw talent and authentic emotional depth in their compositions.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect—or more nerve-wracking. With just one day left before their savings would run out, this encounter represented their last shot at success. The meeting led to collaborations that would eventually create the magical Saiyaara songs that have now become synonymous with contemporary Bollywood romance.
The Creative Process Behind Saiyaara Songs
Blending Kashmir’s Soul with Bollywood’s Heart
The song has been composed by the brilliant Tanishk Bagchi, along with Arslan and Faheem and its heartfelt lyrics have been penned by Irshad Kamil. The collaboration brought together diverse musical influences—from Kashmir’s traditional folk melodies to Bollywood’s contemporary sound design.
Arslan Nizami credited his early musical inspiration to his school teacher and his father, celebrated Kashmiri singer Kaiser Nizami. This rich musical heritage from Kashmir provided the emotional foundation that makes the Saiyaara songs so distinctive and moving.
The Technical Excellence Behind the Magic
The production process involved multiple stages of refinement, with each artist bringing their unique expertise to the table. Tanishk Bagchi’s modern production techniques combined seamlessly with the organic, heartfelt composition style of Faheem and Arslan. The result was a perfect blend of traditional authenticity and contemporary appeal.
The soundtrack consists of seven songs composed by Mithoon, Sachet–Parampara, Tanishk Bagchi, Rishabh Kant, Vishal Mishra, Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nisami, showcasing the diverse range of talent that contributed to the film’s musical success.
Impact and Reception of Saiyaara Songs
Chart-Topping Success and Critical Acclaim
Open Instagram, and chances are, the first track flooding your feed is “Saiyaara Tu Toh Badlaa Nahi Hai…”, the title track of Mohit Suri’s latest directorial venture. The song has become a viral sensation across social media platforms, with countless covers, dance videos, and emotional tributes flooding the internet.
The success of Saiyaara songs extends beyond mere commercial appeal. Music critics have praised the authentic emotional depth and the seamless integration of traditional and contemporary elements. The tracks have struck a chord with audiences across different age groups and geographical regions.
Cultural Significance and Representation
Faheem has lent his voice to the beautifully soulful title track, showcasing his rich musical prowess, while also representing Kashmir’s incredible musical heritage on a national platform. Their success has opened doors for other regional artists and highlighted the diverse musical landscape of India.
The story of Faheem and Arslan has become an inspiration for aspiring artists across the country, particularly those from smaller towns and regions who dream of making it big in Bollywood. Their journey proves that talent, combined with determination and the willingness to take calculated risks, can overcome any geographical or social barriers.
The Team Behind Saiyaara’s Musical Magic
| Role | Artist | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Vocalist | Faheem Abdullah | Former songwriter from Kashmir (The Imaginary Poet) |
| Composer/Vocalist | Arslan Nizami | Ex-civil engineer and son of celebrated singer Kaiser Nizami |
| Music Director | Tanishk Bagchi | Established Bollywood composer |
| Lyricist | Irshad Kamil | Renowned Bollywood lyricist |
| Film Director | Mohit Suri | Acclaimed director known for musical love stories |
Song Credits and Technical Details
| Track | Composers | Singers | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saiyaara (Title Track) | Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, Arslan Nizami | Faheem Abdullah | 4:11 minutes |
| Additional Tracks | Mithoon, Sachet-Parampara, Vishal Mishra, Rishabh Kant | Various Artists | Varies |
The Broader Musical Landscape of Saiyaara
Mohit Suri framed every song as essential narrative layers, not promotional fillers-thanks to mega teams like Arijit, Jubin Nautiyal, Sachet-Parampara, and Mithoon pouring their hearts out. This approach to music integration has made Saiyaara songs not just standalone hits but integral parts of the storytelling process.
The film’s soundtrack represents a significant moment in Bollywood music, where authentic emotions and genuine artistry have triumphed over formulaic approaches. The success of Saiyaara songs has encouraged filmmakers and music directors to explore more diverse collaborations and give opportunities to fresh talent.
Lessons from the Saiyaara Success Story
The journey of Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami offers valuable insights for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs. Their story demonstrates the importance of taking calculated risks, the power of collaboration, and the significance of staying true to one’s artistic vision while being open to adaptation and growth.
Their 14-day Mumbai adventure has become a modern-day legend in the music industry, reminding us that sometimes the biggest opportunities come disguised as the most challenging moments. The success of Saiyaara songs stands as testimony to the fact that authentic talent, when combined with determination and the right opportunities, can create magic that resonates with millions.
The Saiyaara songs represent more than just musical entertainment—they embody dreams realized, risks rewarded, and the beautiful fusion of traditional artistry with contemporary storytelling. As Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami continue their musical journey, their story serves as an inspiration to countless dreamers who dare to chase their passions against all odds.
From the engineering sites of Kashmir to the recording studios of Mumbai, their journey reminds us that great art often emerges from the most unexpected places and circumstances. The enchanting melodies of Saiyaara will continue to touch hearts, while the story behind these songs will inspire future generations of artists to believe in the power of their dreams.
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FAQs
Who are the main composers behind Saiyaara songs?
The Saiyaara title track is composed by Tanishk Bagchi along with Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami, while the complete soundtrack features compositions by multiple artists including Mithoon, Sachet-Parampara, and Vishal Mishra.
What was Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami’s profession before music?
Arslan Nizami worked as a civil engineer at the Zojila Tunnel project near Leh, while Faheem Abdullah was a songwriter from Kashmir who performed under the stage name “The Imaginary Poet.”
How long did they stay in Mumbai before getting their breakthrough?
They had savings for only 14 days in Mumbai, and remarkably, they met music composer Tanishk Bagchi on the 13th day, which led to their breakthrough opportunity.
What makes Saiyaara songs unique compared to other Bollywood tracks?
The songs blend traditional Kashmiri musical influences with contemporary Bollywood production, creating an authentic and emotionally resonant sound that has struck a chord with audiences nationwide.
How has the success of Saiyaara songs impacted regional artists?
Their success has opened doors for artists from smaller regions and highlighted the diverse musical landscape of India, inspiring other regional talents to pursue their Bollywood dreams.
