Released in 2007, Awarapan went on to earn cult status over the years, with its soundtrack emerging as one of the film's most enduring highlights.
Songs like "To Phir Aao" and "Tera Mera Rishta" became closely associated with the Emraan Hashmi-starrer and continue to enjoy a loyal fan following.
For Awarapan 2, the makers have decided to recreate "To Phir Aao" as the film's title track, with Amaal Mallik stepping in as both composer and singer. The development has now drawn a reaction from Pakistani singer Mustafa Zahid, who was one of the voices behind the original Awarapan soundtrack and is best known for his rendition of the iconic song.
© Vishesh Films
Reacting to Awarapan 2's announcement, Mustafa Wrote On X, "Words can't describe how overwhelmed I am from all your love and messages since yesterday. If there was one time I needed that in my life it was this time and I'll forever be thankful to all you. Awarapan 2 deserves every bit of success because it was just few young boys coming together in 2007 to do something their hearts told them to do. Is team ka dubara dil nahe tootna chaheya."
© Instagram/Mustafa Zahid
Amaal Mallik announced the news on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, revealing that he has composed the title track for Awarapan 2, which he described as the finest work of his career so far. Sharing an emotional note, he wrote, "The #SoulOfAwarapan is what I always called it until #MukeshBhatt sir gave it a name…Can't thank him enough for giving me my first Vishesh film, a dream of mine since age 16. Today is the day I get to live a 20-year-old dream of mine thanks to Mukesh Ji & @VisheshFilms. I have created my career best song for this movie -- The 'Title Song' of #Awarapan2 penned by the legendary poet #RashmiVirag."
In another post, Amaal paid tribute to Pakistani singer Mustafa Zahid, whose renditions of "To Phir Aao" and "Tera Mera Rishta" became defining tracks of the original Awarapan album. Acknowledging his contribution, Amaal wrote, "Also a big hug to the man we all must never forget, the voice of the original #MustafaZahid and his contribution to the 2007 soundtrack - My homie, my brother from another mother & a dangerous border @Mustafology. We could've never been doing this if you hadn't done the magic in the original my bro. Thank you for the stupendous melodies, the impeccable vocals and that emptiness in your rendition still haunts me and heals me."
Reacting to Amaal's tweet, Mustafa wrote, "Lots of love Amaal, remember borders are dangerous but then so is love. Take Awarapan legacy to another level, the stage is all yours Mere Bhai."
About Awarapan 2
The makers unveiled the teaser of Awarapan 2 last week to coincide with the 19th anniversary of the original film. The preview marks the return of Emraan Hashmi as Shivam, the brooding assassin whose emotional journey made the first film a cult favourite.
Alongside Emraan, the sequel features Disha Patani and Shabana Azmi in pivotal roles, with Suvinder Vicky, Vijayant Kohli and Atul Kumar rounding out the supporting cast. Backed by Vishesh Bhatt, directed by Nitin Kakkar and penned by Bilal Siddiqui, Awarapan 2 is slated to arrive in theatres on August 14.