By Saadath Mohi-ud-din
28 July 2025
In an industry often dominated by familiar names and big-city backgrounds, two musicians from Kashmir have broken through with nothing but raw talent and relentless drive. The soulful title track of Saiyaara, released earlier this month, has not only captured listeners across the country but also spotlighted the remarkable journey of its creators Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami.
Faheem, the voice behind the haunting melody, and Arslan, a former civil engineer, co-composed the track with Bollywood’s Tanishk Bagchi. But their path to this moment was anything but easy.
A Leap of Faith
Until recently, Arslan was working at a construction site near Leh, while Faheem was creating music independently in Srinagar. Feeling stuck and unheard, the two friends made a bold decision: to leave Kashmir and head to Mumbai with just 14 days’ worth of savings and one shared dream.
“On day 13, we were almost out of money,” Arslan said in an interview. “Then came the meeting with Tanishk Bagchi.”
The hit Bollywood composer, known for both original tracks and remixes, recognized their potential and invited them to collaborate on the soundtrack of Saiyaara, a film produced by Yash Raj Films.
From Struggles to Spotlight
Faheem’s vocals, coupled with Arslan’s composition skills, created a sound that felt fresh and heartfelt — something the industry hadn’t heard in a while. Their track stood out, not just for its melody, but for its authenticity.
“What struck me was how pure their sound was,” Bagchi shared. “There was no pretence. Just emotion.”
The film’s lead pair, debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, didn’t know the musicians personally, but embraced the song instantly. Actress Ananya Panday even posted that she was “obsessed” with it.
Opening Doors for Kashmiri Talent
Faheem, who used to share poems and songs under the name The Imaginary Poet, said he never imagined he’d get to sing in a Bollywood film, let alone co-compose its main track.
“I used to dream of this, but the reality has been beyond anything I expected,” he said.
Both artists hope their story encourages other young musicians from Kashmir to pursue their craft fearlessly.
Industry Reaction
The success of Saiyaara has also been a turning point for Bagchi, who’s long battled the perception of being a “remix guy.”
“People now know me for original music too, and that means everything,” he said.
The trio’s collaboration reflects a quiet shift in Bollywood: a growing openness to fresh voices, regional talent, and untold stories.
From the hills of Kashmir to the heart of Mumbai’s film scene, Faheem and Arslan’s journey is more than a musical success — it’s a reminder that real stories, and real talent, still have a place in the spotlight.