One thing that Indians and Arabs have in common is a love and interest in music. The Indian subcontinent and the Middle East are well known for their unique melodies. For a long time, Indian singers and Arabic singers have collaborated, and both have a strong musical influence on one another. It has been intertwined for over a decade, from R.D. Burman’s ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’ to last year’s dance anthem ‘Halamithi Habibo’. Bollywood is loved by everyone and it has a fan base in the Middle East, so when one song goes hit the makes make sure to collaborate and launch an Arabic version. From The Khans to Nora Fatehi everyone remade their beats. Which version is the better only leaves us more confused. Here’s a list we compiled features Bollywood songs that have an Arabic version.
1) Jhoome Jo Pathaan
When Shah Rukh Khan played the trailer for his upcoming film ‘Pathaan’ on the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, he stunned his Middle Eastern fans. He even performed the Arabic version of ‘Jhoom Le Pathaan’ live. Grini and Jamila El Badaoui, popular regional singing sensations, made the Arabic version as good as the original. The Arabic singers have previously worked with Yash Raj Films and King Khan on the Arabic version of ‘Jabra Fan’. ‘Pathaan’ will be released worldwide on January 25th.
2) Swag Se Swagat
With the release of the Arabic version of ‘Swag Se Swagat,’ fans of Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif have been treated to a musical treat. The original Indian version of this song, as well as the Arabic version, were both huge hits. Rabih Baroud and Brigitte Yaghi perform the Arabic version. The tunes of this song are still stuck in the head of Bollywood fans and if it plays there’s always time to shake a leg.
3) Jabra Fan
The title track of Shah Rukh Khan’s film ‘Fan’ also had an Arabic version. It was recorded by Moroccan singer Abd El Fattah Grini, who previously collaborated with YRF on ‘Pathaan’ once again. This song had also been recorded in several other Indian languages, including Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and Hindi.
4) Gerua
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, the most enduring and adored on-screen couple, got back together for the film “Dilwale.” The audience went crazy for the song ‘Gerua’. While Arijit Singh and Antara Mitra performed the soulful delight to Pritam’s music, Adel Ebrahim performed the Arabic version with the song titled ‘Telagena,’ which is equally graceful and calming to our ears.
5) Dilbar
All of us are mesmerised by Nora Fatehi’s dance routines and even get loose to the beats. One of her most well-known songs, ‘Dilbar,’ from the film ‘Satyameva Jayate’, was also remade in Arabic. In 2018, the song was produced and performed in the Arabic version in collaboration with the Moroccan band Fnaire. What makes it unique though is the use of Moroccan instruments.
6) Binte Dil
The song ‘Baddek Eih’ is a remake of ‘Binte Dil,’ which Arjit Singh originally sang for the film ‘Padmaavat.’ Saad Lamjarred infused this song with his unique spirit, and even though some elements have different beats added, the song still sounds very similar and soulful.
7) Radio
Salman Khan is not only India’s Bhaijaan but, he is also loved by his fans in the Middle East. Before he gave his fans the Arabic Version of ‘Swag Se Swagat’. He had already treated with the song ‘Radio’. It is sung by Middle Eastern singer-songwriter Douzi, and was released by Sony Music Middle East.
8) Heeriye
Once more, Bhai makes sure to have the Arabic version of his song ‘Heeriye’ from the film ‘Race 3’. The Arabic version of the hottest party song quickly took over the clubs. featuring Jacqueline Fernandez & Salman Khan. While Meet Bros feat. Deep Money & Neha Bhasin performed the original song. Farhan Gilani was the singer in Arabic.
While these are just a few of the numerous collaborations that have taken place, more cross-cultural music mixing is undoubtedly occurring, and, in all honesty, nothing could be more delightful than combining the best of both worlds.
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