Instep looks at some of the most promising songs from various television drama serials.
Gone are the days when television drama serials used to compete on the basis of content and performances alone. Nowadays, there is another battle taking place, that of original sound tracks (OSTs).
During the last few years, the OSTs have taken the music industry by storm even though it is not the only original work being done. Although Naveed Nashad’s soundtrack of ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho’ - sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - became a massive hit, the drama has come to an end, making room for others to take its place. And, the battle for the best OST in the music market right now, is on.
Here are the five most impressive original soundtracks, currently on-air, that are making waves with critics and audiences alike.
Drama serial: Kahin Deep Jalay
Composition, lyrics and vocals: Sahir Ali Bagga
Geo Entertainment’s drama serial, Kahin Deep Jalay that features the very talented Imran Ashraf as well as Neelam Muneer, also has an impressive soundtrack. Although it features the multi-talented Sahir Ali Bagga doing everything alone, it grows on you with the passage of time. The music video revolves around Imran Ashraf and Neelam Muneer before Sahir Ali Bagga’s brilliance takes over. The OST doesn’t reveal the drama’s story but takes you back to the ‘90s and early 2000s when original soundtracks were composed with love, and when people picked dramas based on their soundtrack rather than the cast.
Drama serial: Alif
Composition and lyricist: Shuja Haider
Singers: Momina Mustehsan & Shuja Haider
The original soundtrack of Alif is not for everyone. In fact, if you aren’t following the drama, it will not appeal to you because it is in sync with the serial’s narrative. But if you are following the play, there is nothing better to listen to than Shuja Haider’s masterpiece that also features the impressive Momina Mustehsan. The music video gives the impression of an international movie as everyone looks beautiful, especially the two female actors: Kubra Khan and Sajal Aly. As for the two men, Ahsan Khan and Hamza Ali Abbasi, they remind us with their performances that one was in socially relevant Udaari and the other in the award-winning serial, Pyare Afzal.
Drama serial: Ehd-e-Wafa
Background score: Mohsin Allah Ditta
Singer OST number one: Ali Zafar, Asim Azhar, Sahir Ali Bagga & Aima Baig
Composer: Sahir Ali Bagga
Lyricist: Imran Raza Singer (and composer)
OST number two: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Lyricist: Imran Raza
Even when Mere Paas Tum Ho was on-air, Ehd-e-Wafa was breaking records with its ratings on Sundays. The drama is indebted to its two OSTs that keep the audience engaged. The first one features the best vocalists in the industry - led by Ali Zafar and followed by Aima Baig, Asim Azhar and the composer himself, Sahir Ali Bagga. While it revolved around the theme of young friends who go their separate ways, its appearance in the background always elevated the mood.
The second OST, featuring Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, went a step further and made its debut after the four friends had matured into established individuals. Not only did it carry some elements of the discontinued first OST, it sort of improved on it, lending it repeated listening power. It makes you want to relive the music of the late (and forever great) Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Like NFAK’s compositions, this OST entices you to keep on watching the drama.
Drama serial: Ghalati Composer: Naveed NashadSinger: Nabeel ShaukatLyricist: Imran Raza
King of original soundtracks in television, Naveed Nashad’s gripping OST for Ghalati is hard to dismiss. Nabeel Shaukat sings the line, “Bus Ghalti Meri Tu Yaara” exactly the way it should have been delivered. Add Imran Raza’s catchy lyrics and you get a song that can be listened to whenever your mood is down. The music video features the hit pairing of Affan Waheed and Hira Mani also works due to their strong chemistry, even though they don’t end up together… due to a ghalati, of course.
Drama serial: Yeh Dil Mera
Composer and singer: Shiraz Uppal
Lyricist: Shakeel Sohail Singers (OST number two): Sajal Aly and Naveed Nashad
Composer: Naveed Nashad
Lyricist: Aehsun Talish
Yeh Dil Mera is dissimilar than all television serials being aired at the moment. Its theme revolves around revenge, and it shows Ahad Raza Mir as an angry young man who wants to avenge his parents’ murder. The first OST featuring the experienced Shiraz Uppal is more of a happy-go-lucky number that gives you the impression that the play is all about love. However, the other OST makes you wonder whether all is well in paradise. It has that filmy feel, which is understandable as Naveed Nashad is a third-generation film composer, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Nashad and father Wajid Ali Nashad. Sajal Aly lends her vocals again after impressing with ‘O Rangreza’ a few years back and doesn’t disappoint with her singing. The song wasn’t filmed on her though but on Zarnish Khan who did a good job, engaging the audience with her grace and elegance.
– Omair Alavi is a freelance broadcast journalist who can be contacted at omair78@gmail.com
