or Hadiqa Kiani, who stole a nation’s heart with a song called ‘Boohey Barian’ two decades ago, altruism holds as much importance as music, if not more.

About two months ago, Kiani was in Balochistan where she lent a helping hand to those in need by creating 370 houses, two mosques, two maternity centers, one school and one grocery store.

Now she’s back in the spotlight for her music that is gradually going towards a different genre than her earlier tryst with pop music.

Kiani, a singer, songwriter, composer, producer and actor, has pulled out all the stops for her new release, ‘Jani Door Gaye’. Between the release of her last song, ‘Jaanay Iss Dil’ and ‘Jani Door Gaye’, one important thing to note is that while the former didn’t include Irfan ‘Lala’ Kiani, the latter does (with whom she has worked throughout her long career). When asked about the reunion, Kiani said that he is her only brother and parting ways with him professionally left her with a heavy heart. “Life is better when we forgive and forget and move on,” she told Instep.

Moving on to the new release, it is Ms. Kiani’s version of a composition that originally belonged to Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Released by SufiScore, the music video features Wahaj Ali and Hania Aamir and is a qawwali.

The music video emits grandeur, visible in every frame, it is conceptualized and directed by longtime collaborator, Mr. Abdullah Haris.

With a cameo by Mr. Irfan Kiani, the qawwali speaks of separation from the beloved with Hania Aamir and Wahaj Ali co-starring as the leads in this short film of sorts, in addition to Ms. Kiani.

She not only provides vocals but shows just how well she has grasped the acting vehicle over time. It adds drama to a qawwali that has been presented like a grand tale from a bygone era. Does the sorrow of separation belong to Hadiqa Kiani, or if she merely observes her co-leads is not exactly clear at first. But as you watch the music video on repeat, it feels like the grief belongs to her. With some of the finest musicians involved in the creation of this qawwali, it is becoming clearer that the school of qawwali is what appeals to Kiani most. What began with Wajd was followed by Vasl and nearly every release belongs to that genre. It is a tricky format to ace but Ms. Kiani is dedicated to it and the proof is in the pie, or in this case, the vocal delivery.