When it comes to drama serials, multiple factors are kept in mind while creating a TV show including strong writing, brilliant performances, and not to forget, the more nuanced and technical elements such as cinematography and editing.

However, there is one more significant feature that contributes to the success of a drama series: the original soundtrack (OST). It is no secret that an amazing OST not only adds value and personality to a project, but also plays an integral part in telling the story as well as describing a particular character.

In fact, great OSTs remain etched in our minds even after the series has come to an end. Humsafar, Mann Mayal, Alif, Mere Pass Tum Ho and our ultimate favourite, Jackson Heights, are just a few examples of dramas with intense OSTs.

Here are some of our favourite soundtracks from current drama serials…

Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3

Composed by Naveed Nashad

Sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Nish Asher

With 151 million views on YouTube, the Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3 title track, sung by Rahat Fateh Khan and British Pakistani singer Nish Asher, has broken as many records as the drama serial itself. Written by Qamar Nashad and composed by Naveed Nashad, the melody has struck a chord with people all over the world. It’s a combination of striking lyrics and a soulful rendition that has won favours with fans.

The intense love saga, written by Hashim Nadeem, directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain and produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi of 7th Sky Entertainment, features an ensemble cast featuring Feroze Khan, Iqra Aziz, Hina Bayat, Sameer Shah, Junaid Khan, Tooba Siddiqui and Sunita Marshal among others. According to the writer, the Khuda Aur Mohabbat franchise aims to show various ways in which religion is practised in this region, whether it’s the masjid or the mazaar. It intertwines the religious angle with love, ishq and mohabbat, resulting in a story that appeals to everyone.

Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay

Composed by Azaan Sami Khan

Sung by Yashal Shahid

Marking the return of Mahira Khan to the small screen after a long hiatus, Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay is a story of love-hate relationships. Written by Umera Ahmed and directed by Farooq Rind, the drama explores complicated relationships within a family, with a dark focus on how childhood trauma affects relationships. HKKST stars Usman Mukhtar and Kubra Khan along with Mahira Khan and though the series is receiving hype for various reasons, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the OST is the soul of the entire project.

The lyrics are written by Sabir Zafar, which beautifully depict the sense of loss that the different characters feel, while the soft track is composed by Azaan Sami Khan. Singer Yashal Shahid has certainly done justice to the beautiful composition which touches the heart and you just want to keep listening to it on repeat.

Parizaad

Composed by Waqar Ali

Sung by Syed Asrar Shah

Tapping into the core theme of the drama, Parizaad’s title track - in Asrar’s soulful voice - draws attention to the struggles of a man defined and judged primarily by the way he looks. The track takes us through the life of Parizaad (portrayed by Ahmed Ali Akbar), during various phases of his life. Right from the day he is born, through adolescence and adulthood, he is drawn to beauty but tragically repels it and is often left heartbroken and hurt. He is well-read, learned, a poet and a fond piano player, but his looks are what people judge him by.

The drama and the thought-provoking lyrics are written by Hashim Nadeem Khan and directed by Shahzad Kashmiri. The OST is in fact a mockery of our society that has an obsession with fair skin and darker skin tones are looked down upon.

Ishq e Laa

Composed and sung by Azaan Sami Khan

The drama series, which is directed by Amin Iqbal and penned by Qaisera Hayat of Alif Allah Aur Insaan fame, marks the acting debut of multi-talented Azaan Sami Khan alongside Sajal Aly and Yumna Zaidi. Besides acting in the project, Azaan Sami Khan, who composed the music as well as wrote the screenplay for Superstar, has also sung and composed the original soundtrack for Ishq e Laa.

The OST - with lyrics written by Asim Raza - is a mellow and soulful composition that grows on you. And to top it off, Azaan Sami Khan’s melodious voice surely adds to the appeal of the background OST and we just can’t get enough of it.

Rang Mahal

Composed by Sahir Ali Bagga

Sung by Hamid Ali Naqeebi and Sahir Ali Bagga

Super popular drama series Rang Mahal featuring Ali Ansari, Humayun Ashraf, Sehar Khan, Seemi Pasha and Fazila Qazi in prominent roles recently came to end. Produced by 7th Sky Entertainment, Rang Mahal helmed by Zahid Mehmood and written by Shafia Khan highlighted the issue of status difference.

The story is based on emotions of love, heartbreak, and despair, and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the original soundtrack written by Irfan Saleem beautifully tells the story as well as reflects the emotions felt by the characters. The OST has been composed by Sahir Ali Bagga, while Hamid Ali Naqeebi and Bagga have rendered their vocals to this intense background score. It’s one of those tracks that you want to keep listening to, even after the drama has ended.