Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Why Bollywood Keeps Returning to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a famous Pakistani singer known for qawwali and Sufi music.
His powerful voice made his songs popular far beyond Pakistan.
Bollywood still uses his music in new movies and songs.
In Mirzapur: The Film, “Saanson Ki Mala” helps make an important scene more emotional.
In Dhurandhar 2, another one of his qawwalis adds tension to the story.
Other films have recreated songs such as “Mere Rashke Qamar” and “Tere Bin Nahi Lagda.”
New singers often add modern sounds while keeping parts of his original music.
Nusrat died when he was 48, but his songs continue to be enjoyed by many generations.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s original vocals and compositions continue appearing in Bollywood films through remixes, adaptations and samples.
His song “Saanson Ki Mala” features in a mid-credit sequence in Mirzapur: The Film, with new vocals by Madhur Sharma and Vaibhav Pani.
“Jaan Se Guzarte Hain” in Dhurandhar 2 adapts his 1977 qawwali “Dil Pe Zakhm Khaate Hai.”
Songs including “Mere Rashke Qamar,” “Tere Bin Nahi Lagda” and “Sanu Ek Pal Chain Na Aave” have also been reimagined for Hindi films.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan died at 48 after sudden cardiac arrest linked to kidney and liver failure, but his music continues reaching new generations.
- Who
- Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s music, along with Bollywood filmmakers, composers and singers who adapt it.
- What
- His qawwalis and other compositions continue to be recreated, sampled and incorporated into Hindi films.
- When
- From the 1990s to recent releases including Mirzapur: The Film and Dhurandhar 2.
- Where
- In Bollywood and Hindi films, with Nusrat’s music originally emerging from Pakistan and reaching international audiences.
- Why
- His distinctive voice, emotional depth and enduring popularity make his music effective in romantic, dramatic and high-tension film scenes.
- Artist
- Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
- Musical tradition
- Sufi music and qawwali
- Recent film use
- “Saanson Ki Mala” in Mirzapur: The Film
- Another recent adaptation
- “Jaan Se Guzarte Hain” in Dhurandhar 2
- Notable 2017 recreation
- “Mere Rashke Qamar” in Baadshaho, reimagined by Tanishk Bagchi and sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
- Earlier film appearances
- His compositions were adapted in films including Jeet, Koyla, Raja Hindustani, Yaarana, Simmba and Raid
- Death
- He died at age 48 following sudden cardiac arrest linked to kidney and liver failure