Ali Zafar, the renowned Pakistani singer and actor, recently shared his rendition of the popular Bollywood song “Saiyaara” from the hit film of the same name. The original song, which has won hearts in both India and Pakistan, is from the musical romantic drama Saaiyaarareleased on July 18 and directed by Mohit Suri under the banner of Yash Raj Films.

The movie Saaiyaara stars newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda and is loosely based on the 2004 Korean film “A Moment to Remember.” The film enjoyed critical acclaim and commercial success domestically and internationally. It also found a dedicated fanbase among overseas Pakistanis, who appreciated its storyline and melodious soundtrack. The song Saaiyaara particularly trended in Pakistan and was widely covered by music lovers.

Ali Zafar revealed his deep connection with the song and the motivation behind creating his cover. He posted on social media, “Not many new songs move me… but when I heard an Al version of this in the voice of my all-time favorite Kishore Kumar, it stuck. Had to get it out of my system. Here’s my rendition of the song of the season – Saiyaara.” He also shared a link to his cover video, inviting fans to listen.

However, the response from social media users was mixed, with some fans praising his effort while others were openly critical. Many users expressed disappointment and even trolled the singer for his interpretation. Comments ranged from, “Thank God, you didn’t sing it,” to, “Is there a dislike button option here?” Some viewers felt Ali Zafar stretched the vocal notes too long, while others suggested he could have chosen a better song for a cover. There were even remarks questioning his singing abilities.

Despite the backlash, there were fans who appreciated Ali Zafar’s rendition and felt that he “completely owned the song.” His attempt to pay homage to a beloved track struck a chord with a section of his followers, highlighting how music, especially covers of popular songs, often evokes varied opinions.

Ali Zafar’s cover of Saaiyaara reflects the ongoing cross-border musical exchange between Pakistan and India, as well as the passion with which artists revisit popular tracks. Whether loved or critiqued, such renditions spark conversations about music, talent, and interpretation among fans on both sides.

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