Veteran Pakistani pop singer Hasan Jahangir, the original voice behind the timeless 1987 hit Hawa Hawa, has revealed that the makers of the blockbuster film Dhurandhar paid him $50,000 (approximately ₹45 lakh) to license his iconic track for the movie. The disclosure came during a recent appearance on ARY Digital’s Ramadan special Shan e Sahoor, hosted by Nida Yasir, where Jahangir discussed his enduring musical legacy.
The Resurgence of Hawa Hawa in Bollywood
Originally released in 1987, Hawa Hawa became a massive South Asian anthem with its catchy Urdu lyrics and upbeat rhythm. The song has been remade and referenced multiple times in Bollywood over the decades. In Dhurandhar (directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, and others), the original track was prominently featured during Sanjay Dutt’s high-energy entry scene as SP Aslam, giving it a fresh viral boost in 2025–2026. The film’s massive success — reportedly made on a ₹300 crore budget and grossing over ₹1,100–1,300 crore worldwide — has kept the song trending, with remixes and fan edits circulating widely on social media and YouTube.
Jahangir’s Revelation in the Interview
When host Nida Yasir asked if filmmakers pay him for using his classics, Jahangir confirmed with a nod and shared details about Dhurandhar. “Ji hain, makers mein mujhe $50,000 diye. Paise bhi diye aur permission bhi li,” he said (Yes, the makers paid me $50,000). They gave money and also took permission. He further elaborated, “A film that was made with a budget of Rs 300 crore and had earned Rs 1,100 crore recently has paid me $50,000 for featuring my song.” Jahangir highlighted that many of his old hits — including Shawa Ve, Nakhra Gori Da, Aa Jaana Dil Deewana, and Hato Bacho — are now being licensed for modern films, proving the timeless appeal of his work nearly 40 years later.
Why This Matters
The payment underscores proper rights acquisition in cross-border music usage, especially between Pakistan and India. Jahangir’s candid revelation delighted fans, who praised the ethical handling of the iconic track. It also highlights how classic Pakistani pop continues to earn royalties and relevance in contemporary Indian cinema. As Hawa Hawa blows strong once again, Hasan Jahangir’s story reminds us of the lasting power of great music across borders and generations.
-By Manoj H