Are you into music and interested in knowing the latest in Pakistan? Do you want to know more about Pakistani pop? Look no further. Here is your ultimate list of unique and popular Urdu music that will get you hooked on Pakistani music in no time! Here we go!
Before we dive into it, a little background info may be necessary. You see, the Urdu language is famously known as a language of elegance and beauty, and it is classy and poised, which is why, when words are put into music, the product is melodious.
Urdu originates from an Indo-Aryan base, with Persian and Arabic words, which are borrowed parts of Urdu. In Urdu, the lyrics of music, poetry, and dialogues are so deep that they immerse you in the writer or singer’s world. With no escape, you begin to see and understand so much in just a few words. That’s Urdu! Imagine putting these lyrics and enigmatic words – in music language.
Popular Urdu Music Pop Stars
It would be best if you are introduced to Urdu pop singers to give you the best of popular Urdu music. They often get their inspiration from poetry. In the Urdu language, Urdu poetry is an integral part of literature. Pakistani youth swoon and sway at the good-looking artists and their inspiring music for a rise of a new generation.
Some of the names of Pakistani musicians and top artists of their time are Ali Zafar, Farooq Ahmed, Atif Aslam, Nazia Hassan, and the legendary Jagjit Singh. I will do you a huge favor and provide a list that will help you get up to speed with Urdu music, be it ghazals, classical music, pop, and so on.
Some singers are popular in India, as Hindi and Urdu are similar spoken languages. However, the two languages are written in different scripts. Urdu is also one of the official languages in India, so there is more variety of music for India to choose from!
Wait! What are ghazals? Good question. The best way to describe it is a ghazal is a love poem. It has many stanzas, with the second line that often repeats itself. It is classical music but has been quite modernized as well. Honestly, some of the meanings of these beautiful words make me blush! They are so romantic. It will help you get a glimpse of the beauty of Urdu music.
In paying a small tribute to the fascinating voice of the musician – Jagjit Singh, here are some ghazals to listen to along with those of other artists:
| Song | Urdu | English |
| Hothon se chu lon tum | ہونٹھوں سے چھو لو تم | Touch me with your lips |
| Hosh walon ko khabar kya | ہوش والو کو خبر کیا | What do conscious people know, being enraptured is like |
| Dil e nadan tujhe huwa kya hai | دل نادان تجھے ہوا کیا ہے۔ | My childish and naive heart, what has happened to you? |
| Aahat si koi aaye toh lagta hai ke tum ho | آہت سی کوئی آئے تو لگتا ہے کے تم ہو | When I hear the sound of footsteps, I feel like it is you |
| Tere ishq ki intehan chahta hun | ترے عشق کی انتہا چاہتا ہوں | Completion of your love is what I desire |
| Paata paata buta buta hal humara jaane hai | پاتا پاتا بوٹا بوٹا حال ہمارا جانا ہے۔ | Every leaf and every shrub here is aware of my state. |
| Jab se tu ne mujhe diwana ba na rakha hai | جب سے تو نے مجھے دیوانہ بنا رکھا ہے | Since you made me crazy for you |
Coming more up to speed with today’s popular Urdu music, along with some old favorites but still trending Urdu songs, are:
| Song & Singer | Urdu | English |
| Khuda aur mohabbat – Rahat Fateh Ali Khan | خدا اور محبت | God and love |
| Chupke Chupke – Ali Zafar | چپکے چپکے | Quietly |
| Noor – Asim Azhar | نور | Light |
| Mein Tenu Samjhawan Ki – Sahir Ali Bagga | میں تینوں سمجھاواں کی | How can I explain to you |
| Thaam Lo – Atif Aslam | تھام لو | Take my hand |
| In Dino – Atif Aslam | ان دنوں | These days |
| AAP Jaisa Koi – Nazia Hassan | آپ جیسا کوئی | Someone like you |
| The Disco Song – Nazia Hassan | ڈسکو گانا | (The Disco Song) |
Music Bands
I feel very honored and privileged to introduce you to some fantastic boy bands for this next section! A new wave of music bands came in the 90s. One of my favorites is “Strings.” Starting as just two members, they won the hearts of many – especially the ladies! The popularity of musicians increased with the band “Junoon” as well.
The Pakistani musician Salman Ahmad had a voice that carried power – and still does. They had more Sufi rock in their music, and their songs, music, and videos gained fame through the roof. Sufi music originated from Sufism, and music or songs are called qawwali.
Artists like Madonna, A.R. Rahman, and many more drew inspiration from Sufi music. Pretty cool, right?
Another well-known boy band is Aaroh, with its lead singer Farooq Ahmed. This band, like many, went through its ups and downs but ended up giving us hit after hit – music to carry in our hearts for life!
With enough said, here is your list of popular Urdu pop songs:
JUNOON
- Sayonee – سیونی
- Garaj baras – گرج بارس
- Taara Jala – تارا جلا
- Kwab – کواب
- Sajna – سجنا
- Dosti – دوستی۔
STRINGS
- Sajni – سجنی
- Urr Jaoon – اڑ جاون
- Duur – دور
- Mera Bichara Yar – میرا بچھڑا یار
- Chaaye Chaaye – چاۓ چاۓ
- Zinda Hoon – زندہ ہوں ۔
AAROH
- Rakht – رخت
- Na Kaho – نا کہو
- Sawaal – سوال
- Ag Ki Taarah – آگ کی طرح
- Ajnabi – اجنبی
- Duniya – دنیا
Learn Urdu Songs With Ling
Urdu words are wonderful, as are Urdu songs. I have tried to create a list of popular songs in Pakistan, some of which are famous in South Asia as a whole. Top artists and talented singers made the music come alive. An Urdu song gained so much popularity that it was redone in Hindi and gained popularity in India too.
But none of this matters if you do not have a platform to learn, practice, and use the language. If you want to learn Urdu truly, you are looking for a site that will be your ultimate Urdu-speaking friend. Your answer is Ling!
You listen to hundreds of albums and may start singing Urdu songs by heart, which is excellent – but reading, writing, speaking, and listening are essential. With Ling, free Urdu lessons can help you build an excellent foundation to learn the language well. So what are you waiting for? Start your fantastic adventure with Ling today!
Updated by Samawiyah Hasnain
