Dhurandhar Revives Iconic ‘Hawa Hawa’: Hasan Jahangir Reveals He Was Paid $50,000 for the Classic Track

| Published: Monday, March 16, 2026, 17:42 [IST]

Classic songs often find new life in modern cinema, and the iconic track “Hawa Hawa” is a perfect example. Pakistani singer Hasan Jahangir recently revealed that the makers of the blockbuster spy thriller Dhurandhar paid him $50,000 (around ₹45–46 lakh) to use the legendary song in the film. The revelation has sparked fresh conversation online about the song’s timeless popularity and how retro music continues to enhance modern storytelling in cinema.

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Hasan Jahangir Confirms Payment for ‘Hawa Hawa’

Veteran Pakistani pop singer Hasan Jahangir recently shared an interesting detail about his iconic track “Hawa Hawa.” During an appearance on ARY Digital’s Ramadan show Shan-e-Sahoor, the singer revealed that filmmakers paid him $50,000 to legally use the song in a recent blockbuster film. Although he initially didn’t mention the movie’s name, fans quickly connected the dots and identified the film as Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller Dhurandhar, which became a massive box-office success.

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A Classic Track Finds New Life in Modern Cinema

Originally recorded in 1986 and released in 1987, “Hawa Hawa” became one of the most recognizable pop songs of its era. Decades later, the track continues to resonate with audiences. Jahangir explained that the makers of the recent blockbuster obtained proper permissions and ensured that he was credited for the song’s usage. The singer noted that unlike earlier times, today’s industry follows a more structured copyright system.

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The Song’s Impact in Dhurandhar

In Dhurandhar, the energetic retro track plays during a memorable sequence introducing Sanjay Dutt’s character, SP Chaudhary Aslam. The scene, set against a dramatic desert backdrop, features a high-intensity confrontation with drug smugglers. The use of “Hawa Hawa” adds a nostalgic flair to the moment, blending classic pop with modern cinematic storytelling and making the sequence one of the film’s most talked-about highlights.

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Changing Copyright Culture in Music

While discussing the payment, Hasan Jahangir also reflected on how the music industry has evolved over the decades. He pointed out that when “Hawa Hawa” first became popular, there was no proper copyright framework in place. Today, however, filmmakers and music producers usually obtain official permissions and compensate original artists before using their work, ensuring that creators receive proper recognition and financial credit.

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Dhurandhar’s Nostalgic Musical Palette

Apart from “Hawa Hawa,” the film’s soundtrack also features several classic songs that evoke nostalgia among audiences. Tracks such as “Na Toh Karvan Ki Talaash Hai” from Barsaat Ki Raat, Usha Uthup’s “Ramba Ho,” and “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja” from Caravan contribute to the film’s unique musical identity. By blending retro hits with a modern spy narrative, the filmmakers created a soundtrack that appeals to both old-school music lovers and younger audiences.

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The Spy Thriller That Took the Box Office by Storm

Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar follows the gripping journey of an Indian spy navigating the complex world of crime and politics across borders. The story draws inspiration from several real-life geopolitical events, including the IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the 2008 Mumbai attacks. With its gripping narrative, powerful performances, and nostalgic music choices like “Hawa Hawa,” the film has emerged as one of the most talked-about action thrillers in recent years.

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