Baadshaho's new song Mere Rashke Qamar recreates Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's timeless melody

The much-awaited first song of Milan Luthria’s upcoming period drama Baadshaho, ‘Mere Rashke Qamar’, is finally out. The ghazal, originally sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, has been recreated by vocalist Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and music composer Tanishk Bagchi.

The song is picturised on Ajay Devgn and Ileana D’Cruz’s characters. It documents the blossoming romance between an average guy and the royal heir of a Rajasthani family. It should be noted that the film is set in the early 1970s which was the time when the then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi snatched away the assets of royal families across the country.

It is this period setting that helps make the song even more romantic as Rahat’s soulful vocals, accompanied by Nusrat’s original vocals echoing in the background, lend a royal touch and old world charm to the song. Bagchi should be credited for mixing the two versions seamlessly which speaks volumes of his skill of presenting new wine in an old bottle. The additional lyrics by Manoj Muntashir are also in tune with the mood and setting of the song.

Devgn and D’Cruz’s chemistry is remarkable throughout the song and reaches its peak in the final seconds of the song. In fact, the ending is one of the most aesthetically executed full nude scenes in recent memory.

Baadshaho also stars Emraan Hashmi, Esha Gupta, Sanjay Mishra and Vidyut Jammwal. It is slated to release on 1 September.