Lahore: (Tassawar News) The renowned Pakistani singer and composer, Adnan Dhool, has recently disclosed a surprising and disheartening truth regarding his acclaimed musical contribution to the 2014 Bollywood blockbuster, Ek Villain. Appearing on a recent episode of Geo News’ podcast, “Podpost,” the artist revealed that despite the phenomenal commercial success and critical recognition of his hit song “Awari,” he was never financially compensated for his work. The candid interview offered profound insights into his musical trajectory, the numerous challenges he encountered during his career, and several untold experiences within the competitive entertainment industry.
Adnan Dhool, who is celebrated for his emotionally resonant compositions, shared that his devotion to music was cultivated from a very young age, prompting him to relocate to Lahore to pursue his ambitious professional aspirations as a singer and musician. He reflected on the arduous beginnings of his career, providing a specific illustration of his early dedication and resourcefulness.
Recalling his early days, Dhool said, “I earned my first ten thousand rupees from a show. My manager used that money to buy a computer for production, and after that, I dedicated myself completely to music—working almost 18 hours a day.”
He also made mention of his deeply emotional track, Pardes Katenda Aan, underscoring the powerful connection his music forges with his audience. He recounted a moving anecdote that demonstrated the depth of this connection: “Once, during a concert, a woman started crying while listening to this song—it was so emotional that I forgot the lyrics midway,” he revealed. This emotional feedback, he suggested, constitutes the most authentic form of artistic recognition.
The ‘Awari’ Controversy and Bollywood Collaboration
Dhool’s entry into the Indian film industry, Bollywood, was notably serendipitous. He disclosed that the film’s director, Mohit Suri, initially reached out to him via Facebook, expressing a keen interest in featuring the song Awari in Ek Villain. The song went on to become one of the film’s most memorable tracks and garnered a nomination at the prestigious IIFA Awards. However, the success was shadowed by a severe professional disappointment: the composer was never paid for the track.
Dhool provided a clear explanation of where the financial transaction allegedly faltered, highlighting a failure of accountability that is regrettably common in cross-border collaborations.
“The payment for Awari was supposedly cleared by T-Series, but it was handed over to our representative in India. Unfortunately, that money never reached us,” Dhool explained, adding that he still hasn’t received it to this day.
This revelation casts a harsh light on the vulnerability of artists, particularly those from outside the core industry, to issues of contractual mismanagement and lack of transparency in financial transactions. Despite the song’s enormous popularity and its critical role in the film’s success, the composer himself has been left uncompensated a decade later.
Disillusionment with the Awards System
Beyond the issue of non-payment, Adnan Dhool also offered a critical perspective on the culture of music awards and formal recognition within the wider industry. He argued compellingly that the true value and recognition for an artist lie in the genuine reception and appreciation of their work by the public.
“If two or ten million people are listening to your song, that’s the biggest award you can get,” he stated, firmly prioritising organic reach over institutional accolades.
His disillusionment stemmed significantly from his experience with the IIFA Awards nomination. He confessed that this event led to a realisation concerning the perceived bias and lack of genuine recognition afforded to Pakistani artists, suggesting that the nomination was not an acknowledgement of merit but rather an insight into the selective and political nature of such awards. He admitted, “When Awari was nominated at IIFA, I realized how little recognition artists from Pakistan receive. Later, I understood how these awards are actually given.”
Villain and Dhool’s Enduring Legacy
The film Ek Villain, released in 2014, was a major commercial success, featuring prominent actors such as Shraddha Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, and Riteish Deshmukh. The film’s soundtrack was a massive hit across South Asia, with Awari standing out due to its unique blend of soul and rock. Adnan Dhool’s contribution extended beyond just his vocals; he was also responsible for composing crucial parts of the soundtrack, which undeniably contributed significantly to the movie’s emotional depth and overall cinematic success.
Despite the professional controversy and the financial setback, Adnan Dhool continues to command immense respect within Pakistan’s music scene. He is widely celebrated for his unique ability to seamlessly integrate powerful melodies with compelling, emotional storytelling. His interview serves as a poignant reminder of the professional ethical challenges that persist within the entertainment sector.
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