Originally crooned by powerhouses B Praak and Jyotica Tangri with music and lyrics by Jaani, ‘Narak’ serves as one of the central emotional pillars of the film. Rather than attempting a standard commercial remix, Shehnaaz shared that stepping into the shoes of her character, Nasima, gave her a unique personal perspective on the track’s core pain and longing.
The Artist’s Perspective: Expressing Nasima’s Heartbreak
Speaking candidly about recording her version of the track, Shehnaaz emphasized that her rendition was born out of character immersion rather than an attempt to rival the original:
The Emotional Anchor: "Narak has been one of my favourite songs from Ishqnama, so recording my own version felt really special," Shehnaaz shared. "Since I've played Nasima, I already had an emotional connection with the song. I wasn't trying to recreate the original because B Praak and Jyotica have given it so much soul. I just wanted to sing it in my own way, and I hope people connect with this version too."
The Narrative Weight: The song captures the silent love, unspoken sacrifice, and intense emotional turmoil between Nasima and Nimma (played by Jai Randhawa).
Love Across Eras: "There Should Be Love"
During the promotional tour, when asked whether an intense, border-crossing love story like Ishqnama could resonate in today’s modern dating app era, Shehnaaz delivered an insightful perspective on relationships:
Universal Emotion: "I think there are different types of love. No matter what kind of love... there should be love. Whether it's today's or yesterday's—that doesn't matter. But there should be love," she noted, highlighting the timeless relevance of genuine devotion.
Ishqnama Project Overview
Directed by Arvvindr S. Khaira, Ishqnama is inspired by a true story set against the historical backdrop of the India-Pakistan border between 1981 and 1988. Starring Shehnaaz Gill, Jai Randhawa, and Saurabh Sachdeva, the high-budget period drama is locked to premiere in cinemas across India, Canada, and the United Kingdom on Friday, July 24, 2026.
Trade Verdict:
Shehnaaz Gill dropping her own raw, heartfelt rendition of ‘Narak’ ahead of Ishqnama is an effective promotional strategy that highlights her versatility as both a singer and an actor. By approaching the cover version from her character's emotional vantage point—rather than trying to overshadow B Praak's iconic original—she adds a personal layer of intimacy to the film's campaign. With Ishqnama heading into worldwide theaters this Friday, July 24, her personal touch on the soundtrack sets a strong emotional tone for her audience.
