How Did Singer Akhil Sachdeva Collaborate with Mawra Hocane Amidst Tensions?

Mumbai, June 3 (NationPress) Playback singer Akhil Sachdeva shared insights about his collaboration with Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane for his latest single, “Tu Chaand Hai.”

In light of the ongoing ban on Pakistani artists, Akhil reflected on the creative bond and deep respect that bridged their cultural divide. He unveiled the intriguing backstory of his emotional track 'Tu Chand', explaining how it initially didn’t resonate with him, yet ultimately became a cherished addition to his musical collection. The song was suggested to him by the production team, eager for him to contribute his vocals. However, due to a packed schedule filled with performances and travel, Akhil initially turned down the opportunity. “When I first heard it over the phone, it didn’t strike me as something I should do,” he admitted.

In a candid interview with IANS, he revealed that it was only after repeated encouragement from the record label and his wife that he chose to listen to the song properly. “She insisted, ‘This is a beautiful song, you can’t say no,’ and she was right. It needed a voice like mine,” he reflected.

Adding a personal touch to the project, Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane was featured in the music video. Akhil disclosed that he was acquainted with Mawra through her brother-in-law, Farhan Saeed, a close friend for nearly a decade. They had met previously during an overseas concert, which made their video shoot in Dubai relaxed and enjoyable.

“Later, I learned they had conceived a very unique concept involving Mawra. She’s a prominent actress from Pakistan, and they selected her for the video. I was already familiar with Mawra—her brother-in-law, Farhan Saeed, is a close friend of mine. We’ve known each other for nearly ten years. I had indeed met her at an international concert a few years back. So, there was a pre-existing comfort level which made the filming seamless,” he shared.

Discussing the sensitive topic of cross-border collaborations amidst persistent tensions between India and Pakistan, Akhil expressed his conviction that “music has no boundaries”, while also stressing that “the nation must come first.”

The artist stated, “Given the current scenario, I maintain that music knows no borders. However, I also believe that our nation’s interests take precedence. Despite the challenges, we responded with love. Although there were some aggressive reactions from the other side, I firmly believe nothing is above our country. The song belongs to us; they merely featured an actress. I am confident that audiences will appreciate the song irrespective of the circumstances. We always stand with our nation.”

“Tu Chaand Hai” was launched on April 4, 2025.