Shehnaaz Gill's 'Narak' cover: 'I wanted to sing it in my own way'
Synopsis
Shehnaaz Gill didn't just cover 'Narak' — she lived it. Having played Nasima on screen, the actress-singer says the emotional weight of the character made the studio recording feel uniquely personal, even as she deliberately stepped out of B Praak and Jyotica Tangri's shadow to deliver the song entirely in her own voice.
Key Takeaways
Shehnaaz Gill has released a cover of B Praak and Jyotica Tangri 's track 'Narak' from the film 'Ishqnama' .
Gill says playing the character Nasima gave her a deeper emotional connection with the song.
The original 'Narak' was penned and composed by Jaani . 'Ishqnama' is based on a true story set along the India-Pakistan border between 1981 and 1988 .
The film, directed by Arvvindr S.
Khaira , releases in India , Canada , and the UK on 24 July 2026 .
Shehnaaz Gill has revealed the deeply personal emotional journey behind her cover version of B Praak's soulful track 'Narak' from the upcoming film 'Ishqnama', saying the experience of playing character Nasima gave her an intimacy with the song that made the recording feel unlike any other.
The Emotional Bond Behind the Cover
Gill explained that stepping into Nasima's shoes on screen translated directly into how she approached the studio recording. Having lived the character's pain and longing during filming, she said the song's themes felt deeply personal by the time she sat down to sing it.
'Narak has been one of my favourite songs from Ishqnama, so recording my own version felt really special. 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,' Gill said.
About the Original Track
The original 'Narak' was sung by B Praak and Jyotica Tangri, penned and composed by Jaani. The track captures the pain, longing, and unspoken love between the film's lead characters — Nasima and Nimma — played by Shehnaaz Gill and Jai Randhawa respectively. Gill's cover was unveiled ahead of the film's theatrical release, offering audiences a distinct, personal rendition distinct from the original.
What 'Ishqnama' Is About
Inspired by a true story, 'Ishqnama' is set against the backdrop of the India-Pakistan border between 1981 and 1988. The film stars Shehnaaz Gill, Jai Randhawa, and Saurabh Sachdeva, and is directed by Arvvindr S. Khaira. It is scheduled for release in cinemas across India, Canada, and the UK on 24 July 2026.
On Love Then and Now
When asked whether a love story like Nimma and Nasima's could exist in the dating app era, Gill offered a characteristically simple but resonant take: '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.'
With 'Ishqnama' days away from release, all eyes will be on whether Gill's dual role — as both the film's lead and the voice behind its most emotional track — resonates with audiences the way she hopes.
Point of View
This kind of dual visibility — lead actor and cover vocalist — is smart positioning. Whether the cover finds its own audience or simply feeds traffic back to the original will be the real test of her musical pull independent of the film's box-office fate.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shehnaaz Gill's cover of 'Narak'?
It is Shehnaaz Gill's personal rendition of the song 'Narak' from the film 'Ishqnama', originally sung by B Praak and Jyotica Tangri. Gill released the cover ahead of the film's theatrical release on 24 July 2026, presenting the track in her own distinct style rather than recreating the original.
Who originally sang 'Narak' from 'Ishqnama'?
The original version of 'Narak' was sung by B Praak and Jyotica Tangri, with the song penned and composed by Jaani. It captures the pain and longing between the film's lead characters, Nasima and Nimma.
What is 'Ishqnama' about and when does it release?
'Ishqnama' is inspired by the true story of Nimma and Nasima, set against the India-Pakistan border between 1981 and 1988. Directed by Arvvindr S. Khaira and starring Shehnaaz Gill, Jai Randhawa, and Saurabh Sachdeva, it releases in cinemas across India, Canada, and the UK on 24 July 2026.
Why did Shehnaaz Gill feel emotionally connected to 'Narak'?
Gill says playing the character Nasima in 'Ishqnama' gave her an intimate emotional bond with the song, since 'Narak' directly expresses Nasima's pain and silent love. She felt this connection made the recording experience especially meaningful.
Did Shehnaaz Gill try to replicate B Praak's version of 'Narak'?
No. Gill has explicitly said she was not trying to recreate the original, acknowledging that B Praak and Jyotica Tangri had already given it immense soul. Her goal was to present the song in her own unique way and connect with listeners on her own terms.
