Javed Ali Replaces Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in New ‘Dabangg 3’ Song

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has featured on the soundtracks of both ‘Dabangg’ and ‘Dabangg 2’.

Salman Khan as a young Chubul Pandey with Saiee Manjrekar in Dabangg 3.

(Photo Courtesy: Instagram)

The makers of Dabangg 3 have released the audio for ‘Naina Lade’, the latest track from the Salman Khan-starrer. Though an accompanying video hasn’t been released yet, the song is reportedly based on Saiee Manjrekar’s character who is the love interest of a young Chulbul Pandey in the film.

Listen to the track here:

‘Naina Lade’ has been performed by Javed Ali and composed by Sajid-Wajid. Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who has featured on tracks such as ‘Dagabaaz Re’ and ‘Tere Mast Mast Do Nain’ from the first two Dabangg films, was originally supposed to perform this song. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the singer was later dropped from the film owing to prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan.

In February, the Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE) had implored Indian filmmakers not to work with Pakistani artistes, following the Pulwama terror attack that took place on 14 February. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also announced a ban on Pakistani artistes in the country saying they will resort to strong action against anyone who collaborates with talent from Pakistan.

Dabangg 3 tells the origin story of Salman Khan’s character Chulbul Pandey. When his love interest Khushi is murdered by the film’s villain, played by Kichha Sudeep, Chulbul decides to seek revenge. The film has been directed by Pabhudeva and also stars Sonakshi Sinha and Saiee Manjrekar. Dabangg 3 releases on 20 December.