Zayn croons to ‘Chaudhvin Ka Chand’ by Mohammad Rafi in latest album

'Tightrope' features the British-Pakistani singer's take on Bollywood musician's popular track from 1960

In a quintessential Zayn Malik style, the British-Pakistani singer announced a surprise album, ironically titled Nobody Is Listening, earlier this month.

The Dusk Till Dawn crooner, who went solo five years ago after a long and successful run with boyband One Direction, is now on his third full-length album. Yet, as the 135th most-listened-to artist on Spotify, that might not be the most accurate title.

At just 35 minutes, Nobody is Listening, made after three years and filled with collaborations and singles, is a short album. But its 11 tracks leave very little to be desired and manage to bring out all the best qualities of Malik’s sound while still catering to his own vocal abilities.

But one song that has been on a loop is Tightrope - a soft track with a surprise no one anticipated.

Malik’s desi roots get a shoutout herein but not just in the qawwali-inspired melodies but in some wistfully sung Urdu floating in the back of the bridge. Around its outro, we hear the 28-year-old heartthrob crooning celebrated Bollywood musician Mohammad Rafi's iconic Chaudhvi Ka Chand from the 1960s.

Malik’s attempt has been praised by many as fans picked up the lines from Tightrope, lauding the Pillowtalk hitmaker for his take on Rafi. This isn't the first time he has tried his hand at Urdu though. In 2016, Malik’s then-new album Mind of Mine featured an Urdu song titled Flower. Other than this, he also released his own rendition of Allah Duhai Hai, a track from the Bollywood film Race.

 

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