Bollywood has often borrowed from global music traditions, but few imports captivate like Arabic and Middle‑Eastern tunes. Over the decades, several such songs blended haunting melodies, strong beats, and exotic instrumentation to create a distinct vibe. With the recent success of FA9LA from Dhurandhar, the trend seems to have come full circle.
These songs didn’t just add flavour — they redefined moments, setting tone, mood, and bringing a different kind of energy to mainstream cinema.
Dhurandhar Akshaye Khanna Arabic Song FA9LA
FA9LA is a bold fusion of Bahraini rap and Bollywood cinematic intensity. Sung by Flipperachi and Daffy, it combines Middle Eastern beats with deep basslines that match Akshaye Khanna’s chilling gangster persona. The song went viral immediately due to its unique sound and visual impact in the film.
Social media reels and edits celebrating the entry sequence amplified its popularity. It represents one of the most daring Arabic crossovers in recent Bollywood history.
Notable Bollywood Songs with Arabic Influence
Kaho Na Kaho (Murder):
Adapted from an Arabic original by Egyptian singer Amr Diab, this song introduced Bollywood audiences to straightforward Arabic melodies. Amir Jamal’s rendition keeps the haunting, romantic tone intact while adding Indian flair. Its sultry rhythm and mysterious vibe perfectly complemented the thriller atmosphere of Murder. The song remains iconic for its Middle Eastern feel blended with Bollywood drama.
Mayya Mayya (Guru):
Composed by A.R. Rahman, Mayya Mayya features a duet by Chinmayi Sripada and Egyptian vocalist Maryem Toller. The song effortlessly mixes Indian melodies with Arabic musical elements, creating a dreamy, transcultural soundscape. Mallika Sherawat’s visuals in the film enhanced the exotic vibe of the track. Its fusion of traditional and modern styles makes it one of the most memorable cross-cultural Bollywood songs.
Dil Cheez Tujhe Dedi (Airlift):
While primarily a romantic Bollywood number, this track incorporates subtle Arabic influences that elevate its emotional depth. The soft melody is layered with Middle Eastern instruments that add a hint of mystique. The song showcases how Arabic elements can complement sensitive storytelling and tender moments in cinema. Its understated integration of Arabic tones makes it uniquely appealing.
Mashallah (Ek Tha Tiger):
Mashallah stands out with its grand desert visuals and romantic energy. Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s chemistry is paired with Arabic-style rhythm, giving the song a cinematic sweep. Its arrangement fuses Indian lyrics with Middle Eastern percussion and beats, creating a festive yet sensual vibe. The track became popular for both its music and its spectacular on-screen presentation.
Afghan Jalebi (Phantom):
Sung by Asrar, this song merges traditional Afghan and Arabic musical roots with modern Bollywood beats. Its catchy hook and rhythmic instrumentation made it a hit at parties across India. The track’s energetic vibe bridges cultures while keeping a distinctly Bollywood flavour. Afghan Jalebi demonstrates how regional influences can be successfully integrated into mainstream music.
Ya Ali (Gangster):
Ya Ali uses Sufi overtones and Arabic-inspired melodies to evoke spirituality and romance. Its haunting tune and emotional depth struck a chord with audiences worldwide. The song balances the intensity of Arabic musical scales with Indian lyrical sensibilities. It remains a classic example of Arabic fusion enhancing a Bollywood narrative.
What Makes FA9LA Stand Out in 2025
FA9LA stands apart because it doesn’t just borrow Arabic melody — it delivers it with raw, dark energy. The Gulf‑rap influence, heavy bass, and cinematic presentation fit perfectly with the gritty gangster vibes of Dhurandhar. The song isn’t background music — it becomes a character in itself.
Its viral response reflects how audiences now accept and enjoy cross‑cultural fusion. The blend of Arabic beats with Hindi cinema has become something that not only entertains but also hits hard emotionally.
Dhurandhar Akshaye Khanna Arabic Song: Is This the Start of a New Bollywood Trend?
It certainly looks like it. With FA9LA’s viral success and a growing global music exposure, more filmmakers and composers may explore non‑traditional soundscapes. We may see:
More Arabic, Middle‑Eastern, Afro‑Western, or other global collaborations.
Bold experiments in genre-mixing — rap, folk, traditional, hybrid.
A shift from standard Bollywood melodies to global-sound fusion for mood, attitude, and atmosphere.
For listeners tired of the same beats, this could bring welcome variety. For the industry, it’s a new palette to paint with.
Bollywood’s Worldly Music Future
Bollywood has always borrowed, blended, and built — from Western jazz to Punjabi folk, from classical ragas to electronic beats. Arabic‑inspired music is simply another chapter in this musical journey. With hits like FA9LA reminding us of the power of global fusion, Bollywood’s soundtrack may grow ever more diverse, expressive, and boundary‑less.
