Music
Ali Sethi’s ‘Love Like That’ by Jonita is a Mix of Pop and Raga Sounds

Jonita Gandhi and Ali Sethi creatively merge their distinctive musical styles in the narrative of ‘Love Like That.’ Renowned for her multilingual talent, Jonita effortlessly handled Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and Malayalam since her 2013 debut with Chennai Express. Meanwhile, Sethi, celebrated for his 2022 Coke Studio hit “Pasoori” with Shae Gill, stands as a strong contender for Pakistan’s notable cultural export in recent years.
Sethi’s reintroduction of Hindustani classical and Qawwali styles of music with a dash of current pop trends has created a wide fanbase in Pakistan’s music scene. As a duo, Sethi and Jonita’s track released on January 12 is the latest cross-border musical collaboration but where does it stand in the longer history of India-Pakistan joint music ventures?
The Plot of the Song
Starting directly from the chorus, Jonita introduces the song with the catchy line “Wanna love like that,” showcasing a clear influence of contemporary American pop music through repetitive “that, that, that” and programmed clap beats. The dynamic shift occurs when Sethi’s raga-inspired vocals take the spotlight.
Despite no changes in the key of the song, Sethi is able to introduce a very different melody that entirely stems from the D# major. The Pasoori singer’s approach to the notes and transitions between them is what shifts the aesthetic of the song, resulting in a compelling fusion of American pop and Indian classical.
The second chorus disrupts the flow abruptly, and the transition from the smooth shift between pop chorus and classical verse takes a hit. Sethi’s vocals come to an unexpected halt for another “Wanna Love Like That,” diminishing the precision and sophistication Jonita and Sethi aimed to establish. A smoother transition and instrumental variation could have enhanced the song’s emotional honesty as a collaborative effort, avoiding a segmented, fan-made mashup feel found on platforms like YouTube. The second verse provides a different section but falls short of delivering a sonic treat.
The Beauty of Punjabi Lyrics in the Song
The introduction of Punjabi lyrics from Jonita and a transition in vocal styles does take the song in a new direction of sorts but the entire package—as the variations blend with the instrumental choices—plays a little too much along the lines of commercial Bollywood music, a dressing one might wish to resist in a cross-cultural piece.
Also Read: Ali Sethi’s Latest Style Move Has Netizens Scratching Their Heads
Music
Muhammad Ali Shehki Says Romance Is Key to Great Music

In an interview with Imran Ashraf, veteran musician Mohammed Ali Shehki revealed that romance—real or imagined—is central to his musical process, and urged other artists to embrace the same mindset.
He admitted to envisioning a muse while performing, saying, “An artist has to be in love all the time, whether it’s your wife, girlfriend, or someone from your imagination.”
Tapping into that romantic energy, Shehki performed his hit Pyar Kiya Mein Ne Dil Diya, then reflected on his rise to fame in the 1970s. “There was a lot of craze in that era. Now, with so many singers, no one knows who’s who. Back then, it was just a few of us—actually, just two,” he said, referencing himself and Alamgir.
Shehki recounted how makeup artist Lily Raza, who shared his Irani heritage, helped him break into the entertainment industry. Before his big break, he performed in hotels and eventually landed a spot on a show hosted by Tara Ghanshyam. When Ghanshyam fell ill, Shehki was asked to perform their duet solo.
“I thought I’d lost the opportunity,” he recalled. “But Ghazanfar Ali sahab told me, ‘You’ll sing this solo without any complaints.’ So I did, and the song became a superhit.”
Shehki, also known for acting in films like Dekh Tamasha and Choron Ka Badshah, credited that moment as the turning point in his career.
Also Read: Ajay Devgn Shares Musician’s Apology to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Music
Abrarul Haq Drops New Song Celebrating Victory Over India

Celebrities across Pakistan are actively paying tribute to the armed forces for their successful defence operations, fuelling a wave of patriotic fervour across the nation.
Singer Abrarul Haq joined the celebrations by releasing a special song dedicated to the victory.
Through powerful lyrics, the track tells how the Pakistani Armed Forces thwarted India’s so-called “Operation Sindoor.”
Abrar highlights the spiritual strength of a Muslim warrior, portraying inner faith as a battlefield force.
He also symbolically mentions “serving tea to the enemy,” a phrase tied to past military encounters.
Abrar shared the song on his official YouTube channel, though the full music video is yet to be released.
Fans praised the song as a morale booster, with one commenting, “Pak Forces deserve this kind of tribute after an amazing victory,” and another adding, “The song is beautiful, and Abrarul Haq sang it with full enthusiasm and zeal.”
Also Read: Abrarul Haq Criticizes Young Artists Extravagant Demands in Music Industry
Music
Atif Aslam Revives ‘Sanu Ek Pal Chain’ of NFAK

Atif Aslam paid tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan by performing Sanu Ek Pal Chain Na Awaey on the new season of Velo Sound Station.
He blended his modern vocal style with NFAK’s original qawwali, creating a seamless fusion. Director Bilal Lashari brought the vision to life, earning widespread praise on social media.
Fans hailed the collaboration of Atif, NFAK, and Lashari as a historic musical moment, celebrating both Pakistan’s musical heritage and its evolving artistry.
Also Read: Atif Aslam Responds to Noori’s Criticism of Hit Song ‘Aadat’
-
Music2 months ago
Ammar Baig Wows Wembley, Impresses Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
-
Celebrities2 months ago
Ahad Raza Mir & Asim Azhar: Tied Together by Strings
-
Entertainment2 months ago
“Our dramas are poetic, not Bollywood copies” – Fatima Bhutto
-
Music2 months ago
Faris Shafi, Zain Zohaib Break Boundaries with ‘Shayar’
-
Entertainment2 months ago
Netflix Set to Release Its First Pakistani Production