From the hauntingly beautiful Ishq to the emotional Saiyaara, Faheem Abdullah’s journey from Instagram reels to Bollywood stardom is redefining independent music.
The Voice That Went Viral Before the Big Screen
Before Saiyaara’s soulful title track in Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda’s film made you tear up, Kashmiri singer Faheem Abdullah had already captured millions of hearts through Instagram.
In 2024, his song Ishq from the album Lost;Found became a social media sensation, with almost every Instagram reel set to its aching melody. The lyrics, “Main aa likhoon, tu aa jaye,” evoked the same longing that Saiyaara now delivers with “Saiyaara, tu toh badla nahi hai…” penned by Irshad Kamil and composed by Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, and Arslan Nizami.
Who Is Faheem Abdullah?
Faheem Abdullah is a multi-talented Kashmiri artist—a singer, lyricist, composer, poet, indie filmmaker, and screenwriter.
- He was once known by his stage name The Imaginary Poet before embracing his real identity.
- He has over 1.98 lakh YouTube subscribers, 117,000 Instagram followers, and a massive 2 crore monthly listeners on Spotify.
- His most-streamed track Ishq has crossed 32 crore streams, while Saiyaara already boasts 3 crore streams in just weeks.
- Other popular songs like Sajde, Ae Yaad, and Jhelum continue to top indie charts.
How Social Media Shaped His Success
Faheem openly credits social media for his breakthrough, saying in an earlier interview:
“Social media has really opened doors for a lot of people who couldn’t release their music otherwise. Longevity depends on the quality of the track. If you’re honest and have a story to tell, people will relate and the song will live on.”
Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify allowed him to bypass mainstream music labels, proving that independent voices can find massive audiences.
The Struggles Behind the Spotlight
Faheem’s journey wasn’t easy. Being a musician from Kashmir—a region with limited infrastructure—meant releasing only one single per year initially.
“I had to struggle a lot to feed the artist in me. Struggle refines you and your art. Without it, I wouldn’t have created even half of what I have today,” he shared in a separate interview.
His music often reflects themes of love, loss, longing, and homeland, blending personal experiences with the collective emotions of his surroundings.
Lost;Found and the Magic of Ishq
His album Lost;Found combined these emotions beautifully. Ishq, performed with Rauhan Malik and Amir Ameer, became a viral anthem for love and heartbreak. It dominated Instagram reels, Spotify playlists, and music charts, paving the way for mainstream recognition.
“My works are a reflection of my personal experiences, those of people close to me, and sometimes, imagined ideals of love and life,” Faheem explained about his songwriting process.
Saiyaara: The Turning Point
When Saiyaara released, Faheem Abdullah stepped into Bollywood’s mainstream music space.
A day before its release, he shared an impromptu jam session video with co-composer Arslan Nizami, urging fans to “carry tissues” to the theatre. In his heartfelt note, he thanked:
- Director Mohit Suri for believing in him
- Composer Tanishk Bagchi for his mentorship
- And Almighty for shaping his art through life experiences
“Having grown up watching Mohit Suri’s films and now co-singing and composing for his movie feels surreal. Saiyaara would mean nothing without Arslan,” he wrote.
The song quickly gained popularity, proving that independent artists can seamlessly cross into mainstream cinema.
What’s Next for Faheem Abdullah?
With Saiyaara becoming a chartbuster and Ishq still trending on reels, Faheem Abdullah is on the verge of becoming one of India’s most sought-after independent artists. His success is proof that authentic storytelling and social media reach can rival traditional Bollywood stardom.
As Saiyaara continues to win hearts, it’s clear Faheem Abdullah is here to stay—both in the indie space and the big screen music scene.
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