Renowned Indian lyricist and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar has publicly praised Pakistani singer Moazzam Ali Khan, expressing a desire to collaborate with him after being moved by his soulful rendition of “Yeh Nain Dare Dare.” The classic song, originally sung by Hemant Kumar for the 1964 film Kohraa, caught Akhtar’s attention on YouTube, prompting the veteran artist to reach out via X on Friday.

“Just saw a gentleman, Muazzam saheb, singing ‘yeh nain deray deray’ on YouTube,” the 80-year-old wrote. “Could he please contact me? I will be thankful if he sings a few songs for us.” Khan’s performance, which has garnered over 65,000 views and 2,000 likes on YouTube, has also drawn comparisons to the late ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh, amplifying his online buzz.

Khan, a multifaceted talent from Pakistan, boasts a following of over 150,000 on Instagram and 37,000 subscribers on YouTube, where he regularly shares his singing clips. Beyond his vocal prowess, his social media bio highlights his work as an actor and voice-over artist, showcasing his versatility.

Akhtar’s admiration underscores the enduring power of music to bridge borders, a theme he’s championed throughout his illustrious career. Fans now eagerly await a potential collaboration, hopeful that Khan’s evocative voice might grace a new project under Akhtar’s lyrical genius, blending nostalgia with fresh creativity.