Hassan Jahangir reflects on India fame and missed film offers

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani pop singer Hassan Jahangir has looked back on the peak of his popularity in India, speaking about his ties with Bollywood figures, long-circulated reports about a letter from veteran actor Rekha, and what he described as one of the biggest regrets of his career.

Jahangir, who rose to prominence in the 1980s with hit songs including Hawa Hawa, recently spoke on a podcast about the success he enjoyed across the border. During the conversation, the host brought up reports that Rekha had sent him a love letter after Hawa Hawa became a major hit in India.

Jahangir did not directly confirm or reject the claim, but responded by saying: "Love can happen at any age. Some things are better kept private."

He also said he had always been warmly welcomed in India and had not encountered any problems during his visits there. According to Jahangir, he continues to share cordial relations with several Bollywood personalities, naming Madhuri Dixit, Govinda, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Mithun Chakraborty among those with whom he still exchanges friendly messages from time to time.

Speaking about what he sees as the biggest regret of his professional life, Jahangir said he had been offered five or six Indian films as a hero and later turned down seven lead roles opposite some of Bollywood’s leading actresses.

Recalling those opportunities, he said:"I was offered films with stars like Neelam and Madhuri, but I declined the projects and returned to Pakistan. Looking back, I feel any one of those films could have become a hit."

Jahangir began his music career in 1986 and went on to become one of Pakistan’s best-known pop artists. Among the songs associated with his rise are Hawa Hawa, Hato Bacho and Pyar Pakistan.