Fawad Khan’s Parwana is a masterclass in lyrical, vocal and visual storytelling. The song showcases Fawad’s vocal range — his voice serves as a guide through this emotional landscape, connecting with listeners on a deep level. Composed by Hasil Kureshi, the track’s hauntingly beautiful melody combined with heartfelt lyrics, creates an immersive experience that draws you in immediately, making it a standout track in Velo Sound Station’s Season 3 lineup.
As the video unfolds, Fawad’s performance is both restrained and powerful. He doesn’t overact; instead, he lets his expressions, gestures, and music do the talking, with his presence anchoring the narrative. Fawad’s ability to convey vulnerability and intensity without overplaying the emotions is a testament to his versatility as an artist. The final scenes, where he’s drenched, soaked and staring into the light that’s piercing through, leaves the viewer with a lingering sense of catharsis—a moment of relief, and acceptance. Parwana is not just a song; it’s a story of human fragility, resilience and vulnerabilities, beautifully depicted through Fawad’s voice and Lashari’s lens.
The lyrics, combined with his emotive delivery, depict a vivid picture of a man grappling with past mistakes with his heart heavy with longing or loss. It can also be interpreted as an internal storm of a man struggling to keep it all together – with this dark cloud hovering over his head, literally. The rain in the video can be seen as a storm of his emotions, his eyes conveying nuanced layers of emotions that words alone can’t capture. The rain, a powerful symbol of cleansing and renewal, mirrors the emotional journey of the protagonist, adding a layer of depth to the visual storytelling.
Bilal Lashari’s direction transforms the song into a cinematic flair that feels both intimate and grandiose. The moody visuals in the rain are thoughtfully and discerningly shown, with each shot—whether a close-up of Fawad’s anguished expression or a wide-angle view of him standing vulnerable in the downpour or swirling like a dervish—amplifying the song’s emotional core.
The production blends music with high-art visuals flawlessly – a love letter to Pakistani music’s golden era, yet it’s undeniably modern in its execution. The visuals, reminiscent of classic Pakistani cinema, are brought to life with a contemporary twist, creating a visual experience that is both nostalgic and fresh. The production quality, from the cinematography to the sound design, is impeccable.
The song’s release has sparked a wave of nostalgia among OG EP fans. Social media posts describe the track as a ‘vibe’ that ‘hits different’. The fans expressed their excitement to see their favorite star again: “Fawad’s voice is magical” and “The EP legend is back!”.
Parwana is a stunning showcase of Fawad Khan’s artistry, blending soulful vocals with cinematic storytelling. It’s a love letter to fans who’ve longed for his musical return, and its hauntingly beautiful melody makes it a standout in Pakistani music’s ever-evolving landscape.
Maheen Mustafa wrote this feature. She is a social impact journalist, global strategist and founder of MTG, a Seattle-based media outlet and production house that aims to elevate and amplify BIPOC and immigrant narratives and perspectives through impactful storytelling. Maheen’s beats are social impact, wellness, culture, climate, race and global news @MaheenM_.