Bollywood’s Selective Patriotism: A Musical Masterstroke (Or Confusion?)

Bollywood reportedly pays $50K for Pakistani hit Hawa Hawa in Dhurandhar 2, raising questions after earlier opposition to Pakistani players earning money in India’s leagues.

MediaBites News Editorial

Something truly fascinating is happening in Bollywood, and honestly, it feels like a script that even writers might reject for being too unrealistic.

Reports suggest that the makers of Dhurandhar 2 have paid Pakistani singer Hasan Jahangir approximately $50,000 (roughly 1.39 crore PKR) for his song Hawa Hawa. The song is expected to be used for Sanjay Dutt’s entry in the film. A powerful entry, no doubt. Music matters. Vibes matter. Cinema needs impact.

But here is where things get interesting.

Not long ago, voices from across the border were passionately arguing that Pakistani players should not be allowed in Indian leagues. The logic sounded serious. If Pakistani players earn money, it strengthens Pakistan’s economy. A stronger economy leads to more power. And somehow, that becomes a threat.

Fair enough. That argument made headlines.

Now fast forward.

Instead of players earning money, a singer has just been paid directly. No league. No middle layer. Straight payment. Fifty thousand dollars.

So now the question naturally arises. If earning money from sports is a concern, what about earning money from Bollywood? Does that not count? Or is it different because this time it comes with a dramatic slow-motion entry and background music?

And what about the audience?

This is the same audience that is often quick to call for boycotts. Films get boycotted. Brands get boycotted. Entire narratives get boycotted. But in this case, will anyone say a word? Or will everything be forgiven the moment Sanjay Dutt walks in with Hawa Hawa playing in full volume?

Maybe this is the new reality. Maybe economic concerns only apply in certain situations. Maybe art, music, and entertainment exist in a completely separate category where logic quietly steps aside.

Or maybe, deep down, everyone understands something simple.

A good song is a good song.

And when the beat drops, even the loudest arguments suddenly go silent.