Arooj Aftab reimagines 80s classic ‘Sweet Dreams’ in Urdu for Riz Ahmed’s new series

Pakistan’s first Grammy Award winner, Arooj Aftab, has once again pushed the boundaries of desi-fusion with her latest release: an Urdu-language reimagining of the 1983 Eurythmics hit, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” Produced in collaboration with British-Indian DJ Anish Kumar, the track features as a standout piece on the official soundtrack for BAIT, a new Amazon Prime series created by and starring Oscar-winner Riz Ahmed.

A Melancholic Fusion: Sitar meets Synth

The rendition, which carries the translated title “Sunehray Khwabon (Ka Khel Hai),” masterfully weaves the haunting synth-pop roots of the original with delicate sitar arrangements. Arooj Aftab’s signature vocal style—often described as meditative and melancholic—complements the dark, driving undertones of the 80s classic.

At a recent launch event for the series, Riz Ahmed praised Arooj Aftab’s unique artistry, famously introducing her to the audience as “The Kate Bush of Pakistan.” The event also saw appearances by other notable figures in the Pakistani indie scene, including singer Natasha Noorani, sparking fan speculation about future collaborations within this creative circle.

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The Sound of ‘BAIT’

The track joins a curated soundtrack designed to mirror the existential themes of the show. BAIT, which premiered on March 25, 2026, follows the journey of an actor (played by Ahmed) spiraling into a crisis after a life-altering audition.

Arooj Aftab’s cover is part of a high-profile musical lineup that includes:

• Jorja Smith: The R&B star’s track “The Price of it All” set the somber tone for the series earlier this month.

• Global Collaborations: Aftab recently featured on a charity album alongside Olivia Rodrigo and Beck, further cementing her status as a global musical ambassador.

Cultural Synergy on Screen

Directed in part by Bassam Tariq (Mogul Mowgli), BAIT boasts a strong South Asian creative identity, featuring veteran Pakistani actor Sajid Hassan and comedian Guz Khan. The inclusion of an Urdu synth-pop cover represents a significant moment for representation, placing Pakistani linguistic and musical heritage at the center of a mainstream international production.

As Arooj Aftab continues to bridge the gap between traditional ghazal influences and modern electronic music, “Sunehray Khwabon” stands as a testament to the evolving sound of the global diaspora.

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