Arooj Aftab has taken a well-known 80s song and given it a fresh, emotional spin. Her latest release is an Urdu version of Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics, though it sounds very different from the original.

The track is part of the soundtrack for BAIT, a new show by Riz Ahmed. In this version, the original’s strong synth beats are replaced with softer melodies and subtle South Asian instruments.

The Urdu lyrics remain close to the meaning of the original while adding a deeper, more personal touch. Some are even calling it Sunehray Khwabon (Ka Khel Hai).

Arooj collaborated with Anish Kumar on the track, creating a sound that feels both global and rooted.

She was also present at the show’s launch, where Ahmed praised her work and even compared her to Kate Bush.

Singer Natasha Noorani also attended, sparking curiosity about her upcoming projects

Another track from the show, by Jorja Smith, carries a similar emotional tone, reflecting the series’ mix of lighthearted moments and deeper themes.

Arooj, Pakistan’s first Grammy Award winner, has been busy. She recently collaborated with Beck on Lilac Wine for a charity album supporting children affected by conflict. The project also featured artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Sinéad O’Connor.

With this new release, Arooj once again demonstrates her ability to take something familiar and make it profoundly her own.