A traditional Saraiki folk song from Pakistan, ‘Chalre Chalre Waal,’ is gaining a wide audience in India through Instagram and YouTube. An acoustic version by Pakistani singers Shanzy Sial and Mohsin Lashari has drawn millions of views, particularly in Indian Punjab.

Background

‘Chalre Chalre Waal,’ also known in some versions as ‘Tediyan Reesan Kon Kare,’ is a traditional Saraiki folk song associated with Pakistan’s Punjab region. Saraiki is widely spoken in southern Punjab and neighbouring areas, and its folk music is an important part of the region’s cultural identity.

Like many folk compositions, the song has been passed down and reinterpreted over time instead of being tied to one definitive recording. Singers including Muhammad Hussain Bandialvi and Shafaullah Khan Rokhri are among those associated with it, according to Gulf News and Siasat.

Details

The latest wave began with the acoustic rendition by Shanzy Sial and Mohsin Lashari, which gained traction on Instagram and YouTube. Listeners in Indian Punjab in particular have responded to its melody and familiar folk sound, and the video has attracted millions of views.

Some listeners have compared the song with ‘Na Kajre Ki Dhar,’ a popular 1994 track from the Bollywood film Mohra. Siasat reported that the comparison has fuelled further discussion online. Siasat also described the song as celebrating a beloved’s beauty through evocative imagery and a repeating refrain typical of regional romantic music.

The song then travelled further through other performances. Indian Punjabi singer Sunanda Sharma shared her own interpretation, giving it another push with Indian audiences. Last week, Uttar Pradesh Police sub-inspector Nishant Mishra went viral for singing it while playing the guitar, which introduced the song to another section of Indian social media users.

Quotes

No direct statements from the singers were included in the reports reviewed. Coverage in Minute Mirror noted that the different interpretations, from acoustic renditions to guitar performances, have helped the song reach listeners across geographical and linguistic boundaries, while its cultural roots remain firmly tied to Saraiki heritage.

Impact

For Saraiki music, the attention is a rare moment of visibility beyond its home region. Many Indian listeners may not understand the language, but the melody has been enough to draw them in, showing how folk music can travel through short videos and reels.

The trend also highlights how music can create connections between audiences in India and Pakistan at a time when direct cultural exchange is limited. Artists on both sides have contributed to the song’s popularity, which may encourage more interest in regional folk traditions.

Conclusion

As new renditions continue to appear, the song’s popularity is likely to grow for a while. Whether the attention leads to lasting interest in Saraiki folk music will depend on whether listeners go on to explore other songs and artists from the tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ‘Chalre Chalre Waal’ and where does it come from?
It is a traditional Saraiki folk song associated with Pakistan’s Punjab region, also known in some versions as ‘Tediyan Reesan Kon Kare.’ It has been performed by several folk singers over the years and does not have a single definitive recording. Muhammad Hussain Bandialvi and Shafaullah Khan Rokhri are among the singers associated with it.

Why has the song gone viral in India?
An acoustic version by Pakistani singers Shanzy Sial and Mohsin Lashari drew millions of views on Instagram and YouTube, especially among listeners in Indian Punjab. Indian artists then added to the buzz. Singer Sunanda Sharma shared her rendition, and Uttar Pradesh Police sub-inspector Nishant Mishra went viral for singing it with a guitar. Some listeners also compared it to the Bollywood song ‘Na Kajre Ki Dhar’ from the 1994 film Mohra.

What language is the song in?
It is in Saraiki, a language widely spoken in southern Punjab and neighbouring areas of Pakistan. Although the language may be unfamiliar to many Indian listeners, reports say the melody and folk sound have made the song accessible, helping it find an audience across linguistic boundaries.