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Today, title tracks — or original soundtracks (OSTs) as they’re often called — have grown to become as vital as drama storylines themselves. Played at key emotional moments, they often convey what words cannot, adding depth and intensity where dialogue alone falls short.

I vividly remember watching a repeat telecast of Mere Paas Paas (2005), featuring the legendary Nadia Jamil alongside Moammar Rana and Deepak Perwani. In one unforgettable scene, Rana’s character walks out of Jamil’s home as Atif Aslam’s haunting vocals echo, transforming the moment into something profoundly powerful. That was the first time I truly understood the emotional weight an OST can carry and how it can elevate a scene to something extraordinary.

There’s no denying the power of a strong composition paired with meaningful lyrics. More often than not, it’s the soundtrack that lingers in your memory long after a show ends. ‘Woh Humsafar Tha’ instantly transports you back to 2012, when every Saturday night at 8pm, households across the country were glued to their screens to watch Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan’s Humsafar.

Its melody echoed through living rooms, becoming a cultural phenomenon. While the show’s success owed much to its direction and stellar performances, it was the OST and Quratulain Balouch’s vocals that elevated it to an iconic status. Similarly, Dastaan’s hauntingly beautiful soundtrack evokes both peace and melancholy in equal measure, leaving an emotional imprint that’s hard to shake.

I spoke to Sohail Haider, the composer of my personal all-time favourite title track ‘Dastaan’. “I’ve given more than two decades to this industry, and I’ve seen firsthand how a powerful OST can turn a good drama into a classic…people still recognise entire dramas just by the first few notes of the OST. That’s the power of music — it preserves the soul of the story,” he explained.

Shuja Haider, another one of the finest composers in the country, spoke about what makes a good OST, or if there exists a formula for success in this arena. “You can’t just follow a recipe, but having experience makes putting together an OST way easier,” he quipped.

But can a powerful OST make or break a show’s rating? Shuja disagreed. “It’s not a must-have. Some dramas do great without a popular OST, and some with amazing OSTs still fail.”

It’s hard to disagree — sometimes, even the most beautiful OST can’t redeem a weak script. Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha is a perfect example. Originally a standalone track titled ‘Kahani Suno 2.0’ by Kaifi Khalil, even this soulful composition couldn’t save the show. Not even Wahaj Ali’s post-Tere Bin popularity or Hania Aamir’s star power could rescue what turned out to be a narrative disaster. Ironically, the OST became its only redeeming feature — played so frequently that it filled every possible silence. It proved that while a powerful soundtrack can elevate a drama, it surely cannot compensate for a lacklustre story.

It’s also a prime example of a story long forgotten but the melody remains etched in memory.

A strong OST often speaks for itself — it can become a powerful marketing tool that drives a show’s popularity. In many cases, the OST becomes a central point of discussion, drawing in more viewers. A notable example is Tere Bin, a somewhat controversial show, but one in which the OST of the same name undeniably played a major role in the show’s success. While credit must also go to the creators and actors for catching the pulse of the audience, it’s clear that the song struck a chord with the masses. Its popularity grew even more when it became entangled in a controversy over its similarity to a certain Bollywood number.

On the other hand, take Malaal, for instance — a personal favorite from the early 2000s, starring Faisal Rehman, Deepti Gupta, Sarwat Gilani, and Imran Abbas. Its story was subtle yet impactful, driven by strong performances and thoughtful direction. And yet, for me, the OST was rather forgettable. The drama’s strength lay in its script and acting — showing that sometimes, a compelling narrative can stand on its own without relying on a standout soundtrack.

Similarly, when a show is exceptionally well written, well cast and well performed, it can stand strong on its own — OST or not. One prime example is the iconic Yakeen Ka Safar (2017). The drama’s strength lay in its storytelling and performances, though its instrumental soundtrack, delicately woven into pivotal scenes, has become symbolic of love for many viewers. However, its OST did little for the show’s popularity that soared regardless. The show earned widespread acclaim and continues to be revisited by true drama enthusiasts to this day.

That is not to say that OSTs do not command any significance. Rather, over the years, Pakistani drama OSTs have almost become a genre in their own right. Tracks like ‘Aaj Kyun Teri Yaad Aayi’ from Khamoshiyan (2011), ‘Aasmanon Se Utara Noor Hai Koi’ from Dastaan (2010), ‘Koi Naghma-e-Ishq’ from Zard Patton Ka Bunn (2024), ‘Mere Paas Paas’ (2005) by Atif Aslam and ‘Karun Sajda Aik Khuda Ko’ from the first season of Khuda Aur Muhabbat (2011) are evidently enjoyed even by those who do not particularly watch Pakistani dramas.

There’s no denying that a strong soundtrack can elevate a show’s popularity — provided the show itself too lives up to the hype.