Watch Main Irada
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The Story Behind Main Irada
Main Irada closed Coke Studio Season 11's first episode in 2018 as a collective statement of women's resolve. Haniya Aslam composed the piece and co-wrote its new Urdu text with Bilal Sami, while Zohaib Kazi and Ali Hamza produced and directed the session. Haniya and Rachel Viccaji share the lead with Shamu Bai, Ariana and Amrina, bringing Hindawi and Kalasha folk passages into the pop framework. Backing voices Shahab Hussain, Wajiha Naqvi and Mehr Qadir deepen the ensemble sound. A gentle harmonium opening gives way to hand percussion, sitar and contrasting vocal colors, from earthy lead lines to bright chants. Haniya said she wanted the anthem to give women a lift at the start of the day. The session also placed equal numbers of men and women on the Coke Studio floor, a first for the series.
Meaning & Translation
The Urdu title Main Irada frames the speaker as determination itself, a person who has become her own intention and resolve. The song builds a vocabulary of womanhood around courage, effort, wisdom, hope and the strength to keep moving when a goal feels distant. Its central voice is not asking permission or waiting to be rescued. She imagines a future, claims the ability to shape it and invites other women to walk beside her. The Hindawi passage associated with Kabir broadens that idea through a reflection on living so that one's deeds leave joy behind, while the Kalasha refrain adds a communal pulse. Together, the sections present empowerment as solidarity, purpose and forward motion, not victory over anyone else.
Details
- Artist
- Haniya Aslam, Rachel Viccaji, Shamu Bai, Ariana, Amrina
- Category
- Coke Studio
- Collection
- Coke Studio Season 11
- Released
- 2018
- Mood
- Motivational, Upbeat
- YouTube Views
- 1.66M
Artists & Credits
- Haniya Aslam singer
- Rachel Viccaji singer
- Shamu Bai singer
- Ariana singer
- Amrina singer
- Haniya Aslam composer
- Bilal Sami lyricist
- Haniya Aslam lyricist
- Kabir lyricist
- Rakae Jamil musician
- Zohaib Kazi producer
- Ali Hamza producer