Renowned singer Abrarul Haq has shared the story behind the creation of his popular song Nach Punjaban, explaining how its famous line, “Thora jiya gaane nu de de Punjabi touch,” came into being. Speaking in an interview with a YouTube channel, Haq said he was writing the opening lyrics of the song, including “Meri cycle holi chaldi si, main gaddi full pghawan ga, cycle te bande do bande, main poori qaum bitha mangaan,” when he asked his cousin, Tipu, for his opinion. According to the singer, he asked, “Tipu, how does it sound?” His cousin replied that the song was good but did not have a Punjabi touch.
Haq said the comment stayed with him and while working further on the song, he came up with the line, “Thora jiya gaane nu de de Punjabi touch, thora jiya music nu de de Punjabi touch.” He said that moment gave the song a new identity and Nach Punjaban was completed in that style. Abrarul Haq rose to fame in 1995 with his debut album Billo De Ghar, which sold more than 16 million copies worldwide. Following its success, he came to be regarded as one of Pakistan’s leading pop and bhangra artists. Several of his later songs also gained widespread popularity and he is credited with giving bhangra music a new identity in Pakistan. In the early 2000s, Nach Punjaban also faced criticism after some circles objected to the use of the word “Punjaban”, calling it inappropriate for Punjabi women. Abrarul Haq later re-recorded the song in a new version titled Nach Majajan.