Music fans in Pakistan were highly disappointed with Coke Studio’s rendition of Junoon’s popular song Sayonee. But, lead singers Rahet Fateh Ali Khan and Salman Ahmed neglected all the negative comments and strongly defended their take on the popular song of 90s.

Talking to the media, Rahat addressed the criticism he has faced on his latest Coke Studio cover of Junoon’s Sayonee. “I actually like the interesting feedback. Some people like it, some don’t. I feel like there are some anti-Pakistan opinions in there too. I personally liked the song, especially the ending,” he said.

“I feel Sayonee suited my voice well. Many other songs have been covered so many times, like Main Tenu Samjhawan ki and Khan sahib’s Rashk-e-Qamar. This is the song that elevated Junoon back then. People cover Noor Jehan and other artists too. So, we shouldn’t think about who did it better. It’s a tribute to them and we should take it this way. Music should be free from hate and arguments,” he added.

Earlier, Salman Ahmed also said in an interview, “With 3.3 million views in 5 days, Sayonee is the fastest climbing song of Coke Studio Season 10, yet for some strange reason, it has been unjustifiably attacked for ruining the original. Some of the criticism is honest but a lot of it has nothing to do with music,” local media reported.

Coke Studio’s cover, performed by Ali Noor and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, was perhaps the most awaited song of this year’s edition. So far, Coke Studio season 10 doesn’t seem to impress the music lovers.