Lisa Ray, a Canadian actress, and former model, has expressed her desire to distance herself from the iconic Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan song Afreen Afreen. The song, a fusion of indie pop and ghazal music, was released in 1996 and became an instant hit. It was sung and composed by Khan with lyrics by Javed Akhtar, and Ray featured in the music video as a model.
In an Instagram post, Ray said that she inwardly cringes whenever the song is played as part of her introduction at public events. She added that she has felt uncomfortable sharing or celebrating the song because she so strongly identified with it.
However, Ray also acknowledged the power of a song to evoke an emotional response in the audience that is tied to who you once were. She said that hearing Afreen Afreen today is no longer about a personal association, but represents a universal rite of passage.
The 51-year-old actress has had a long and successful career in film and television, both in India and internationally. She is known for her roles in films such as Kasoor, Water, and Kill Kill Faster Faster, and for her appearances in television shows like Top Chef Canada and Oh My Gold.
Ray has also been an advocate for cancer awareness and has spoken openly about her own battle with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. She has used her platform to raise awareness about the disease and to encourage others to seek early diagnosis and treatment.
In her Instagram post, Ray also paid tribute to the great troubadours she listened to in her youth, many of whom have passed away. She said that their music continues to inspire her and to evoke memories of a time defined by hope, wonder, and optimism of youth.
Ray’s message is one of reflection and a desire to move beyond the past. While she acknowledges the impact that Afreen Afreen has had on her life and career, she also recognizes the importance of growth and change, and of letting go of the things that no longer serve us.
