The unsung hero of TV dramas; SK Salman Khan and his musical journey

KARACHI: Pakistani TV dramas are famous for their powerful acting and strong direction. But behind the spotlight, there’s another force quietly shaping our emotions — the music. And one of the people giving this music a unique voice is Salman Khan, lovingly known in the industry as SK.

When I met Salman, it didn’t take long to realize that his journey isn’t just about composing tunes. It’s about feelings, teamwork, and bringing stories to life through sound.

Salman believes that every great drama has a great soundtrack behind it. For him, music isn’t just a background element — it’s the heartbeat of the story.

“When you feel a scene not just through your eyes but through your heart — that’s when music has done its job,” he said with a gentle smile.

His creative path started with two close friends, Dennis Tanveer and Muhammad Ahmed. Their first collaboration came in the form of a background score for ARY Digital’s hit drama “Hassad”. That project not only marked the beginning of their friendship, but also gave birth to a musical chemistry that would go on to define their style.

Together, this trio composed music for several dramas — melodies that have now become unforgettable OSTs. Their work in “Ishqiya”, “Saraab”, “Zulm”, “Teri Chahaon Mein”, and “Dil Pe Dastak” added emotional depth to the scenes and brought the stories to life in ways words alone couldn’t. Their soundtracks carry a unique blend of pain and hope — the kind that lingers in your heart even after the drama ends.

But Salman’s magic isn’t limited to team projects. His solo compositions have also left a strong impression. The OST for Hum TV’s “Dil Pe Zakham Khaye Hain”, sung by Nabeel Shaukat, became a fan favorite. Then came “Hum Dono” for Express TV, sung by Asim Azhar — another hit that listeners continue to love. These are the kind of songs that stay with you — like memories you never want to let go of.

Recently, his track “Main Rahun” gained a lot of love on social media, while his background score for the drama “Parwarish” introduced a new emotional layer to the story. His melodies aren’t just notes — they’re moments you can feel in your soul.

Salman’s journey is that of an artist who gives music to the unsaid — who tells stories through sound when words fall short. Alongside Dennis and Ahmed, he’s helped shape a new sound for Pakistani dramas — where music is no longer just playing in the background, but living within the story itself.

At the end of our conversation, I asked him how he knows his music is reaching people even now. With a quiet smile, he said:

“When someone doesn’t just cry with their eyes, but with their heart while watching a scene — that’s when I know we got it right.”