If you thought you’d heard every possible version of the 1983 Eurythmics classic “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” Arooj Aftab is here to prove you wrong. Released as a standout track for Riz Ahmed’s new Prime Video series Bait, Arooj’s Urdu rendition, translated as “Sunehray Khwabon (Ka Khel Hai)”, is being hailed as the villain era anthem we didn’t know we needed.
Out now 🕶️ My Urdu version of “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” with Anish Kumar, for @rizahmed’s new series BAIT.
On all streaming platforms, run it up! pic.twitter.com/IR3FktjDWk— arooj aftab (@arooj_aftab) March 25, 2026
A Melancholic Masterpiece
Collaborating with British-Indian DJ Anish Kumar, the Grammy winner has stripped away the aggressive 80s synth-pop of the original, replacing it with a haunting, minimalist production. The track features:
A haunting sitar, replacing the iconic synth riffs with delicate, South Asian strings.
The lyrics aren’t just translated; they are reimagined to fit the dark, existential undertones of the show, delivered in Arooj’s signature velvet vocals.
The song perfectly bridges the gap between London’s underground electronic scene and the soulful depth of Pakistani heritage.
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The “Bait” Connection
The song serves as a sonic anchor for Bait, which follows Shah Latif (played by Riz Ahmed) as he spirals through a four-day existential crisis after auditioning to be the first South Asian James Bond. While the series is a sharp comedy, Arooj’s track highlights the heavy-hearted stakes of identity and ambition that the show explores.
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