“I want Pakistani weddings to play our songs, not Indian tracks,” says Sahir Ali Bagga

Famous singer and composer Sahir Ali Bagga has released his new single. Mastania fast-paced track featuring an unexpected yet nostalgic pairing: legendary film star Saima Noor and newcomer Saniya Iqbal.

In an exclusive chat with The Express TribuneBagga spoke about the musical thought process behind the song, his decision to cast Saima Noor, and his long-standing mission to revive Pakistani folk music within the mainstream culture.

Bagga shared this Mastani continues his signature approach of blending new-age production with the roots of the Pakistani people.

“Whenever I do a commercial song, I add a folk angle to it,” Bagga said. “Folk connects with listeners over 40 or 50, but when I mix it with new music, both generations merge. It breaks the generation gap.”

He explained that this generational bridge exists not only in audio but also in video.
“I have acted in Saima Noor and Saniya Iqbal together, there is a complete generation between them. When you watch the video, you can feel a completely different atmosphere,” he said.

Saima Noor’s appearance has sparked debate among fans, particularly as she has never appeared in a music video before. “This is the first time Saima Noor is appearing in a song,” said Bagga. “I wanted to experiment visually while keeping the cultural essence alive.”

Bagga emphasized that, for years, he has been consciously producing songs that resonate with Pakistani wedding culture – pieces that can replace the Indian songs traditionally played at local events.
“I want Pakistani songs to be played at our weddings, not Indian tracks,” he said firmly. “Our people should dance to our own music.”

When asked if Pakistani music has changed with new artists and trends, Bagga said technology affects the sound but the legacy remains constant.
“Technology changes the musical color, but our folk, our heritage, our legacy can never change,” he said. “Punjabi will remain Punjabi, Urdu will remain Urdu. You can mix them but you can’t erase them.”

According to him, the phases of Western inspiration are temporary. “Western copy runs only for a while. The real music that lives forever is our cultural music.”

Baga also reflected on today’s music competitions, including acts like Pakistani idol. “In singing competitions, fast songs or raps don’t determine ability. Classical is sung so the judges can hear the progression.”

He believes Pakistan’s biggest challenge is the absence of strong vocal identities: “People sing well, but nobody has a unique vocal tone. A hero’s voice should sound like a hero.”
“Classical is good, but music should feel good, not just blow you away with speed.”

Discussing how trends evolve, Bagga referred to Fawad Khan’s early music career. “There was a time when Fawad Khan had a rap group. That time is over and he became an actor and a writer. If he was to continue with music, he should be doing Pakistani music because at the end of the day, we all go back to our roots.”

He added that the only music that remains timeless is culturally authentic.

For Baga, his work is meant for everyone. “My four-year-old son listens to my songs and a 90-year-old can also enjoy them. My music is for every generation. It is for Pakistan.”