‘We must have more confidence in our own abilities’

Singer Waris Baig to make comeback after seven years, believes Pakistani films thriving due to ban on Indian cinema

LAHORE: As one of Pakistan’s most sought-after playback singers, Waris Baig’s decision to steer clear of the limelight disappointed many. The Pyar Ka Jadoo star has been on a career hiatus for the past seven years, citing a lack of quality films as the reason for it.

However, Baig is now all set to make a big comeback by lending his voice to two brand new songs in one of director Syed Noor’s upcoming films. In fact, his son will be accompanying him and singing three other numbers for the same project as well. Shooting for the yet-to-be-titled film is slated to commence in January 2017.

A resident of Lahore, Baig has sung for over a 100 films in his time, many of which have been some of Lollywood’s biggest hits. He kick-started his career with Aa Pyar Dil Mein Jagaa in 1997’s Sargam, which was directed by Syed Noor as well, and went on to sing for numerous other projects such as Inteha, Chief Saab, Mujhe Chand Chahiye and Karz.



Baig has a number of independent music albums under his belt, along with private concerts in various parts of the world.  However, his claim to fame remains playback singing.  In fact, he won the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer from 1997 to 1999 consecutively. “I was incredibly lucky to be able to start my singing career with a legend like Syed Noor. He is the most celebrated director in our film industry,” Baig told The Express Tribune. “I believe he is the only one who truly understands how to make a film so who better to re-start my career with than him?”

Due to personal reasons, Baig refused to divulge too much regarding the upcoming film except that work on its soundtrack has already begun. “People who are familiar with my songs know that I never compromise on their quality. I only take up those projects which I believe will be appreciated by the public,” he stated. “I stopped working in between because no good films were being made and I just could not be a part of that. I have been waiting for the right project to make a comeback with.”

According to Baig, the downfall of Lollywood can be attributed to an influx of Indian films due to which, the quality of Pakistani films and music had begun to deteriorate. “Now, Indian films have been banned. Talented, young Pakistanis are making good films and our own industry is flourishing too,” he said. “So you see, we just need to have confidence in our own abilities. That is why I appreciate the contributions of Syed Noor and other film-makers.  They have done a great deal to keep local cinema alive.”

The new wave of Pakistani films is what attracted Baig back to singing and he is eager to ride the tide. “I am very hopeful with regards to the current circumstance; that’s why I have come back to singing,” he confessed. “I hope to contribute to the industry as much as I can, until such time that Pakistani films become known on the basis of their music.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 29^th, 2016.

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