Waris Baig’s son gears up for debut

Ammar Baig has shown prowess both in Eastern and Western singing styles

LAHORE:

Veteran Pakistani singer Waris Baig has been out of the spotlight since a while now with audiences catching a glimpse of him rarely. A resident of Lahore, he 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, and went on to sing for numerous other projects such as Inteha, Chief Saab, Mujhe Chand Chahiye and Karz.

After delivering a number of hits for decades both for Lollywood films and as independent singles, Waris had seemingly left the public eye altogether. But now, it appears that his son, 24-year-old Ammar, is ready to pick up after him. He intends to captivate audiences both in the East and West.

Just over a week ago, the young singer released a cover of Bruno Mars’ song When I was Your Man which quickly garnered over 70,000 views with audiences drawing parallels between the two. Not only did fans love the rendition, popular pop singer Adele, as per a report by Associate Press Pakistan, also appeared spellbound after listening to it too. The same report entails that there are plans in the pipeline for Pakistani-American Ammar to duet with Adele and Rihanna and in the east with various Urdu/ Hindi singing superstars. There are concert shows planned for Dubai, London and New York.

Additionally, he has also reportedly gearing up to go on Britain’s Got Talent.  But that’s just one side of the emerging talent. Ammar has reportedly dwelled deep in Eastern music as well, going in the footsteps of his father. The star mesmerised South Asian fans all over the world when he performed the evergreen song by Ustad Amanat Ali Khan, Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo.
"Through music in English and Urdu, I wish to spread love, peace and harmony throughout the world,” Ammar was quoted as saying in the report.

His father couldn’t be more proud of him. Waris hopes that Ammar could take Pakistan as a whole to new heights. "Ammar will prove to be a talented singer. I am hopeful that he will be make the whole nation proud in the future, ” the veteran told The Express Tribune.

Waris went on to praise Ammar for his prowess in both Western and Eastern styles. “His voice is beautiful. He is a rare artist that can amass a following both in the East and West. He was born and raised in the West but music was always in his blood. Other singers of the county are also hopeful about his future as Rahat Fateh Ali khan told me once that I have given a diamond to this nation,” he added.

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