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

What will it take to make Pakistan dance to its own music again?

Renowned singer and composer Sahir Ali Bagga has released his newest single, Mastani, a fast-paced track featuring an unexpected yet nostalgic pairing: legendary film star Saima Noor and newcomer Saniya Iqbal.

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

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

“Whenever I make a commercial song, I add a folk angle to it,” Bagga said. “Folk connects with listeners who are 40 or 50 plus but when I mix it with new music, both generations merge. That’s how the generation gap breaks.”

He explained that this intergenerational bridge is present not only in the sound but also in the video.
“I cast Saima Noor and Saniya Iqbal together there is a full generation between them. When you watch the video, you can feel a completely different vibe,” he said.

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

Bagga emphasised that, for years, he has been consciously producing songs that resonate with Pakistani wedding culture—tracks that can stand in place of Indian songs traditionally played at local events.
“I want our weddings to play Pakistani songs, not Indian tracks,” he said firmly. “Our people should dance to our own music.”

When asked whether Pakistani music has changed with new artists and trends, Bagga said that technology influences sound, but heritage remains constant.
“Technology changes musical colour, but our folk, our heritage, our legacy can never be changed,” he said. “Punjabi will remain Punjabi; Urdu will remain Urdu. You can mix them, but you cannot erase them.”

According to him, Western-inspired phases are temporary. “Western copy runs only for a while. Real music that lives forever is our cultural music.”

Bagga also reflected on today’s music competitions, including shows like Pakistan Idol. “In singing competitions, fast songs or rap don’t define skill. Classical is sung so judges can hear progress.”

He believes Pakistan’s biggest challenge is the absence of strong vocal identities: “People sing well, but no one has a unique vocal tone. A hero’s voice should sound like a hero.”
“Classical is good, but music should feel good not just surprise you with speed.”

Discussing how trends evolve, Bagga referenced Fawad Khan’s early music career. “There was a time when Fawad Khan had a rap band. That time ended, and he became an actor and writer. If he had continued music, he would have had to do Pakistani music because eventually, we all return to our roots.”

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

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