Sahir Ali Bagga Urges Pakistani Weddings to Feature Local Songs, Not Indian Tracks

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 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.”