Imagine sitting inside a studio in Lahore in the late 90’s, the music director nodding, the orchestra tuning, and then hearing that powerful voice that would soon echo in cinemas across Pakistan. That voice belonged to none other than Waris Baig, whose journey from studio mic to silver-screen fame still gives goosebumps to fans and aspiring singers alike.
From Studio Booth to Silver Screen
Recording a film song in Pakistan used to be, and often still is, far from glamorous. The “studio” was frequently the same hall where film scenes were shot. Instead of modern acoustic rooms, singers, musicians and instruments shared space in a multipurpose studio.
- Back then, technical options were limited: a single microphone (sometimes two) channelled the singer’s voice and instruments through an analogue mixer directly onto tape or optical film.
- There was little room for error; one wrong note, and the entire take might be scrapped. That’s why many singers and musicians rehearsed for weeks before entering the studio.
- With the advent of multitrack recording and later digital techniques, things eased up: vocals, instruments, background music, each could be recorded separately, edited, mixed and polished. This opened new possibilities for creative control and higher production quality.
For playback singers, this meant: deliver a clean vocal take, trusting that producers and sound engineers would shape the final magic. Many times, singers didn’t even know how the final song, as heard in cinemas, would sound after mixing and mastering.
For aspiring singers, this old-school discipline still matters. If you want to record for films, mastering stage presence, hitting the right notes in one take, and having stamina for long sessions is gold.
Rise Of Waris Baig: From “Music 89” To Playback Legend
Waris Baig started his musical journey with the pop album Music 89 in 1989. But his voice truly found its calling in film playback singing when he sang “Aa Pyar Dil Mein Jaga” for the movie Sangam in 1997, a major turning point.
He went on to deliver dozens of popular film songs, becoming one of Lollywood’s most loved playback voices.
But beyond just melodies, many of his songs carried emotional weight, stories and memories, and for fans, that’s why they remain timeless.
Waris Baig’s Most Memorable Songs
Here are some of the hits that cemented Waris Baig’s legacy, with a bit of context and story for each:
Aa Pyar Dil Mein Jaga
Released in 1997, this was the breakthrough track that officially marked Waris Baig as a powerful playback singer. The song dropped at a time when Pakistani cinema was trying to reinvent its identity, and his voice added the emotional depth the film needed.
Suno Suno Bolo Bolo
An early gem from 1996, this track quickly became popular among the youth. Its catchy, upbeat energy paired with a romantic vibe made it one of the first songs to bring wide attention to Waris Baig’s vocal charm.
Kal Shab Main Ne Dekha Chand Jharoke Mein
Released in 2000, this soulful melody became a cultural moment in itself. It showed how gracefully singer Waris Baig could blend softness, longing, and emotional range, a perfect match for the film’s romantic storyline.
Saathi Mere
Believed to be from the early 2000s era, this song still stands out because of its calming feel and relatable message. Fans often describe it as a “comfort track”, the kind you keep revisiting when you want something mellow and meaningful.
Karan Main Nazara
Another track from the late 90s/early 2000s period, this song is remembered for its romantic undertones. Waris Baig’s warm, expressive vocals gave it the emotional glow that made it a lasting favourite among Lollywood music lovers.
Each of these songs wasn’t just background music; they carried the emotions of the film’s story, made characters more relatable, and helped audiences connect with the on-screen romance or drama.
Also worth noting, despite being a big name, Waris Baig recently revealed how some of his work was copied by Bollywood. The renowned filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt even apologised for using one of his songs without permission in the film Murder.
That incident reflects both Baig’s influence beyond borders and the complicated legacy of South-Asian film music, how songs cross cultural lines while raising questions about acknowledgment and rights.
What Today’s Singers Can Learn From Waris Baig
Unlike digital-era singers who can record, fix mistakes, add auto-tune or vocal effects, playback legends like Waris Baig worked under constraints. Their songs carried raw authenticity.
- The discipline: every note mattered. One mistake could cost hours of studio time.
- The art of performance: singers delivered as if it were a live performance, even inside a studio.
- Voice upkeep, you needed stamina, control, and mastery, especially when singing for films with long recording sessions.
For aspiring singers in Pakistan today, following those values can set you apart. Even as studios get digital, the fundamentals of timing, emotion, and vocal control remain timeless.
Why Waris Baig Still Matters For Fans & New Artists
Waris Baig stands as a bridge between classic Lollywood playback tradition and the modern music world. His songs remind us of a time when melody, story and voice took centre stage. His legacy continues; his son Ammar Baig is stepping into music too.
For fans, those songs are more than tracks. They’re memories, nostalgia, emotions.
For new singers, there are lessons. They show that talent, consistency and dedication can outlast any music “trend.”
In the end, whether you’re humming “Kal Shab” on a quiet evening or studying studio-recording techniques, there’s much to admire in Waris Baig’s journey. His voice once filled cinema halls, and still echoes in playlists and hearts.
