Man behind Billo, other hits seeks fame

Extremely talented music composer and arranger Sahir Ali Bagga has never come in limelight. He has composed or arranged music of many hit albums for the singing greats like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Abrarul Haq, Jawad Ahmed, Shazia Manzoor, Humaira Arshad, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Fareeha Pervaiz. Besides taking up the job of music director for Lollywood heartthrob Moamar Rana's film, now Sahir is also set to launch his career as a singer with the release of debut album next month.

Reema, Resham, Saud and Nadeem Baig star in 'Jang', which is Momi's debut as film director. Sahir said he has engaged pop stars as playback singers in this film. "I have taken Jawad Ahmed, Hadiqa Kiyani, Fareeha Pervaiz and Humaira Arshad and Amir Ghulam Ali as playbacks. The film music will be completed this month," he said. Sahir is preparing the music at his studios in Chauburji area.

Sahir claimed he did the music arrangement in all the albums of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. "From Abrar's super hit 'Billo' to 'Nach Majajan', Jawad's 'Oh kehndi ay sian' to 'Taray dub gaye' and Shazia's 'Chan meray makhnan' I have my contribution in so many hits. I arranged music of all albums of Abrar and Jawad and made compositions of their many hit songs as well. I have composed and arranged music of Humaira, Shazia Manzoor and Ghulam Ali's albums.

"After all these years I have now decided to present myself as a singer. Allah has blessed me with a good voice and I believe my compositions can win the hearts of music lovers.

"The album features classical, semi classical, pop and Punjabi songs and a ghazal. A duet with Alka Yakgnik and Suneidi Chohan are also included in this 10-song album," he said while explaining his endeavour to enter showbiz as singer. He disclosed that these days he is preparing music for Jawad's next album.

Sahir can play almost every kind of music instrument. He revealed that he received Nigar Award at the age of seven for working as musician with Madam Noor Jehan for her hit song 'Teri meri dosti'.

He said quality music is being prepared in Pakistan and the producers' rush to Mumbai was an exercise in vain. "I have worked in India a lot and I believe that there is no dearth of talent here in Pakistan. The technology is also not different. Some machines may be more update but then anyone can get them here too," he explained. Sahir arranged music for Indian flick 'Kaante' and has composed music album for Chennai based singer Chitra. Recently he composed and arranged music of albums of Ghulam Ali with Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle.