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Interview
Wajahat Rauf’s Lahore Beyond may have received mixed reviews (well, they were mostly bad) but all those who heard the song agree that the soundtrack is strong and the new voice on the OST – Aima Baig – has a bright future. The teenager has sung as many as three songs in the film, all of which fall into different genres. Be it the Kotha-esque ‘Kaalabaaz’ or the pop songs ‘Ahl Dil’ and ‘Befikriyaan’, Aima is at her best and that too in her debut film. Instep meets the playback singer who believes that films were always her focus and vows to stay on top once she gets there.
Most singers are popular for their songs but you came into the limelight after singing that infamous cover of Summer Wine with Mubasher Luqman?
Aima Baig: (Smiles) Well, Mubasher Luqman is my father’s friend because they used to work together in Oman back in the day. He knew me from that time, so when he got a chance to meet in Lahore, he asked me what I was doing. The meeting happened when he was ‘off air’ from TV and trying to do something different. It was her idea to come up with a version of Summer Wine that went viral online, especially when no one expected her to sing the song. We did playacting like Bono and The Chorus, who performed on one of the earlier versions.
How did you end up as the only female singer beyond Lahore? Did Shiraz Apple music director contact you directly?
AB: I met Shiraz Appal through his assistant as I came to know that he was looking for a singer for his upcoming film. Shiraz tested me for ‘Bifkarian’ and I was under the impression that I was competing with a few others for the position. Thankfully I chose one and got the other two songs as well as Wajahat Rauf and Shiraz’s opinion that Saba’s character wanted to be a rock star so the same voice should be used.
Three songs in your first film; It’s interesting that you haven’t been in the limelight much. How would you rate the experience?
AB: After ‘Be Fikkarian’, I was given ‘Ahl Dil’ and ‘Kalbaaz’, both of which were challenging. The former was from the pop genre that I enjoy the most. However for the latter I had to go the extra mile. Shiraz asked me to adapt my voice to ‘Wahan Ki Aurtain’ and though I had no first-hand experience, I absorbed a Kothe reference here and there. I am a fan of Rekha Bhardwaj and I kept her in mind while singing ‘Kaalbaaz’. Shiraz kept repeating ‘Tawaif, Kotha’ to give me the feel and I stayed in the studio for 4-5 hours for the song, which was huge considering we had a day’s rehearsal. I am glad that the end result was the desi touch that was needed.
Which of these three songs ‘Be Fikkarian’, ‘Ahl Dil’ and ‘Kalbaaz’ is closer to your heart?
AB: ‘Bifkriyaan’ as it was my first song and I was quite nervous as I knew Shiraz would judge me. It was my first real opportunity to do something big, then the composer was ‘Shiraz Appal’ and the song was to be shot on one of the reigning actresses of the time. It was a make or break for me and so I have special feelings attached to it.
Tell us about your journey from nobody to singer?
AB: I have always wanted to be a singer and I have been singing in my family since I was 7 years old. My first co-singer was my father who is passionate about music but could not reach the next level due to his father’s strictness. I was the first person to be allowed to sing professionally in my family where if a boy is engineering and if a girl the main goal is to become a doctor. Thankfully, after completing my Bachelors in Films and Television from Lahore University, I was allowed to follow my dreams and here I am!
Your voice sounds more western than film music. Is it natural or have you changed your style?
AB: Khawar Fawad, my teacher at Lahore University’s School of Creative Arts, advised me to try singing in this format and since I had my father’s support, I went ahead. I have done a few OSTs for TV dramas, two patriotic songs for our armed forces and recently, co-hosted Mazaq Raat, where I also got to sing a few songs.
What’s next on Aima Baig’s surprise plate?
AB: I plan to do my own song when I get time from singing for films. Upcoming movies Arth 2; Balu Mahi, Siya Khuda Ee Zuljalal, Yilgar and Nah Baja Nah Baraati will perform my songs. People ask me why I don’t come on screen or go to Bollywood, but working with good people is my first priority. It’s a bummer that I haven’t been on screen much but in due course I will be seen when more of my songs are released.
