The Express Tribune

FIA's cybercrime wing serves notice to Salman Ahmad

news.desk — Fri, 15 Jul 22 16:49:01 +0500

Renowned guitarist and former prime minister Imran Khan's focal person on culture Salman Ahmad on Friday said that he has been served a notice by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) over ‘some cybercrime’, alleging that Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah's workers and his "Gullu Butts" are threatening him. "I got a call from my family members who were worried about me that unknown cars are moving around our residence and some unknown persons are asking for me," he said in a video message posted on his official Twitter handle, adding that this has been happening for the last two weeks. After attacking writers, women , children & journalists @RanaSanaullahPK & his cowards are trying to muzzle my free speech with threats. Thanks to brave journos like @FarooquiJameel we will never back down ! #JazbaJunoon https://t.co/QMLFiKEj8q — salman ahmad (@sufisal) July 15, 2022 For the last two weeks, Salman said, many journalists including Imran Riaz Khan, Ayaz Amir, Jameel Farooqui and Sami Ibrahim as well as women and children are being threatened. "It feels likes there is no democracy in Pakistan but rather fascism," he added. Also read: An open letter to Salman Ahmad from a former 'Junooni' Renowned guitarist, who has also been appointed as former prime minister Imran Khan's focal person on culture lately, said that he has received a notice from FIA over some cybercrime today. "If my family including my wife, children and other members are threatened then I will hold Rana Sanaullah, Hamza Shehbaz, Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Sharif responsible," he warned. #PakistanUnderFascism pic.twitter.com/Ub0wluUQwn — salman ahmad (@sufisal) July 15, 2022 Salman said that journalists, women, youth or artists who had sung songs such as Dil Dil Pakistan and Jazba Junoon were not safe in Pakistan today. "If we don't reject this 'imported' government with unity, and if we don't vote against them then they will make our lives even more miserable," he concluded.

Faisal Kapadia is the nicest guy in music industry: Ali Azmat

Entertainment Desk — Wed, 23 Feb 22 09:05:16 +0500

If you’re a 90s kid, seeing Junoon and Strings live on stage jamming in an impromptu session would undoubtedly be the best day of your life. For those who attended Junoon’s live concert on February 18 at the Pakistan Expo 2020, this dream came to life when former Strings’ frontman Faisal Kapadia hopped on stage midconcert and had a jam session with rockers Ali Azmat, Salman Ahmad and Brian O'Connell. In an ode to Junoon’s musical careers, as well as his long-standing friendship with the band members, the Durr singer took to his Instagram to share a short clip from the night in which he can be seen jamming to the 2007 Junoon song, Yaaron Yehi Dosti Hai. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Faisal Kapadia (@faisalkapadia) Applauding his fellow musicians, Kapadia captioned the post, “[I] had a blast last night, what a show Junoon, wow!” He further added, “[I am] humbled by their kindness. [It is] amazing how 30+ years have passed by. Yaaron yehi dosti hai [This is what friendship is]. A few days later, the Sajni hitmaker shared another video from the same night where Azmat, Kapadia and Ahmad are seen reminiscing old times spent together on stage. They’re joined by drummer O’Connell and actor Omair Rana as well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Faisal Kapadia (@faisalkapadia) The clip begins with Kapadia praising the band and their energy saying, ‘You guys rock. You guys should do more and more concerts.” Azmat then joins in giving a shoutout to Kapadia as he screams, “Did I not say that Faisal is the nicest guy in the music industry? Did I not say that?” which is followed by applause and cheers from the audience. Nostalgic for old times, Kapadia started sharing how far back their friendships go. “I've known Ali from the times he used to hide in cupboards and I’ve known Salman from when he first wrote an instrumental song called Samina.” Azmat joins in playfully commenting on how he would still hide in the cupboard if he could fit in one. Ahmad then adds, taking the mic and sharing how there is often rivalry amongst band members, “Tonight, I feel that Faisal Kapadia broke the ice and came to a show where many people did not show up.” Before Strings split up in 2021, the band’s most recent collaboration with Junoon was in 2018 with Red Bull Music Soundclash where they performed each other’s original songs together. In the fan-tastic life of Kapadia ever since he moved to Dubai, the singer’s Instagram is full of selfies with celebrities such as Chris Martin, Jaaved Jaffrey, Hari Haran, among others Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

Asad Ahmed releases a new single titled ‘The Devil In Disguise’

Our Correspondent — Wed, 29 Dec 21 09:03:42 +0500

Veteran guitarist Asad Ahmed has released his third single, The Devil In Disguise from his forthcoming album A Cosmic Intervention. As the name suggests, the collection aims to leave you star-struck in a galaxy with falling stars and cosmic explosions. Recorded through 2021, the ensemble will contain a total of 10 tracks including live recorded ones from the guitarist’s Karachi shows. Ahmed shared that he initially wanted to release an entirely live album since his past three, Rebirth, Severe Cuts and Ascension, were all recorded. However, he decided to make this one a hybrid. Sharing more information about his album and the new single, he said, “I decided that another full-length release was in order so I started recording in December 2020 and wrapped up around May 2021. The Devil In Disguise is a Funk Rock track with a monster riff and some great off the cuff solos.” Ahmed also recalled how the song was “one of the first tracks recorded for the album and came naturally” to him. “Being the first one, it set the tone for the rest of the record. As a producer I was striving for simplicity with this one, I think the fans will really dig it. The full-length album is slated for release in February 2022,” retorted the guitarist. Fans are ‘digging it’ already and one even commented on the official YouTube video, asking for Ahmed to “unleash the real devil”. The instrumental is available on all streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Saavn, Yandex Music and others. Asad has been a contributor to the local music scene for three decades now with albums by Vital Signs, Junoon, Najam Sheraz, Sajjad Ali and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan among others. His previous works include seven studio albums and one live album with his bands Awaz and Karavan along with his three solo albums with more than 5 million copies sold worldwide. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

The name 'Junoon' came to me in a dream: Salman Ahmad

Asfa Sultan — Tue, 26 Oct 21 06:09:34 +0500

Juggling multiple interests after his recovery from Covid-19, Salman Ahmad sure knows how to rise from the ashes. But come what may the guitarist and Junoon founding member does not bite his tongue. These days, Ahmad is giving finishing touches to his documentary series on the life of Prime Minister Imran Khan, titled Spiritual Democracy. What was a project long in the making is fueled by his decades-old friendship with Khan and a passion for bringing change in society. “After my recovery from Covid-19, I immediately wanted to interview Khan because I saw how well Pakistan had coped during the first and second wave of Covid-19, compared to Iran, India and Bangladesh,” Ahmad recalled in a conversation with The Express Tribune. Donning a navy blue United Nations cap with a bright red jacket in Karachi’s sweltering heat, Ahmad constantly strummed on his acoustic guitar, refusing to put it down. It was apparent that after previously enjoying the discomfort of being a rebel with Junoon, Ahmad was aching in the comfort of his couch now. “While India has a plethora of cultural figures that can be studied, Pakistan’s international image is tainted with allegations of breeding terrorists. So with 'Spiritual Democracy', my docu-series on PM Imran, I want to tell the world that not every practicing Muslim is Osama Bin Laden, some are like our PM.” “As a UN ambassador and lecturer having spoken at Harvard and Yale, I have various students requesting me for material about Pakistan to study its cultural prowess. And while India has a plethora of cultural figures that can be studied, Pakistan’s international image is tainted with allegations of breeding terrorists,” remarked Ahmad. Thus, with Spiritual Democracy, Ahmad wants to “tell the world that not every practicing Muslim is Osama Bin Laden. Some are like our PM.” The musician, who claims he opted out of Vital Signs because of their purported interest in making more songs like Dil Dil Pakistan, as opposed songs like Ehtesaab, also provided an explanation for his now change of direction. “All humans are affected by politics. Growing up in the States, I followed artists like John Lennon, who was a social activist-cum-artist. So I never wanted to settle for quintessential pop songs like Hawa Hawa. But I was always outvoted in Vital Signs,” lamented Ahmad, adamant on making music with a voice. Recalling how Rohail Hyatt and Shahzad Hasan (Shahi) would often tell him to hold his thought because people would “beat us up if we sang Iqbal’s poetry,” Ahmad went on to intertwine social justice and music with Junoon, leading to its ban on PTV. “That was the only channel we had and it would always report ‘positive news’. So when Ehtasaab came out, we became traitors.” “I think one needs to look at, what the person, who claims to stand for a particular cause, was up to before standing up for that cause became popular. And while we all can evolve, we need to speak our truth. With Imran Khan, I know I am speaking mine.” Junoon was also courted for a controversy during their tour to India, when the Indian government was testing its nuclear arsenal. “I had given a statement saying, ‘there should be cultural fusion instead of nuclear fusion.’ We received a lot of backlash for that,” recalled Ahmad, laughing. “It is said, ‘say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.’ So I’ve never hesitated from speaking my mind.” But now, Ahmad feels Pakistan has a chance to rewrite its narrative. Because while he is doing something he has condemned all his life, which is advocating for a ‘soft image,’ he feels he is speaking the truth. “I think one needs to look at, what the person, who claims to stand for a particular cause, was up to before standing up for that cause became popular. And while we all can evolve, we need to speak our truth. With Imran Khan, I know I am speaking mine.” For Ahmad, 1985 was the beginning of him closely observing Khan’s leadership. After batting against him at the Lahore Gymkhana, Ahmad managed to score 64 runs. He then accompanied the Pakistan cricket team going to Bangladesh after. “Being the captain, Imran Khan called me when a player from the team got injured. It was then, that I saw Khan’s leadership, how he made everyone feel valued and like an integral part of one body. Fast forward to now, I still see the same qualities in him.” “The name Junoon came to me in a dream. I left Vital Signs and naturally the best option was to go back to medicine. But then I had a dream in which I saw an old man clad in all white. He grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me saying, ‘you have Junoon in you.’ It was then that I realised how badly I wanted to tell young people to follow their heart.” Khan, who spent most of his youth abroad, also reminded Ahmad of all the overseas Pakistanis who felt what he felt. “As an overseas Pakistani, I know that people think we can’t advocate for a leader without living under his governance. But while we can’t speak about internal affairs, we can talk about how Pakistan looks from afar,” he reserved. “For me, Pakistan is about its rich history, culture, and cricket. But that’s not the case for everyone. Overseas Pakistanis witness, first hand, the consequences of Pakistan’s negative image. And since we remit around 31 billion dollars to Pakistan each year, I think it’s only fair we get to participate in building its image.” About the term ‘Spiritual Democracy,’ however, which has been explained by Khan in the first episode of the series released earlier in October, Ahmad maintained, “Back in the 90s, I read a lot of Allama Iqbal. It’s difficult to comprehend but that’s where I first came across the term. Then 10 years ago, Imran Khan made a speech in which he mentioned how he had a vision of spiritual democracy and that stuck with me.” He also recalled why he named his band Junoon while starting out. “The name Junoon came to me in a dream. I left Vital Signs and naturally the best option was to go back to medicine. But then I had a dream in which I saw an old man clad in all white. He grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me saying, ‘you have Junoon in you.’ It was then that I realised how badly I wanted to tell young people to follow their heart.” And as for the people condemning Ahmad’s use of the term Junoon to advertise his own gigs, as well as his apparent “lip synching” on Ali Azmat’s voice, Ahmad resorted, “To all the Twitter trolls, Brian, I and everyone in the band has been providing backing vocals for so many Junoon songs. And since I’ve written the songs, I feel I should have the right to sing them however I please. As far as the name is concerned, I have always had the trademark for it so I have the right to use it.” Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

Junaid Jamshed sent me a beautiful text from Mecca weeks before he died: Haroon

Entertainment Desk — Wed, 22 Apr 20 12:24:56 +0500

Former pop band Awaz's lead vocalist Haroon recently uploaded a throwback picture on his Instagram featuring himself alongside Junoon's lead vocalist Ali Azmat and Vital Sign's lead vocalist, the late Junaid Jamshed. The picture captured the heartthrobs from the three most popular bands at the time and was taken by the now renowned fashion photographer Tapu Javeri. Recalling the time it was taken and his bond with the fellow vocalists, Haroon captioned the post saying, "We were good friends. I’ve known Ali Azmat since his Jupiter days. He and I were even flat mates for a while in Karachi back in the day." Haroon went on to reminisce how both of them even did a song called Baba Bandook for his internationally acclaimed multi award winning 3D animated TV series Burka Avenger. Both the stars also joined hands for the latest PSL anthem Tayyar Hain. "Ali is one of the funniest guys I know. Always makes me laugh like crazy," he concluded. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_MyJeGpY94/ When recalling the late singer, Junaid Jamshed, Haroon said, "The late-great Junaid Jamshed and I toured the whole world together including performing concerts all over Pakistan in the remotest of cities." He added, "We launched an album together and spent hours and hours talking on flights and cars and tour buses - becoming very close. Junaid would still come and visit me in my studio after he had quit music." Haroon also revealed an emotional message Junaid sent to him weeks before his demise. "He sent me a beautiful text from Mecca saying he prayed for me weeks before he tragically died in the plane crash." The pop sensation went on to conclude that all the members of Junaid's Vital Signs along with Rohail Hyatt and Shahi Hasan played a significant role in uplifting his band, Awaz, in the early stages of their career. "Always grateful for that," remarked Haroon. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

Umair Jaswal pens emotional note on Ali Azmat's 50th birthday

Entertainment Desk — Tue, 21 Apr 20 10:27:22 +0500

Ali Azmat celebrated his 50th birthday yesterday. Fans and peers of the singer took to social media to wish him well on this birthday. Umair Jaswal who has been a life long fan of Azmat shared a note on Instagram on how the latter was an inspiration to him since an early age. "I was a kid when I saw Ne Heeray on television, blew my mind and after that, all I wanted was to be you !" he said. The Sami meri ware singer went on to talk about how Azmat turned from his idol to his friend. "It's been an amazing journey from having you as an Idol to a dear friend, from gate crashing to your shows to sharing the same stage with you, from watching you travel the world on your bike to becoming a biking buddy and most importantly an elder brother who guided me throughout my career. Happy 50th birthday to the real Rockstar the one and only Ali Azmat," he said. Jaswal concluded the note by thanking his childhood hero and wished him well. "Thank you for being you, being here & for inspiring so many of us to follow our hearts. May you live a million years of health, wealth and happiness. Ameen. Khush rahain, hameesha abaad rahain Butt Sahab ( Be happy and always remain fulfilled)," he said. Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.

Salman Ahmad shares his road to recovery

Entertainment Desk — Sun, 19 Apr 20 07:27:54 +0500

Junoon's Salman Ahmad recently announced that he has been symptom-free for Covid-19 for some time now and his doctor advised quarantine period as ended. In a video posted on his Youtube channel, Salman detailed his journey from the time he started feeling coronavirus symptoms to him eventually becoming healthy once again. Salman starts off by talking about how the ordeal started. He had started feeling symptoms for that were very much similar to those in Covid-19 patients, while e was New York. His doctor told him that given his travel history and the nature of the symptoms, there was a strong possibility that the guitarist had contracted coronavirus. This took place on April 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42V3QiNRSeo&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop However, the doctor had refused to test Salman on account of limited testing kits in New York. He instead recommended the Saeein composer to go into quarantine at home for 14 days. "When I told the doctor that I wanted to get tested. He said that at present neither testing kits nor n95 masks are available in hospital. there are only bodies," Salman said in the video. According to the songwriter, his quarantine period has ended no and he doesn't feel symptoms. Among other things, Salman advised his followers on how to combat symptoms. He shared all the things he did including herbal intake in order to combat the sickness. Furthermore the guitarist gave a message to artists in Pakistan to come together and make a motivational anthem during the current crisis. Earlier this month, Salman shared that according to his doctor, he may be COVID-19 positive. “Friends, the bad news first: according to my doctor Ibelli, I’m probably COVID-19 positive. Will test soon. The good news is that I have mild flu like symptoms,” he wrote. https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/1246062463382142976 The musician, had also talked about how his nephew a surgeon in New York had tested positive for the disease. “Wish my nephew and surgeon, Dr Usman, a quick recovery from Covid-19 . Usman had been working 24/7 at the Einstein hospital in Philadelphia where he got infected last week,” he had shared in an earlier Tweet. Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.

Junoon's Salman Ahmad suspected of COVID-19

Entertainment Desk — Sat, 04 Apr 20 06:38:17 +0500

Salman Ahmad, long-time guitarist for the renowned band Junoon, took to Twitter on Friday to announce that he may have contracted the coronavirus. Ahmad shared that according to his doctor, he may be COVID-19 positive. "Friends, the bad news first: according to my doctor Ibelli, I’m probably COVID-19 positive. Will test soon. The good news is that I have mild flu like symptoms," he wrote. https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/1246062463382142976 "I’m self quarantining in NY, washing my hands regularly, inhaling steam and drinking warm fluids. Thank you for your prayers," he added. While the musician has still not gotten tested for the debilitating illness, his doctor's recommendations seem to be well-informed - Ahmad's nephew, a surgeon, has contracted the virus too. "Wish my nephew and surgeon, Dr Usman, a quick recovery from COVID-19 . Usman had been working 24/7 at the Einstein hospital in Philadelphia where he got infected last week," he had shared in an earlier Tweet. https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/1246042978205999106 It's imperative to note that Ahmed is currently in New York, which is now the epicentre of the virus in United States with over 51,000 cases and upwards of 1,500 deaths in the area alone. Here's hoping the best for Ahmad and wishing him a speedy recovery! Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below

Salman Ahmed trolled Pakistani band for making comedy instead of music

Entertainment Desk — Mon, 24 Feb 20 09:56:11 +0500

It seems like making a PSL anthem has turned into the new 'it' thing and everyone, everywhere is doing it. The social media trend spurred after the current PSL anthem came out and surplus users started criticising it while comparing it to the previous ones. This also evoked several conspiracy theories against Ali Zafar which led to Ali Azmat's recent comments on Waseem Badami's show. This was followed by Zafar's sarcastic video and his announcement of making his own PSL anthem. However, if there's anything that travels faster on social media than war, its memes and videos that take a dig at such situations. Following the popular state of affairs, E Sharp, a local rock band hailing from Karachi that also participated in Battle of the Bands, uploaded their version of the 'anthem' for PSL. This was called Bloody Gora and was in collaboration Dennis Does, who is an Australian 'gora' and social media personality. https://twitter.com/DennisCricket_/status/1231435763335733248 Dennis also posted it from his Twitter, announcing that he wrote it himself. But everything was fun and games until musician Salman Ahmad re-tweeted their video and called for a serious action to be taken against this 'threat to the music industry.' "We must launch a movement to save the music industry from comedians masquerading as musicians," he said. https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/1231582759925288965 His tweet was followed by several users criticising him for taking something so casual, too seriously. https://twitter.com/ammarhussain114/status/1231620261843263488 https://twitter.com/saniakhan_s/status/1231583670932267008 https://twitter.com/essdeejay25/status/1231659262163800065 https://twitter.com/mubziCh/status/1231584344906620934 https://twitter.com/ManUtdDOC/status/1231584950497021955 https://twitter.com/UNazir/status/1231597562978803712 https://twitter.com/drfudk/status/1231587594435284992 Not to mention, the biggest criticism of them all came as a rebound troll by the band that uploaded the video in the first place. E Sharp shared Ahmad's tweet on their Facebook page, telling him to 'chill'. "Salman bhai just chill and have a laugh, hum ne bhi buhat arsay khamoshi se comedy sahi hai aap ki (We have also quietly tolerated your comedy for a long time)," they said. However, the band did not specify as to whether they were genuinely referring to Ahmad's jokes, or his music - given that he took a jibe at their's. Nevertheless, whatever the real joke maybe, only the band knows. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

Junoon announces an album, tour and a song for Kashmiris in 2020

Entertainment Desk — Fri, 31 Jan 20 09:58:15 +0500

Junoon has been on fire since their reunion in 2018. The band recently played a show in Doha, Qatar, after which their lead guitarist, Salman Ahmed, made a big announcement on his social media. Salman took to Twitter revealing that the band is all set to release its new album in 2020. Last year, Junoon had released a World Cup anthem and just wrapped up their first international concert in a long time. But it seems the trio has a lot more up its sleeve. https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/1222999658550697991 Initially he said, "Brand new Junoon 2020 by August IA", not clarifying whether it was just a song or an album they aimed to release. Following this, Salman responded to a Twitter user, adding that the band will in fact be releasing a new album, and also hinted at something bigger. https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/1223031674440687616 The lead guitarist confessed to a possible tour, in the process of announcing the new album publically. As the UK based user had asked if Junoon had any plans to visit the region, in response to which Salman said, "After the new album , Junoon 2020, IA!" The announcements led to further inquiries, after which Salman responded to another user, admitting "In the studio finalising new songs, then tour." https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/1223177789567832066 Salman also just announced that a song on the band's upcoming album will be dedicated to the struggles of Kashmiris for their right of self-determination. https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/1223181751780028417 Seems like a great news for all the Junoonis out there, but what else the new album will offer, only time can tell. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

Junoon is gearing up for a concert in Doha

Our Correspondent — Wed, 29 Jan 20 09:51:07 +0500

After 17 long years, Pakistan's reunited Junoon is coming to Qatar this month to bring back the nostalgia and relive the magic of their smash hits, according to a press statement by the organisers. The ‘Sultans of Rock’ will rock the Doha stage once again through a live performance at the Qatar National Convention Center on January 30. The concert, ‘PK Music Fest Season II’, is presented by Rahmodus as part of Shop Qatar, with the support of Q-Tickets. However, this is not the first time the group will perform over there. In 2003, the band won several hearts in Doha and now it is headed for “another full-house show as they enjoy a devoted fan base in the country,” according to the organisers. The group has also earned the recognition of being ‘South Asia’s most successful band’. They have also been regarded as ‘One of the biggest rock bands in the world’ by Q Magazine and ‘The U2 of Pakistan’ by The New York Times. Formed in 1990, the band was the brainchild of lead guitarist and songwriter Salman Ahmad, while vocalist, Ali Azmat and bassist, Brian O’Connell, then completed the trio. As the pioneers of Sufi rock, Junoon's music became an influence for many to come. Some of their record-breaking hits include Sayonee, Saeein and Jazba-e-Junoon, among others. Hailing from Lahore, the band has released 19 albums and sold 30 million copies worldwide. Junoon made a comeback after a 13-year hiatus. They called it quits in 2005 after three decades of stardom, following which they sold-out international concert tours since reunion in 2018. Nevertheless, Qatar will once again witness “Junoon’s intense musical chemistry that is as electrifying as their music”, the statement notes. The band’s loyalists, who call themselves ‘Junoonis’, are “highly anticipating the grand comeback”, the organisers added. Fans coming from the UK, the US, GCC and the subcontinent are all gearing for the reunion tour in Qatar. Tickets for the concert can be booked online.

Ali Azmat’s family thought he was robbing places before he invited them to a gig

Entertainment Desk — Mon, 07 Oct 19 10:45:50 +0500

In a recent interview on Say it all with Iffat Omar, singer and songwriter Ali Azmat revealed how his relatives initially prohibited him from visiting them, after finding out what he does. He also revealed his side career was purchasing flea market goods and selling them at higher rates to his friends. Azmat is best known as the lead singer of Junoon, a sufi-rock band, and for his subsequent solo career. His first band 'Jupiters' was known for performing covers at small gigs in Lahore. He wrote his legendary song Dosti with the band, following which he recorded it with Junoon. The band also made a comeback in 2018 after 13 years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s5BDd0kK10 Prior to Jupiters, Azmat used to perform with local bands in schools, colleges and private events, for which he was paid Rs 500, "from that I would spend Rs 50 to eat Anda Paratha and save the remaining amount," said the artist. He continued to explain how his neighbours accused him of being a robber when he purchased his first bike worth Rs 30,000. Sharing his childhood memories, Azmat said that the old Lahore is lost somewhere. He reminisced his mother's hand made food and talked about his initial accomplishments with his first band, "I was just 18, and overwhelmed after winning my first prize in a contest with Jupiters. I ran from the stage to the upper gallery and kissed my parents," recalled Azmat."The first prize was worth Rs 10,000" he added. Despite being a celebrity, Azmat took pride in his humble upbringing and it showed. However, while describing these exciting turn of events, the singer also shared that his relatives had restricted him from visiting them, deeming him a bad influence because of his newly found profession. "To this day, singing is not considered a respectable pursuit in our society, so my relatives were also of a similar mindset. My relatives restricted me from visiting them with the excuse that they do not invite singers to their homes," to which Azmat replied that it does not make a difference to him. The Junoon se singer also revealed that his initial side-income had raised several concerns as well. "Aside from my initial earning from Jupiters, I also purchased products from flea markets and sold them to my rich friends. When I handed the profit to my mother she thought that I had started robbing as well. Following which, making her witness that competition became necessary and she supported my then onward." He continued to add that his parents encouraged him, regardless of what the society said, knowing that he was not into criminal activities. The passion of music drove Azmat from Lahore to Karachi. Azmat concluded with pointing out that there is ample talent in our country, but a serious lack of drive and opportunities. However, if the youngsters really want to establish themselves, they can. "No one can stop talent from emerging, and if you really want to show something to the world, the world will open its doors," said the singer. Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.

Six times women were harassed at concerts in Pakistan

our.correspondents — Tue, 16 Jul 19 07:39:41 +0500

Whether women let harassment incidents in public spaces slide as a risk inherent in attending at such an event or bravely speak out, the question remains: what can be done to make concerts safer for them? Here's a rough timeline of harassment at concerts: Late 1980s Jupiters concert in Karachi Ali Azmat was performing as the frontman of Jupiters at a ground opposite the Delhi Colony area in Karachi. Men jumped over the audience divider and started harassing women. 2002 Junaid Jamshed in Karachi Junaid Jamshed was performing at a posh hotel in Karachi. Some men reportedly tried to force themselves on women, leading to multiple injuries and police intervention. 2004 Sonu Nigam in Karachi Sonu Nigam had initially decided not to perform after a person died in a bomb blast. He then went on stage and later called out men who were groping women. He even threatened to leave the show halfway. 2017 Atif Aslam in IBA, Karachi Singer Atif Aslam was compelled to stop a live performance midway when he spotted a girl being eve-teased at IBA Karachi. He then ensured that the girl was taken to safety. 2019 – April 17 Solis festival Lahore Lila Khan took to social media to share her horrific story of harassment that started at the security check and left her traumatised. She claimed to have been molested along with her sister. 2019 – April 21 Multiple artists at F9 Park Islamabad Atif Aslam, Gul Panra and Aima Baig were performing at the F9 Park in Islamabad. Men and boys started pushing towards the pit where only women were standing. It got so bad that Atif had to call security. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

Sooper’s electrifying cricket anthem uplifts the true cricket spirit of Pakistanis like never before

Tue, 04 Jun 19 10:35:15 +0500

Aa choo lain aasman… Aa badlain ye jahan… we cannot stop humming the much-awaited song brought to us by Peek Freans Sooper. Sooper has collaborated with the ever famous band, Junoon – yes the same band that used to give us goose-bumps with their entrancing songs. After a hiatus of 15 years, they have created magic on the screen again with their Sooper Junoon World Cup anthem dedicated to the Pakistan cricket team. The Sooper Junoon World Cup anthem comes with a much needed and a beautiful underlying message which highlights that unity and strength exist via diversity. In a country where a myriad of religions, races and castes co-exist in five different provinces with more than 60 languages being spoken and in numerous values and cultures being practiced, cricket is one thing that unites us all. Irrespective of whoever we are, we unite to support team Pakistan as an undivided nation. However, over the years, it has been witnessed that nothing represents the euphoria of cricket better than music, especially the music produced by the Pakistani music industry which is an essential genre on its own. In Pakistan, cricket and music summon a combined power that brings the whole nation to its feet, heightens the senses, flaunts the identity and brings everyone together as one. In 1997, Junoon sang the World Cup anthem ‘Jaazba-e-Junoon’ which was not only a smashing hit, but the song still manages to make us dance on to its tunes. The iconic band, this year came up with another Sooper Junoon World Cup anthem, and needless to say this collaboration of the band with Peek Freans Sooper has surely managed to bring the passion of cricket to life with their liveliness, power, and dynamism. The Sooper Junoon World Cup anthem heavily draws its power from an emotional space. It not only is visually appealing and melodious, but also has a bold and strong concept that simply connotes, that no matter how many differences reside, only one thing binds us together – our love for Pakistan. The upbeat song with Junoon’s strong vocals is definitely a treat for the ears. It brings out the passion and patriotic spirit, and the anthem surely has the potential to become a fond memory for the years to come. So much thought has been implanted in the concept of this song because it not only takes us down the memory lane but also covers an extremely important concept about the diversity that Pakistan cocoons. Badlein Jahan essentially is all about the inclusion of minorities and marginalised communities of the country who are an equal part of Pakistan. It shows a plethora of contrasting professions, and includes all genders, the underprivileged, the differently abled as well as the underrepresented communities of the realm. Doesn’t matter if you reside in a rural or an urban area, whether you are a fisherman or a white-collar professional, a shopkeeper or a student, the passion for cricket unites the nation because everyone wants to see Pakistan win regardless of all differences. The anthem boldly communicates the idea that every citizen is equally a Pakistani and deserves the same level of respect and recognition. Their brilliant initiative passionately delivers a soul-stirring message of tolerance and inclusivity. Hats-off to Sooper for successfully illustrating the entire country as ONE nation. The song, infused with diversity and values has been trending on social media and is being SOOOOOPER appreciated by millions of Pakistanis locally as well as globally. By portraying a positive image of Pakistan yet again, Peek Freans Sooper Junoon World Cup anthem gives a new a sense of belonging to every Pakistani citizen, especially to the marginalised. In the past and the future, there have been and will be many world cup songs, but this current anthem electrifyingly outshines them all. Talking at the release of the song, Dr Zeelaf Munir CEO of EBM said, "Cricket is close to all of our hearts. Therefore, EBM wants to use that love for the sport to help focus on the various underrepresented segments of our nation. It is our hope that through this campaign we are able to make an impact as well as help the world see a different side of Pakistan, one which is extremely beautiful and peace-loving. EBM wishes the National Cricket team all the very best for the upcoming World Cup." Such unprecedented initiative by Sooper portrays a positive image of Pakistan and brings together the nation for a pragmatic cause. The commendable endeavor by Sooper takes the viewer on a journey of patriotism and passion, all in the name of cricket, as they look towards winning the 2019 World Cup Cricket. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR-wKmbBMRg

Junoon's World Cup anthem is out and it only has its heart in the right place

Rida Lodhi — Tue, 28 May 19 06:32:25 +0500

After a long and gruelling two decades, everyone's favourite local rock band Junoon has finally made a comeback. Just last week, the terrific trio of Ali Azmat, Salman Ahmad and Brian O'Connell recently announced that they are all set to release a brand new single as an ode to the unheard communities of Pakistan. Additionally, they said that the song would be Pakistan's anthem for the upcoming cricket World Cup. And Junoon is no stranger to cricket anthems. It's 1996 World Cup single Jazba Junoon was a huge hit amongst fans and it brought out all the right emotions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTXKPp4e1Rc But the new song, Choolay Aasman, unfortunately, fails to bring out the same jazba and junoon in us. Don't get us wrong... The video is beautiful. “This song is for all Pakistanis. For all its citizens, specially for people who are marginalised,” Ali had earlier said and he makes good on that. Choolay Aasman manages to highlight the marginalised communities of Pakistan well. We see Hindus, Sikhs and Christians rooting for our team to win. We see transgenders. We even see the mute. Junoon has truly got its message across in the best possible way. But the song itself will take its sweet time to grow on you. "I dig the video. I really do. May not be high on production value but I'll take this over all the clichéd ones with ghissa pita concepts and inserts of match highlights. The song will grow. Slowly but surely," a Twitter user wrote. https://twitter.com/rizwanfarooq/status/1132733076528869376 Others, however, weren't all that happy. "Did Junoon's WC 2019 anthem do it for you? A big no from me. The video is also very artificial," said one. https://twitter.com/faizakkhan/status/1132944030365605888 "Junoon's World Cup song is just like any other Junoon song. Nothing new. Nothing 'worldcuppy'," wrote another. https://twitter.com/ssmawani/status/1133024338142203904 Do we see Choolay Aasman playing on our television sets at home? Yes. But do we see it bringing out cricket fervour in a stadium full of enthusiastic fans? We're not certain. Does it come anywhere near Jazba Junoon? Definitely not. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

Junoon just announced they're working on 2019 world cup anthem!

Entertainment Desk — Fri, 24 May 19 07:07:00 +0500

Let's be real. Strings 2011 World Cup anthem, Hai Koi Hum Jesa is one of the best songs to have come out of Pakistan's music industry. And if there's any other patriotic number that can give the track a run for its money, it's Junoon's 1996 World Cup anthem Jazba. Now, 23 years on, the band is reuniting for a song for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Lead vocalist Ali Azmat shared the news on social media. "I am proud to share this news with you that Junoon is working together on a track for the first time in 15 years to support the Pakistan cricket team! Can't wait to share the final track and video with you once its released," the Na Re Na singer wrote. "This song is for all Pakistanis. For all its citizens, specially for people who are marginalised," added Azmat. [fbvideo link="https://www.facebook.com/AliAzmatOfficial/videos/886592715023886/?__xts__[0] "We're reuniting for this World Cup. This track is for the Pakistani cricket team and it will do our nation proud," Salman Ahmed says in the video. We can't wait for the track! Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

Stars dazzle at PSL4 opening ceremony

News Desk — Thu, 14 Feb 19 17:45:05 +0500

Junoon band and Fawad Khan were among the host of top performers

Pakistan Super League Opening Ceremony - as it happened

News Desk — Thu, 14 Feb 19 15:28:07 +0500

Dubai International Stadium play host to the star-studded evening

Junoon reunion was amongst Junaid Jamshed’s last wishes: Salman Ahmad

our.correspondent — Wed, 26 Dec 18 07:42:50 +0500

Tuesday night saw the biggest band of South Asia come together after 13 long years. Karachiites were treated to a Junoon reunion after much speculation over whether fans would get to see the Pakistani rock legends perform ever again. And so, it was as much a night of classics as it was a night of fond memories. Continuing in the same spirit, guitarist Salman Ahmed got emotional on stage whilst recalling his last conversation with the late musician Junaid Jamshed. Ahmed revealed that the night before travelling to Chitral, the Vital Signs frontman had called him up and they spoke for two hours. "He talked about everything under the sun and just kept on talking," he remembered. The guitarist was moved and surprised at JJ's persistence to speak. "I was like, ‘You're just going to Chitral’ but he kept on going on and on." It was then that JJ told Ahmad he really wishes for Junoon to reunite. "He said, 'Salman, I really wish you and Ali could get back together’," the musician told an already sentimental audience. Throughout the concert Ahmad insisted that Tuesday’s Junoon reunion had taken place because of the bands fans – fondly referred to as the ‘Junoonis’ – around the world, because of Pakistan and because of Junaid Jamshed. Much to everyone’s surprise, the band’s loud and proud lead singer Ali Azmat behaved rather well on stage, which is unlike him. Mind you, it hasn’t been easy getting Junoon back together. The efforts to reunite the band had been well underway for at least the past couple of years and it is interesting to see how many failed before the concert this week. The first major player to try and bring Ahmad and Azmat together was Coca Cola. In season 10, the producers and the brand and marketing team at Coca Cola had managed to convince both Ahmad and Azmat to feature in the anniversary episode of Coke Studio. This was meant to commemorate 10 years of the prolific music platform and reunite Junoon but apparently it didn’t happen due to creative differences between the two. Rumour has it that the former didn’t want Ahmad to sing and walked away, which sounds like a crazy fan theory except that multiple industry insiders have confirmed the ‘creative difference’ bit. The other theory for the reunion that failed to happen revolves around budget issues, which doesn’t really make sense given that the brand had ‘convinced’ them to reunite. The second brand that went after Junoon was Pepsi. A reunion on season two of Pepsi Battle of the Bands was pretty much finalised when it was revealed that Azmat was already doing Coke Studio 11. Then Sooper reunited Junoon for an August 14 video titled Khudi. The video received severe criticism for being too basic video but it was just a teaser for the series of live concerts that were to happen now. Anyway, Tuesday night proved the audience still loves Junoon even if they don’t sound as tight and grand as they used to in their heydays. Here's to hoping for a new Junoon album sometime soon. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

Sooper brings Junoon concert on Dec 25

press.release — Fri, 21 Dec 18 04:18:14 +0500

After the successful reunion of Pakistan’s most legendary band, Junoon, Peek Freans Sooper is now bringing the Sufi maestros live on December 25, 2018. The announcement was made with nearly 500 musicians coming together to pay tribute to Junoon and help revive the spirit of Pakistan through their music. The concert is expected to be the biggest performance in Pakistan’s history. Even though news of Junoon’s reunion was met with massive fanfare, many people still wanted to see Junoon perform live. Sooper has made that possible in perhaps the grandest way possible. By bringing the country’s most loved sufi rock band back to the limelight, the brand is giving their fans to witness history in the making. The venue for what is expected to be the event of the year is the Airmen Golf Club. Tickets to the concert have already been made available at www.yayvo.com/sooperjunoon . Fans will get the chance to benefit from an early bird discount as tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Published in The Express Tribune, December 21st, 2018. Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

All set for Junoon reunion concert

our.correspondent — Wed, 12 Dec 18 08:06:46 +0500

After the successful reunion of the legendary Pakistani rock band Junoon, Peek Freans Sooper is now bringing the Sufi maestros back together for a live concert on December 25, stated a press release. The announcement was made with nearly 500 musicians coming together to pay tribute to Junoon and help revive the spirit of Pakistan through their music. The concert is expected to be the biggest performance in Pakistan’s history. Even though news of Junoon’s reunion was met with massive fanfare, many people still wanted to see the band perform live. This has been made possible in perhaps the grandest way. By bringing the country's most loved Sufi trio back into the limelight, the brand is giving their fans a chance to witness history in the making. [caption id="attachment_1865154" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: PUBLICITY[/caption] The venue for what is expected to be the event of the year is the Airmen Golf Club in Karachi. Tickets to the concert have already been made available at www.yayvo.com/sooperjunoon. Fans will get the chance to benefit from an early bird discount as tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Strings, Ali Azmat embroiled in online clash Junoon is one of the biggest bands in Pakistan comprising of Ali Azmat, Salman Ahmed and Brian O’Connell. The trio delivered various hits such as Sayonee, Yaar Bina Dil, Sajna, Tara Jala amongst many others, that are still loved by people today. The band has reunited after 13 long years. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

Junoon reunion concert: All that you need to know

rafay.mahmood — Thu, 22 Nov 18 10:01:54 +0500

Salman Ahmad is a happy man today for various reasons. His 'ain’t true love' is the head of the government and the Junoon reunion is finally happening. Till last year, every time Ahmad tweeted or spoke publicly about a Junoon reunion, Ali Azmat denied it openly and aggressively. It almost felt as if Ahmad was chasing a prom date when everyone else in the class was taken. But it has finally happened and the band is all set to perform live after 13 years on December 25. The reunion however, didn’t take place as easily as it seems. The efforts to reunite the biggest band of South Asia were being made for the past couple of years and it is interesting to see how many attempts failed before this one became a success. [caption id="attachment_1777650" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: PUBLICITY[/caption] The first major player to bring the two together was Coca Cola. In season 10, the producers and the brand and marketing team at Coca Cola had managed to convince both Ali Azmat and Salman Ahmad to feature in the anniversary episode. This was meant to commemorate 10 years of Coke Studio and reunite Junoon but apparently it didn’t happen due to creative difference between Azmat and Ahmad. Rumour has it that Ali didn’t want Salman to sing and walked away… yes it does sound like a crazy fan theory but multiple industry insiders have confirmed the ‘creative difference’ bit. The other theory for the reunion that failed to happen revolves around budget issues, which doesn’t really make sense given that the brand had ‘convinced’ them to reunite. [caption id="attachment_1777652" align="alignnone" width="640"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption] The second brand that went after Junoon was Pepsi. Yes it is true, as earlier reported by The Express Tribune that everything was more or less finalised for a Junoon reunion at Pepsi Battle of the Bands season 2. The band was onboard and even their shooting slots were close to being finalised when it was revealed that Ali Azmat is already participating in Coke Studio 11. Since the unspoken rule of the Pakistani music industry entails you can’t have two fizzy drinks at the same time, Junoon had to opt out of this opportunity as well. Apparently Ahmed had already received the payment for the Pepsi reunion when it got called off. Finally we saw Peak Freans take the cake and reunite Junoon for an August 14 video of Khudi. The video received severe criticism for a very basic video and an audio which wasn’t even re-recorded for the reunion. But it was just a teaser for the series of live concerts that were to happen during the end of the year. Concerts The first Junoon concert will take place on December 25 at the Arabian Sea Country club. The tickets are priced between Rs 3000 and 7000 and will go on sale soon. As a buildup to the Junoon reunion concert, 200 different musicians of Pakistan are coming together to sing a rendition of Jazba Junoon, which is being produced by the Islamabad-based Sarmad Ghafoor. Junoon’s live act will remain more or less the same with Ahmad on lead guitars, Azmat on vocals, Brian O’ Connel on bass guitars and Ustad Ashiq Ali Mir on Eastern percussions. The drummer however remains a mystery. A senior member of the music fraternity told The Express Tribune that Jay Dittamo, the American drummer who accompanied the band on most of their foreign tours will be coming to Pakistan for the concert. Sources also suggest that Junoon is considering Ahad Nayani of Coke Studio fame as one of the choices for the drummer’s slot. The second concert is supposed to take place in Dubai in January and after that the band might consider performing more shows with a number of organisers already showing interest in a reunion tour. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

Junoon to perform live in December

our.correspondent — Mon, 12 Nov 18 12:00:52 +0500

Legendary sufi rock band Junoon is back once again but this time in a live concert that is slated to be held this December, stated a press release. [caption id="attachment_1780030" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption] As pioneers of sufi rock in Pakistan, Junoon in its 14-years of existence recorded more than half a dozen albums together. After their album Talaash, their popularity sky rocketed, until the band came to a complete halt in 2009. [caption id="attachment_1780028" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption] Earlier this year, the band reunited for an Independence Day special. The reunion took the digital world by storm with the reprised version of their song Khudi. Now the band is planning the biggest musical event of the decade for all the fans of Junoon with its power-packed performance and spellbinding music. Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.

Reigniting Junoon: Celebrating Pakistan’s finest

Entertainment Desk — Mon, 13 Aug 18 13:02:02 +0500

One of the biggest bands of the country, Junoon earlier announced that they will be reuniting once again in the spirit of Pakistan's Independence Day. Fans have been eagerly waiting for the trio, which consists of Ali Azmat, Salman Ahmed and Brian O'Connell, to strum their magic once more since the band's breakup 13 years ago. [caption id="attachment_1780028" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption] To honour the country's 71st Independence Day, Junoon is back with a back with one of their famous tracks Khudi, performed on Allama Iqbal's heart-touching poetry. While music lovers all across the country have memorised Iqbal's poem by heart, Junoon's latest video is sure to give you goosebumps. Kicking off with some youngsters working hard to achieve their goal, Khudi speaks to today's generation and spreads the message of always aiming higher. [caption id="attachment_1780029" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption] It's no surprise that the reunion was much awaited for, however, it's the country's record holders featured in the video that add the oomph factor to the song. With Khudi, Junoon celebrates Pakistan's finest such as Ronak Lakhani who was given the Sitara-e-Imtiaz for philanthropy, Shaheer Niazi - Pakistan's youngest scientist, Laraib Atta - country's youngest visual effects artist and Fakhar Zaman who was the first batsman from Pakistan to score a double century. [caption id="attachment_1780030" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption] Watching the trio stir their charm on screen once again was a pleasant sight for sore eyes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWWRkOWZIJo Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.

Confirmed: Junoon reunites after 13 years

our.correspondent — Fri, 10 Aug 18 09:35:55 +0500

After 13 long years, local snack brand Sooper is reuniting the world-renowned and the most beloved band of Pakistan, Junoon, stated press release. The reunion is aimed at uniting the people of Pakistan through Junoon's legendary and inspiring Sufi music. Stop everything and get this: Ali Azmat just hinted at a Junoon reunion PHOTO: PUBLICITY Passion - or as it's called in Urdu, Junoon - is the hallmark of the Pakistani people. The campaign seeks to bring the message of rising together through the reunion of Junoon. It also aims to take the platform above and beyond in the years to come by spreading the message of unity and harmony. Head of marketing, Ayesha Janjua while speaking to the media said, "The reunion of Junoon is a pivotal moment in history. In the years to come, we will continue to be the positive voice that inspires millions of Pakistanis." [caption id="attachment_847614" align="alignnone" width="625"] NOSTALGIA! Junoon band members chill in the car. PHOTO: BRIAN O CONNELL[/caption] Salman Ahmad confirms classic Junoon comeback Junoon was one of the biggest bands in Pakistan comprising of Ali Azmat, Salman Ahmed and Brian O'Connell. The trio delivered various hits such as Sayonee, Yaar Bina Dil, Sajna, Tara Jala amongst many others, that are still loved by people today. Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.

Junoon reunion on 'Pepsi Battle of the Bands' confirmed

Rahul Aijaz — Wed, 06 Jun 18 09:20:13 +0500

While much of Pakistan was busy deliberating about Reham Khan’s controversial book or wondering how Swara Bhaskar dare call us “a failing state,” something very interesting came up on Twitter yesterday. And needless to say, it became glimmer of hope amid all the negativity. Salman Ahmad confirms classic Junoon comeback Junoon guitarist Salman Ahmed happened to tweet a latest photograph of himself with his former band mate Ali Azmat and captioned it, “Rocking in Lahore with rain, wind, thunder and lightning.” What’s was even more interesting was that he ‘hashtagged’ Junoon in the tweet, which Azmat then retweeted with the caption “Maula Jutt te Noori nutt.” https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/1004018136490930182 The photograph has since sent social media into a frenzy, as people are speculating if a Junoon reunion is on the horizon. What is adding more fuel to the fire is that Ahmed and Azmat are known to have not seen eye to eye in the past, even though fans have been begging and hoping for the band to reunite for years. But now, if Maula Jutt is teaming up with Noori Nutt, then maybe, just maybe, Ahmed and Azmat can also put aside their differences and pair up once again? Ahmed himself has been trying for a reunion for a while but somehow, it never came into fruition and the main reason for that are his issues with Azmat. Whenever the guitarist would hint at the possibility of getting back together, the other denied it and nothing would come of it. https://twitter.com/RealAliAzmat/status/1004056210776186880 Azmat once even stated in an interview that he “resented” Ahmed and “couldn’t take his dramas.” But things seem to have changed for the better now, if the afore-mentioned photograph is anything to go by. Last year, the Pappu Yaar Tang Na Kar hit maker even asked his fans on social media if they would like to see Junoon – widely regarded as one of the greatest Pakistani bands of all time – perform again. That and the murmurs within the industry, suggest something big is cooking and we might finally get to see the band reunite. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-weeOST0Vo But when asked about it, Ahmed played it cool and said the meeting had only been a casual iftaar. “Our faith teaches us to show unity, compassion and forgiveness. Ramzan is a month where we can put our grievances and hurt behind us and make a new beginning,” the musician told The Express Tribune. “Ali and I have known each other for almost 30 years. We've shared great moments of achievement, travelled across the world and brought a message of hope and unity to millions of people since the 90s. It was the best to meet for an iftaar, laugh over the past and stay hopeful for the future… A great day, despite the thunder, lightning, hurricane winds and uprooted trees!” Stop everything and get this: Ali Azmat just hinted at a Junoon reunion And when asked about the future of Junoon in specific, Ahmed hinted at something but didn’t quite confirm or deny the rumours. “The Junooni journey of a thousand miles continues with a single step. We're rebuilding a friendship; that is how artists work… Love and respect followed by work,” he replied. [caption id="attachment_1569681" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption] While a response from Azmat is still being awaited, we cannot help but feel all the signs are pointing to a reunion. Requesting anonymity, a source has confirmed that Junoon will be reuniting for the upcoming season of Pepsi Battle of the Bands. [tvideo url="//content.jwplatform.com/players/czisTm5F-VpHe0zu5.html"] Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.

Watch: Varun Dhawan grooves to 'Sayonee' and we are loving every bit of it!

Entertainment Desk — Mon, 30 Apr 18 11:34:22 +0500

A few months back, Junoon's hit track Sayonee was in the news for all the wrong reasons. Coke Studio somehow managed to ruin the chartbuster in the tenth season of the show. Sung by the extremely talented duo of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Ali Noor, the rendition left many outraged as to what the track had been brought down to. Varun Dhawan wishes good luck to the team of 'Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2' We had to go back and listen to the original song by the band itself to overcome the trauma we faced. And it reminded us exactly why Junoon will always and forever remain our ultimate favourite! However, looks like it's not just us who are in complete awe of the song. Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan shares the love for Sayonee too! Taking to Instagram, the October actor can be seen grooving to the track. And we are loving every bit of it. https://www.instagram.com/p/BiKzz9AHu90/?taken-by=tribunelifestyle A few days ago, Ahmed Ali Butt of Punjab Nahi Jaungi fame shared a clip of the Bollywood heartthrob sending some love to Pakistan. In the video, Varun is seen saying, “I want to wish you the best of luck for Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 (JPNA2). I know you’re filming in Dubai right now so best wishes to all of you.” https://instagram.com/p/BhbxM8ZFx3N/?utm_source=ig_embed The duo met in Dubai when they were shooting for their respective films during the same time. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

Can no longer defend, justify Imran Khan: Salman Ahmad

News Desk — Tue, 20 Mar 18 06:01:30 +0500

After Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan's surprise press conference in Karachi on Monday, where he welcomed Aamir Liaquat to the fold, staunch supporters are voicing their concerns. Musician Salman Ahmad, who has supported the party for 35 years, said he can no longer justify Imran's decisions. Aamir Liaquat joins PTI, calls it his ‘final destination’ Taking to Twitter, he stated "After 35 years of defending, supporting and justifying Imran Khan to the world, I no longer can. I fear the reptiles surround him." https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/975763005551075330 The Junoon guitarist however, was not the only one unhappy with the party's recent developments. Adil Ansari, a part of the social media team of PTI said, this was "not the PTI I joined" and "with Aamir Liaquat types joining PTI, I don't see light at the end of the tunnel." https://twitter.com/AnsariAdil/status/975745249011265537 Author and PTI supporter Mehr Tarar said while it was "fun fighting for the PTI I believed in", she says no more. https://twitter.com/MehrTarar/status/975742421131767808 After joining the party on Monday, Liaquat claimed the PTI will clean sweep the upcoming general elections from Karachi. Dr Aamir Liaquat doesn’t show up at PTI’s ‘press conference’ “It feels as if I were already a part of the PTI…this party is my final destination,” said the former Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader. “I have not joined [Imran] Khan but I have joined Pakistan…our joint struggle will be against corruption,” he added. While the PTI chief said Liaquat represented the ‘youth of Karachi’. “We want to take people on board to bring change…Pakistan will not prosper until Karachi is developed,” said Imran, adding that “politicians learn from their past [and make the right decisions]”.

Salman Ahmad confirms classic Junoon comeback

Entertainment Desk — Mon, 05 Feb 18 10:04:43 +0500

Speculations regarding Junoon's reunion have been rife for ages now. Guitarist Salman Ahmad has, at several incidences in the past, hinted at a possible reunion of the original band which included Ali Azmat and Brian O'Connell. https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/960280287283503105 The musician earlier revealed that he will be paying tribute to the greatest Pakistani bands of all time such as Junoon and Vital Signs. He said, "In 2018, I am producing a unique Broadway-style show which will pay tribute to three legends, Nazia and Zoheb Hassan, Junoon and Vital Signs. I’ve already been in talks with Zoheb, JJ’s sons, Momina Mustehsan, Asim Azhar, Irtaash and a few others." Adding further, the ace guitarist said that he has been speaking to Azmat, O'Connel, Rohail Hyaat and Shahi Hasan to come together. [caption id="attachment_1626892" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption] But now, speaking to the The Express Tribune, Ahmad has just confirmed that the lineup is now ready. "The classic Junoon line up is ready to take off in 2018," he said. "We're doing it for the fans who deserve to see unity and hope once again." Ahmad further quoted, "This reunion is celebrating 25 years of Junoon and the 20th anniversary of our album Azadi." https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/960269815637315586 Needless to say, we can’t wait to see what 2018's Junoon has in store for us. Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.

Salman Ahmad to produce Broadway-style show as tribute to Vital Signs, Junoon, Nazia and Zoheb Hassan

Shaheera Anwar — Thu, 07 Dec 17 12:05:23 +0500

Late last month, Salman Ahmad released a documentary titled Ansoo. to honour Junaid Jamshed (JJ). It became a viral celebration of the late singer's life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luCS1S-4FfE Following this, the Junoon guitarist also made a set of tweets hinting at some other new and exciting stuff coming our way. https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/937682039096127488 [caption id="attachment_1577589" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: BBC[/caption] Supporting his claim, Salman also tweeted that one of JJ's last wishes was to see Junoon live again, which he would reveal today, on the day of JJ's first death anniversary. https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/937735966445404160 [caption id="attachment_1578481" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption] Later on, the musician tweeted, "It's one of life's great ironies that JJ will be instrumental in bringing together celebrated artists on a big musical platform in 2018." https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/938073513725964289 [caption id="attachment_1578477" align="alignnone" width="640"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption] Speaking to The Express Tribune, Salman revealed, "In 2018, I am producing a unique Broadway-style show which will pay tribute to three legends, Nazia and Zoheb Hassan, Junoon and Vital Signs. I've already been in talks with Zoheb, JJ's sons, Momina Mustehsan, Asim Azhar, Irtaash and a few others." According to the Sayonee hit-maker, the show will be a never-before- seen, audio-visual odyssey. "It will showcase the rich musical heritage of Pakistani superstars." [caption id="attachment_1578478" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption] Salman further stated, "I'm also speaking to Ali Azmat, Rohail Hyatt, Brian O'Connell and Shahi Hasan to come together for 'unity' and make 2018 a year of celebration." [caption id="attachment_1578479" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: TWITTER[/caption] To honour JJ's first death anniversary, the music composer added, "The only way I can fill the void created by his death is to follow my heart. JJ wanted me to continue to create music, to motivate and inspire people." "In 2018, I'll be reaching out to my Junooni friends to spread some 'Vital Junoon' for the fans. Raat dhalni to hai aaney ujaley to hain (It's going to be dark soon, but there will be light again)." [caption id="attachment_1578480" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: PAKISTAN 360 DEGREES[/caption] Needless to say, we can't wait to see what Salman Ahmad and other celebrated musicians have in store for us. Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.

5 Pakistani bands we wish would reunite

Shaheera Anwar — Mon, 27 Nov 17 08:36:08 +0500

Pakistani pop music was as its peak during the 90s. Bands and singers such as Vital Signs, Strings, Ali Haider, Shehzad Roy and many others played a crucial role in taking the music industry to an all-time high. With the passage of time, many bands were formed which later died down due to various reasons. Nevertheless, they left anthems for the people of their times that are still appreciated today. Here's a list of five Pakistani bands who were at the top of their game during the 90s, and we'd love to see them release some new tracks together again. 1. Junoon Formed in 1990, this sufi rock band set the bar high for the others to follow. Ali Azmat's vocals were supported by Salman Ahmed and Brian O'Connells' guitar skills to give us tunes like Yaar Bina, Zamanay Ke Andaaz and Tara Jala. However, the band faded away about after a decade as Ali went to pursue his solo career. He also recently hinted at a possible Junoon reunion and fans went ballistic over the possibility. [caption id="attachment_1569677" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: FACEBOOK/ALI AZMAT[/caption] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ry7y-TmhwY 2. Entity Paradigm (EP) Before Fawad Khan made us drool over his handsome self in Humsafar, the actor was popular for the rock metal band EP. The likes of Ahmed Ali Butt, Zulfiqar Khan, Salman Albert, Hassan Khalid, Abid Khan and Waqar Ahmed were also a part of the band. They disbanded as some of the members wanted to pursue individual projects. Formed at Pepsi Battle of the Bands, EP made a surprise comeback in this year's installment, leaving us longing for more. Hits such as Kahan Hai Tu and Waqt were amongst the fans' favourites. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3t1CnjaBf4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF8gpEo-xv0 3. Aaroh Winners of the first Pepsi Battle of the Bands, Aaroh was named by Shoaib Mansoor of Verna fame. Comprising of vocalist Farooq Ahmed and other members namely Kamran Khan, Nabeel Nihal, Haider Hashmi, Khalid Khan and Jason Anthony, the band took off in the late 90s only to reach an unfortunate end in 2014. Haider was diagnosed with a brain tumour and passed away the same year. Nescafe Basement paid a tribute to the late guitarist in 2016 while the rest of the band gave a surprise performance in Pepsi Battle of the Bands as well. With hits like Sawaal, Raag Neela and Na Kaho, we hope Aaroh comes back together to give us all the feels, yet again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-D0efecCWk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6ha-040dgU 4. Noori Brothers Ali Noor and Ali Hamza along with drummer Gumby joined hands to form the perfect rock band in the 90s. The band produced songs such as Suno Ke Mein Hoon Jawaan and the epic Manwa Re, which are hummed by fans to date. The line-up of Noori has changed over time, but Noor and Hamza have remained consistent throughout. Rumours of Noori producing the next season of Coke Studio were also quickly spread which were later denied by their management. While we now Noori still produces some good compositions, we hope that the original line-up can reunite for some more good music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BBIUYVwv0o 5. Awaz Before Haroon and Faakhir were known as separate entities, the two pop singers along with Asad Ahmed, were part of a band named Awaz. The very patriotic number Ay Jawaan was one of their most loved songs, followed by Jadoo Ka Chiragh and the comic, Mr Fraudiye. Due to a dispute between the members in late 90s, Haroon and Faakhir went on to pursue their solo careers while Asad Ahmed formed Karavan. We wonder where all of them are now and we'd love to see them together again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s5o43bILGk Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.

TEdit Reports

Sun, 19 Nov 17 13:12:02 +0500

We bring you a roun-up of updates to keep you in the know of what’s happening locally and around the globe! Junoon reunion? Pakistan’s most adored Sufi rock band Junoon might be open to an idea of a reunion, hints the band’s very own front man, Ali Azmat. Taking to his Facebook page, Ali Azmat wrote, “Who wants to see South Asia’s biggest band ‘Junoon’ reunite this year?” - the post sent fans in an utter frenzy and we can’t blame them! The band hasn’t had a reunion tour and album for the last 10 years, so this would be a real treat! Oscar-winning colourist Garry Madison joins Arth Garry Madison – part of the Best Effects Academy Award and BAFTA winning team for Interstellar and Ex-Machine – has stepped into Pakistani cinema through Shaan’s rom-musical film Arth – the Destination. Gary ensures that this movie will revolutionise the way visuals are treated and processed for the Pakistani cinema. He said, “Yes, I’d agree that Arth is a new evolution for the Pakistani film industry, I’ve been fortunate to be able to share my experiences from the film industry to enhance what is a visually stunning film but the main credit for that leap is with the director Shaan and producer Hammad for bringing to life a modern take on life as a Pakistani.” A step in the right direction for Lollywood! BJP leader wants ‘Padmavati’ director Bhansali to be tried for treason Padmavati director Sanjay Leela Bhansali should be tried for treason for distorting history, BJP member Arjun Gupta has urged in a letter addressed to Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Referring to Bhansali, Gupta said that he has tried to malign Rani Padmavati’s sacrifice through Padmavati. Bhansali, on the other hand, has repeatedly clarified that the film has no such scene between Rani Padmavati and invader Alauddin Khilji which can hurt sentiments. This is one film we can’t wait to watch! Mariah Carey accused for sexual harassment by body guard! Mariah Carey’s former security company has threatened to sue her and the reason is shocking to say the least. Michael Anello, the man who owns the security company says the singer is claiming ‘sexual harassment’. According to the security guard, who would accompany the singer everywhere, was constantly humiliated by her in public by referring to him as a Nazi, a skinhead, a KKK member and a white supremacist. But not just that he accuses her of sexual harassment too! Lahore premiere of Mahira Khan’s ‘Verna’ cancelled It appears Shoaib Mansoor’s comeback film Verna, starring Mahira Khan and Haroon Shahid, is in some serious trouble with the censors. In a shocking turn of events, the film is going through a tedious tide. Due to the non-issuing of a censor certificate by the censor board, the Verna premiere in Lahore was cancelled. The film is rumoured to be objectionable due to its ‘mature and edgy content’, which may not have sat well with the censors. Film-maker Shoaib Mansoor went into appeal with censor board for urgent relief for his film Verna. The film will be hopefully reviewed by the board and we are hoping that the full board will prevail! Hania Amir sparks harassment claims with her snap! Hania Aamir landed herself in hot water after a Snapchat video of the starlet went viral on Twitter, where she was seen recording an unknown man on her flight to Lahore. Of course, this sparked a debate on Twitter, with people calling Hania’s snap an act of harassment. They even said that the world’s stance on the matter would have been very different given if Hania had been a man doing the same thing. “My intention was never to harass the man, since I do know how it feels to be judged on how I wear my hair, what shoes I wear. Therefore, as soon as the video was uploaded and I saw the snap, I deleted it right there. I wasn’t trying to invade his personal space or anything like that,” Hania added. The actor sparked controversy when she tried to include the unknown male passenger seated behind her in the frame of her camera. “This dude is struggling to get out of my photo,” read the caption of the snap. Met Gala 2018 theme and hosts revealed! Just as important as the Met Gala theme reveal — next year’s show is titled “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” — is the announcement of Anna Wintour’s cohosts. Taking over the duties carried out last time around by Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, Gisele Bündchen, and Tom Brady are three women who are as talented as they are glamorous: Amal Clooney, Rihanna, and Donatella Versace. The big question, of course, is what will they wear? We are counting down to the big night —May 7, 2018!

Stop everything and get this: Ali Azmat just hinted at a Junoon reunion

Entertainment Desk — Fri, 10 Nov 17 08:50:05 +0500

In an epic turn of events, Pakistan's former rock band - or lets rephrase that - Pakistan's most dapper and adored Sufi rock band Junoon might be open to an idea of a reunion, hints the band's very own frontman, Ali Azmat. Taking to the official Facebook page, Team Ali Azmat wrote, "Who wants to see South Asia's biggest band 'Junoon' reunite this year?" [caption id="attachment_1554799" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB/ALI AZMAT FACEBOOK[/caption] And fans are in utter frenzy and we can't blame them! "Never thought i would read something like this in my life!! That would be amazing! Gift of the century to all the die hard fans! Ali bhai, feeling so emotional already!" wrote a fan. Another one expressed his feeling as he wrote, "Bro stop playing with our emotions! You know we have been wanting a reunion tour and album for the last 10 years!" People are flying in all over the world for this epic reunion! " I’m flying from Canada for this, announce the dates soon please!!!" wrote another die-hard fan. Previously, in 2014, when the rumours of the rock band reuniting made rounds, Azmat exclusively denied the claims and told The Express Tribune, "No, this is wrong news, nothing like that is happening.” Junoon reunion not happening The reports of Junoon reuniting also sparked curiousity last year, and the Maula singer denied it again, saying, "It’s not happening… under no circumstances. Everyone else is in the US and I am in Pakistan.” The Express Tribune was unable to receive a comment from any of the band members immediately. Will Pakistan's beloved band reunite this year? Guess we just have to wait and watch. But let us tell you, the country is praying for this epic reunion that might revive our music scene once again - taking it to new heights. Junoon, the band is originally from Punjab, Pakistan and was formed in 1990. The band is directed by founder, lead guitarist and songwriter, Salman Ahmad, who soon teamed up with keyboardist Nusrat Hussain and vocalist Ali Azmat. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

'Sayonee' suited my voice well: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Rahul Aijaz — Mon, 28 Aug 17 04:46:07 +0500

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan held a press conference, making several announcements. The qawwali maestro first shared that in commemoration of the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s 20th death anniversary this year, he has begun 48 concerts worldwide, in accordance with 48 years of Ustad Nusrat’s life. “I feel like the new generation should remember and witness the music of Khan sahib live. But they haven’t had the chance to experience it live, so being a successor of Khan sahib, I am doing 48 concerts across the world,” he said. I believe 'Sayonee' is absolutely meant for Ali Azmat's voice: Ali Noor “Of course, it won’t be the same but I will try to give them as close an experience as he gave to the audience. I will keep his memory alive.” The 48 concerts are to be held across several cities in the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, far East countries and Australia. His September schedule will see him tour the UK. Further, it was announced that Rahat’s song Zaroori Tha, which was released three years ago, has reached a staggering 240 million views on YouTube, making it possibly the first song to reach the number from South Asia. Talking to the media, Rahat also addressed the criticism he has faced on his latest Coke Studio cover of Junoon’s Sayonee. “I actually like the interesting feedback. Some people like it, some don’t. I feel like there are some anti-Pakistan opinions in there too. I personally liked the song, especially the ending,” he said. Exclusive: Coke Studio 10's line-up will leave you starstruck “I feel Sayonee suited my voice well. Many other songs have been covered so many times, like Main Tenu Samjhawan ki and Khan sahib’s Rashk-e-Qamar. This is the song that elevated Junoon back then. People cover Noor Jehan and other artists too. So, we shouldn’t think about who did it better. It’s a tribute to them and we should take it this way. Music should be free from hate and arguments.” Moreover, he spoke about the need of establishing a qawwali institution in Pakistan. “I believe there is a great need for one. We have so many companies and brands who are sponsoring music and shows like Pepsi Battle of the Bands and Coke Studio, which is great for the music and talent in Pakistan. They should come together to form a qawwali institution too.” Rahat also announced the release of his new qawwali album titled ‘Just Qawwali’ and the formation of RFAK Films. “We will officially be coming next year with our debut film under newly-formed RFAK Films banner. It will be a musical.” Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below.

I believe 'Sayonee' is absolutely meant for Ali Azmat's voice: Ali Noor

Rida Lodhi — Mon, 21 Aug 17 06:33:53 +0500

The 10th season of Coke Studio kick-started on a low note with its flat rendition of the National Anthem. We sincerely hoped that the rendition would be the only loop in the hole, but sadly we were wrong. Case in point: Junoon's most beloved song Sayonee. Even though Coke Studio most of the times marvel at their takes on legendary songs such as Afreen Afreen, this year's take on Sayonee sadly missed the mark. Coke Studio season 10 launches itself with the National Anthem The song was heavily criticised by anyone and everyone, calling out Coke Studio for an awful take on it. Produced by Strings, music directed by Junoon's Salman Ahmed and sung by vocal maestros Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Noori's main man, Ali Noor, we expected a musical blockbuster. Alas, that wasn't delivered. In case you haven't listened to Coke Studio's rendition, here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ciim7-hZPb0 And here's what people had to say: https://twitter.com/Mehwish_dr/status/898523506333413376 https://twitter.com/alishehzadpaul/status/898542917702344704 https://twitter.com/Mehwish_dr/status/898525798487003136 https://twitter.com/NeddirRorre/status/898528233964044288 However, Noor wasn't the one to let the criticism faze the love he feels towards the song and Junoon itself. In a recent video, Noor responded to the critics in the most graceful way possible. Review: ‘Coke Studio’ is back and one wonders why When asked as to what his retort to the critics would be, the Manwa Re crooner asserted, "I think what's important to say over here is that I believe that this song is absolutely, absolutely meant for Ali Azmat's voice." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzheoqlo3pM "My relationship with both Salman Ahmed and Ali is very very old, it's almost five, six years even before Noori," he added. Discussing the history Noor shares with the legendary song, he quipped, "When I first met Ahmed, it was at my grandfather's law firm for a case. The case was that his song, Sayonee was banned by PTV and Ahmed wanted a notice to be sent to the publication. After the notice was sent, and the ban was lifted. It was then when they went to India and Junoon became huge!" Coke Studio loses its fizz with flat National Anthem "It was then Ahmed gave me his own guitar. I wrote Mujhe Roko because I was so inspired by him," he added. He then said, "The fact that I have such long relationship with this song and I got a chance to sing it, that's a huge thing for me. No criticism in the world is of any value since my emotional connection to the song is a huge deal for me." "As far as Azmat's voice is concerned, it's extremely uncomplicated. This song would have been the best if he would have sung it," he went on. Exclusive: Coke Studio 10's line-up will leave you starstruck "I can only hope and pray that some day, Junoon will reunite and will continue to make the magic that they can," he said, adding, "The reason that so many people are so critical of it is because many of us can really, really relate to it." Just for the sake of good ol' times, here's the original Junoon chart-buster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GLYKYgSE0Y

Salman Ahmed's latest offering explains why Ali Azmat doesn't want a Junoon reunion

rafay.mahmood — Tue, 11 Jul 17 11:14:35 +0500

The JIT has spoken and the Junoonees are dancing. The report that was submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday had enough matter to put Nawaz Sharif and Co in a corner and for PTI followers to rush pass them wheeling on their CD 70s. This would have literally happened if the Pindi boys were called for the party at Bani Galla but unfortunately they weren’t. However, Pakistan’s guitar guru and the mover and shaker of rock music in South Asia, Salman Ahmed was present there. Film on Junoon might be next step for me: Salman Ahmad He got so overwhelmed by the attention Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men were getting that he released an entire musical film even before Imran could have his mic drop moment. Whether the musical film was brimming under a Bunsen burner for eons or it was a spontaneous trick of the muse that justice can be, it got released yesterday. And it has been releasing ever since… fumes of perplexity and self-love. For someone who has offered the impeccable soul-to-soul in the market it is very difficult to beat your own standards, after all pure reason suggests that if you’ve gotten so down the drain than rising from the pot hole is perhaps the only probable outcome. It’s darkest before the dawn and the Stephen Covey line of thought and allegories go on and on. But Salman has proven that it’s darkest before it gets pitch black. The video starts with the footage of tides hitting the rocks and a storm forming in the sky juxtaposed with footage of Imran Khan’s cricketing days and scenes where he is shown hunting with a rifle as Salman chants, ‘Imran Ka Mae Pakistan Imran Ka Mae Pakistan’ in the background. Okay , that does sound like a build up to something until Salman goes a notch above our miserable expectations and adds, ‘Mera Junoon Mera Jihad, Imran Khan Imran Khan’ and now a layer of vocal harmony is added to the song and its melody and flow becomes flatter than the newly made University road. And trust me you wouldn’t want to go past that bridge - the song so far would be good enough to give up music and everything that once upon a time induced passion in you. Salman Ahmad: ‘Music is a call for unity’ What follows is an audio-visual car crash between Junoon classics such as Ethesaab, Pink Floyd and all that Salman Ahmed stands for today, which can be summed up in one word: Imran Khan. I definitely didn’t watch it for political reasons and neither is my hatred stemming out of it, my reasons for preaching against this audacity are purely rational and have to do with the damage done to my soul and our cultural heritage. Puns apart, it is actually quite sad and depressing to see the guru of so many people trying to stay relevant despite an unforgettable legacy. A founder of the band that introduced an entire generation of South Asians to rock music, rebellion, Sufism and a lot more is quite clinically, song by song, making the people want to forget him, as much as he wants them to remember. About time Salman Ahmed realises that every legend has a fall in fact even his better half of Junoon, Ali Azmat had a fall. There was a time that even he was booed at concerts but he waited, reinvented and came back with a catchy Bollywood song that sounded as much like him as it did like a Bollywood track and got another life through the soundtrack of Jism 2. That’s what you call accepting defeat, introspecting and coming back with a bang. ‘I can’t stand Salman Ahmad’: Ali Azmat Salman, there is no other choice for you but to do that. But can you? This latest Coke Studio season is perhaps your last litmus test and if your original work doesn’t work then nothing will. However, I do feel Salman gets particularly emotional in front Imran Khan, almost like a best boy at a friend’s wedding and that hyper excitement drips from every sound wave generated out of Imran Ka Naya Pakistan, and every patriotic song that led up to it, be it Chaand Sitara or Inshallah. That’s why I have a theory how this song may have come about: Salman: Imran bhai I just made a musical film for you Imran: How did you read my mind meray Junooni? Salman: Soul-to-soul Imran bhai, soul-to-soul Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWScs7-qgi0&feature=youtu.be Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

An open letter to Salman Ahmad from a former 'Junooni'

Omer Wahaj — Sun, 08 Jan 17 05:46:33 +0500

Dear Mr Ahmad, For the love of music, Junoon, and all that is holy, please stop singing, recording, and rereleasing old Junoon songs and stop calling yourself Junoon altogether. You are ruining the songs and the legacy of the band for all of us. Forever. Let me begin by saying that I am one of the earliest and biggest Junoon fans. I was 13-years-old when Junoon came out and I vividly remember buying that cassette tape from a small music shop in Nazimabad #4. I remember being ecstatic to hear the distorted guitar riff of Chori Chori and also a bit uneasy when my parents asked me in a disapproving tone what I was listening to. Junoon to release new album on 25th anniversary That is when I knew I was going to be a Junooni, an instant rebel, listening to the first Pakistani rock band on my cassette player. I literally broke that tape in the coming months, listening to it day in and out; although I do admit that I would fast-forward the two tracks Game of Chance and Downtown Princess, mostly because they were sung in English and also because they sounded way off compared to what the rest of the album was about. I had just started to learn the guitar at the time and Heer was one of the first songs I starting playing. You were a hero for me; a prolific Pakistani electric guitar player who was mixing Eastern scales into his rock solos. I was mesmerized, especially by Sunn. What a song! Next came Talaash. I remember getting the album free with a tube of toothpaste, even though it was not the complete album. It only had six songs, I believe, but it had Talaash, Heeray, and Woh, which are still to this day some of my favorite Junoon songs. By the time Inquilaab was released, I was older and was regularly attending your concerts in Karachi like a true Junooni, going wild on songs like Saeen, Husan Walon and Mera Mahi. You guys used to play at the Bahria Auditorium on Karsaz every weekend, sometimes on both Thursday and Friday nights (because Friday and Saturday used to be off and Sunday was a working day then), and I would be there, standing in the front, rocking out to your songs every week, sometimes on both nights. Junoon once played at the Alliance Francaise in Karachi and I could not afford the tickets, so my friend and I snuck in early after school and stayed hidden behind the stage until it was show time many hours later. I got to witness you do the sound check. I even met you that day and we had a little talk. That was one of my best days from that time. Junoon reunion not happening Then came my late teens and heartbreak. I would find solace in songs like Kyoun Pareshan and Mukh Gaye Nay from Azaadi. Soon, I left Karachi and went on to my university, where you truly continued to be an inspiration to me. I performed Heer on stage for my university’s talent show, and later also played in a band where we used to play an acoustic version of Heeray. I remember being in the States at that time and Junoon would be the music that united all Pakistanis there. Songs like Sayonee, Mahiwal, and when Parvaaz came out, Bulleya, Pyar Bina, and Sajna, could be heard all over the campus. Since then, whenever I hear these songs, it brings an overwhelming wave of nostalgia over me, as I am reminded of those evocative days in college where Junoon was the greatest, most iconic sufi/rock band ever. I know that you came out with a few more albums after that but I was not able to listen to them in their entirety as I had a chance to do so with all the previous albums, especially after I heard the more pop-sounding Pappu Yaar, which was a grave departure for me from Junoon, although that album had Tara Jala, a great song. It was quite sad when I heard that Junoon had decided to break up with you, Mr Azmat, and Mr Connell going their separate ways. I did not follow Junoon after that because to me, the band was over. But I recall that you continued to take the name forward and even came out with an album or two. It was only yesterday that I had a chance to hear a mangled version of Bulleya called Bulleya/Lonely Heart from your 2010 album Rock & Roll Jihad, which only includes you as the sole member from the band but the album is credited as being produced and recorded by Junoon. In this version, not only do you (badly) sing the song, you have also changed the chorus from “Buleya kee jana mein kaun?” to say “Lonely heart. Help me heal.” No. Just no. As soon as I heard this atrocity, I was enraged and I immediately wished I had never listened to it. This new version has completely ruined the original song for me. Now I cannot listen to the old song without hearing you sing “Lonely heart. Help me heal.” And that is not ok. All my wistful memories associated with that song are ruined. Destroyed. Decimated. Forever. I also found out that you have recently rerecorded Khwab from the first album in your voice and that you plan on releasing this new version on an album “celebrating” the 25th anniversary of Junoon. Again, to my great dismay, when I heard the song, I found you had changed the melody. Of Khwab! Please stop this. Please stop messing with classic old Junoon songs by re-releasing them in your voice. Even though I feel that Meray Pass Aaja from Junoon is a brilliant song and you did a very good job singing it, please understand that singing is not your forte. Why would you even want to do this? Why would you want to re-sing these old songs and re-record them? Many bands have broken up in the past and the individual members have all moved on, gone on to create new songs, doing various other projects. I am not aware of any member from any band who was a guitarist and who has gone on after a split to continue singing the band’s old songs in his or her own voice, releasing them again and again in new albums. Singing them and playing at concerts is fine because they are your songs and people come to listen to them. But please. Do not re-record them in your voice. Save us all the horror and stop spoiling Junoon songs and the band’s legacy. When Junoon called for accountability, they meant it Also, how is it Junoon’s 25th anniversary? Didn’t the band break up and split in 2005 when Ali Azmat left? Or possibly even in 2003 when Brian left? That’s at least 11 years ago! The band is done and dusted. It’s finished. Stop calling yourself Junoon, especially if you are going to release Indian movie songs like Kaise Bolun, where you are singing auto-tuned lines like, “I am in love, soul to soul.” Quit doing it in Junoon’s name if you are going to sing such crappy non-Junoon-like songs like Door. Make a new band. Call it whatever you want to but not Junoon because Junoon, along with you, was Ali Azmat, Brian O'Connell, Malcolm Goveas, and Ustad Ashiq Ali Mir (the last two you unfortunately never officially recognised as being part of the band; sadly enough, neither Malcolm nor Ustad sahab’s name appear anywhere related to Junoon, not on your website and not on your Wikipedia pages). Junoon is no more (pun intended). It is dead. Accept that and move on. Let the dead lie and also spare Junoon’s fans from having to go through the trauma of hearing bastardised versions of the songs that mean so much to them. You are not only destroying the songs, you are destroying the nostalgia associated with them. It pains me immensely to see and hear what Junoon’s legacy has become and you are the only one ruining it. I would urge you, nay plead with you, to please stop with this nonsense and stop further ruining Junoon for all of us forever. Sincerely, A Junooni who no longer wishes to be one. Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below.

We can't get enough of Wasim and Shaniera's first look from Salman Ahmad's song

Entertainment Desk — Wed, 30 Nov 16 12:03:53 +0500

For Junoon's 25th anniversary, Salman Ahmad is back with a new track, that is set to feature Pakistan's all-rounder, Wasim Akram with his better half, Shaniera Thompson in its video. Salman Ahmad announced the release of the song on his twitter account saying: https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/803857249919762436 The song is titled as Door, which will be released in December. However, the video has already been shot and we have the first look of the couple in it. Wasim Akram took it to Twitter to show the first look of the video, and it is completely magical. Sneak peak into Shaniera Akram’s special hideout Salman Ahmad, on the other hand gave a bit more insight on who else will be in the video other than the famous couple. Model Rabia Butt will also be appearing in the video. Shaniera looks elegant in a silver gown, while Wasim looks handsome in a suit, as he gets down on one knee for her. Singer Salman Ahmed released after brief detention Wasim Akram praised the soft ballad, saying he 'personally loved the song'. Here is the first look of the couple in the video: https://twitter.com/wasimakramlive/status/803893806663766016 Salman Ahmad also took it to twitter to reveal the other lady featured in the video. https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/803886170488897536 He also shared some other BTS shots from the video: https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/802837737271271424 https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/803878547509100544 https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/803877489726685188 https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/803877106526593024 Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

When Junoon called for accountability, they meant it

Ali Raj — Sun, 13 Nov 16 16:05:38 +0500

A couple of rings later, a familiar voice answered the phone. After exhausting all his efforts, Salman Ahmad had turned to the vociferous columnist, Ardeshir Cowasjee, for help. December 21, 1996, was just around the corner and a problem was far from being solved. “The authorities had refused to give us an NoC for the concert,” the Junoon front man tells The Express Tribune. Cowasjee, standing true to his reputation of helping anyone and everyone, got them their okay at the last minute. Riding high on the success of back-to-back hits, the country’s most exciting musical group had decided to take things a notch higher with a political campaign, calling for the answerability of the rulers. 1996 was a bittersweet year for Pakistan. Our greatest mind Dr Abdus Salam breathed his last. Punjabi cinema’s Sultan Rahi and Urdu ghazal’s Mohsin Naqvi were both gunned down. Junoon gave us some of our biggest hits, including our unofficial national anthem Jazba-e-Junoon, all put neatly together in an album called Inquilaab, and our cricket team failed to retain their world title during the last major international cricketing tournament played on Pakistani soil. The mercurial Javed Miandad hung up his boots. Imran Khan, still buzzing with the 1992 triumph, formed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf that would go on to turn ‘Ehtesab’ campaigns into a way of life. As you read these lines, Imran Khan is still at it. However, what’s worrying is the fact that some of the questions he is raising might be pertinent, yet somehow all this campaigning has today turned into a rather hopeless enterprise. However, 1996 is remembered most importantly for Farooq Leghari who saw it fit to give the boot to the Benazir Bhutto-led Pakistan Peoples Party government. By that time, even if they were for a select few, chants of accountability had gained momentum. Back when this 14-letter term had not become as big of a buzzword as it is now and popular music had not exactly crossed over into politics, Junoon was setting the wheels into motion. While it may be tempting to claim that before Junoon’s arrival, music and politics had little to do with each other in Pakistan, it will be unfair to those who had long been writing against oppressive regimes and those who were putting the very lines to music. While its dividends can sure be debated one cannot take away from Junoon the fact that Pakistani music took a turn for the better, in part, because of them. After holding demonstrations and walks against the “corrupt rulers” in different cities, in the initial stages of the ‘Ehtesab’ campaign, Salman began giving shape to a simple chord pattern he had in mind. For the lyrics, columnist Hassan Nisar and Salman’s long-time friend Shoaib Mansoor were approached. Drenched in his usual writing style, the lines that Nisar came up with were a bit too ambitious. “His poetry advocated a bloody revolution if there was no accountability before the elections. It was very visceral,” Salman says. Nonetheless, both Nisar and Mansoor’s lyrics were put to music at producer Nizar Lalani’s Tariq Road studio. “Ali Azmat, Najam Sheraz, Nizar Lalani, Shaheen Sher Ali and I sang on both the versions,” he adds. Unsurprisingly, it was Mansoor’s Ehtesab bus Ehtesab, Har sawal ka jawab that made the cut. The ‘Ehtesab’ campaign was initiated long before the gig. Lahore saw artists like the Billo hit-maker Abrarul Haq and comedian Amanullah Khan take to the streets alongside Salman and his wife Samina. “My friend Junaid Jamshed had joined Junoon for the concert in Nishtar Park,” Salman recalls the December 21 concert. He admits Nishtar Park was chosen simply because the band wasn’t being allowed to play at any other public place in the city at a time when ethnic violence was still simmering. Around 20 years have passed and the Junoon front man is still as sure as he was back then, of why the district administration failed to cooperate. “It was in the hands of corrupt politicians and they were all petrified of the slogan for ‘Ehtesab’.” They had gotten a venue now but that did not end Junoon’s woes. The sound and light equipment required electricity that authorities had denied to them. “I went to a nearby mosque and asked the Imam to give us a power connection,” Salman says. It didn’t take the prayer leader long to recognise the band, after he was informed that they were the “Jazba-e-Junoon guys”. “He said we could use the mosque’s generator,” Salman recalls. The permission came with only a small caveat. “The condition was to stop playing when the azaan starts.” This was 1996. Junoon was on top of its game and there was hardly any other act that could match the charisma of these rock stars. Politicos were already on the wrong end of the stick; who wouldn’t want to witness the country’s biggest musical act take the country’s ‘biggest evil’ to the cleaners? “Around 10,000 screaming Karachiites turned up for the show,” Salman claims, quickly adding with a smile, “They were young and foolish … like us.” One cannot deny that the 52-year-old is still as enthusiastic as he was back when his band mates were by his side. “The entire crowd sang Ehtesab with us in one voice, saying, ‘We want accountability now!’” The band played a marathon of their biggest hits, back-to-back, for the next 90 minutes. “We wanted rule of law and were sick of corruption on all levels of Pakistani life,” Salman adds. Visual representation Once the campaign was over with, Salman approached Shoaib Mansoor again, this time to discuss a possible video for the song. While they had agreed to do the concert, Brian and Azmat did not fancy the idea of going a step ahead with a visual representation of the message the lyrics were meant to convey. It indeed risked a lot. In his book Rock & Roll Jihad: A Muslim Rock Star’s Revolution, Salman writes that even his “band had questions about my [political] intentions”. It drew parallels between the lifestyle of the downtrodden and that of the affluent of the country, taking jibes at politicians and businessmen. According to BBC’s 1996 documentary Princess and the Playboy, the video takes a swipe at the royal treatment Asif Ali Zardari’s ponies received. “He [Mansoor] made a revolutionary video that scared the hell out of the government and PTV big bosses,” Salman says. In a knee-jerk reaction, what has become something second nature to our leaders, the state slapped a ban on ‘Ehtesab’. According to a January 23, 1997, news report shared by Salman, the caretaker government of that time cited three reasons for the ban: It was detrimental to the election process It promoted the cause of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf It damaged national integrity Having been blacked out by PTV, STN and radio stations, Junoon saw the print media siding with them. “They [the government] threatened us with dire consequences,” Salman begins once again. Stopping to quote a verse from Iqbal’s Shikwa, he continues, “We were banned, ridiculed and physically threatened but Junoon became an even bigger counter culture icon in the eyes of the public. That was the reason why I left a lucrative career as a doctor to go into music and the media, to inspire the youth and help bring about positive social change in Pakistan.” Political backing To the question of political backing for the show, Salman attempts to draw a larger circle. “Asking for accountability is the right of all Pakistanis and not of one person or a particular political party,” Salman says. Drawing parallels with the American Democratic National Convention 2016, he adds, “Artists like Lenny Kravitz, Katy Perry, Alicia Keys and Meryl Streep spoke for Hillary Clinton and against Donald Trump because that is what a democracy is about, power of the people, by the people, for the people.” In a TV interview, Ali Azmat had mentioned that Jamaat-e-Islami was a driving force behind the concert. That does come as quite a surprise because this is the same party that was unhappy with PTV starting the show Music 89. Today, Ali does not recall any of that. “There was some religious party that helped us get the electricity connection. But I am not sure if it was Jamaat-e-Islami,” he says, quickly adding, “They too are, by the way, part of the problem. If they wanted to work for the betterment of the people, they could have.” A family affair There has hardly been a venture in which Samina has not had her husband’s back. Her memories of December 21, 1996, begin with a mention of Salman. “I had to sit on the stage throughout the Nishtar Park concert as Salman was worried about my safety,” she recalls, adding, “However, I don’t think I escaped from the brunt of it.” As soon as she stepped inside the vehicle which was to escort the country’s most wanted rock stars out of the venue, she realised that a man from outside the window was tugging at the shawl around her neck. “All I remember is not being able to breathe … getting choked,” she adds. As Samina’s recollections proceed, one cannot help but think about the treatment of women at political gatherings of today, especially those held by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Seems we haven’t changed much in the past 20 years. Those who had surrounded the vehicle were pounding on its body with their fists for a reason best known to them. “I just let him have it and shut the window with all the strength I could gather … This particular scene still gives me the shivers. All credit goes to our skillful driver who managed to drive us out of there safe and sound.” My activism is long dead: Ali Azmat The Ali Azmat we now know is not the same. For starters, the hair is gone and with it has gone the no-holds-barred demeanour. Today, he likes to call himself Ali Azmat, the father, instead of Ali Azmat, the rock icon. He recalls the Nishtar Park concert like a war veteran who has seen too many battles to remember a particular one. “Where is Nishtar Park? In Multan?” is his first response. When provided with a brief account of the gig, he takes a moment to catch his train of thought. “Frankly, I don’t remember much from that time.” As the conversation proceeds, his begins to open up. “We had just one ‘hero’ [referring to Salman Ahmed]. He was everywhere. You see activism is one thing and pseudo-activism is another. Newsworthiness is okay but its constant pursuit becomes boring.” But there’s a problem here. Azmat may have changed but isn’t he the same person who, until only a few years ago, was enjoying the company of the likes of Zaid Hamid? “The world calls you crazy,” he reasons. For someone who seldom bothered about who said what, this is quite a change. “They say you are an artist, a darbari, a merasi. What do you have to do with serious business?” As he begins to elaborate on what does not sound like a contradiction to him, Ali adds, “I have been seeing things happen for years. For someone like me, going to Channel V and winning an award would mean the world. But I went into depression after that.” Glimpses of the old Ali begin to appear. “Once you become part of the system, you cannot step out of it.” Not long ago, he was on national television, defending the most absurd conspiracy theories that he had subscribed to. While that is no more the case, he still feels strongly about a lot of things. “This democracy is a sham. United Nations, Unesco, UNDP are all shams. They control the world. We have been crying hoarse for years. Nothing changed. Nothing is going to change. At the end of the day, we are all slaves to this hegemonic order,” he says. Ali is quite clear when he says, “With the danger of sounding like a grandpa, I must say that I am past all that. My activism is dead.” So what changed his fiery statements into a resigned shrug of the shoulders? “Marriage. My two daughters. They gave me a new view of the world. I recalibrated myself. I am in that stage of my life where all I worry about is them and nothing else,” he maintains. Published in The Express Tribune, November 14th, 2016. Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

Banning artistes gives victory to terrorists, extremists: Salman Ahmad

ians — Tue, 27 Sep 16 06:12:55 +0500

Banning artistes, writers, actors and poets gives a victory to the terrorists and extremists who don't want people-to-people contact, Pakistani sufi-rock band Junoon's frontman Salman Ahmad said. Review: Salman Ahmad’s ‘Kaise Bolun’ is an insult to his artistic prowess His comments came after the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) issued an "ultimatum" to all Pakistani artistes to quit India within 48 hours or face trouble. MNS had issued the so-called ultimatum on September 23 to all Pakistani cine and television artistes to leave India. The political party told the media that there was "an anti-Pakistan" wave across India after the September 18 terror attack that left 18 Indian soldiers dead at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir. Ahmad, who is soon going to unveil Junoon's 25th anniversary special album Junoon 25 in various countries, including India, said that stopping cultural exchanges between the two neighbouring nations is not the solution. "Terrorists and extremists don't want people-to-people contact. They only want to create fear," Ahmad told IANS. "We live in an inter-connected world. Indian actor Om Puri, whose Pakistani film Actor In Law is doing record business in Pakistan, recently visited Pakistani cities and TV shows promoting the film. Indian artistes are embraced by Pakistanis. Similarly, Indian music companies, film producers and event organizers invite Pakistani artistes because it also makes good business," he added. Ahmad, whose compositions were recently used in Bollywood film Rhythm, is looking forward to perform in India soon. "After our new album Junoon 25 is released in November by Universal Music, Junoon hopes to do a world tour and we would love to perform for our Indian fans," the Lahore-based guitarist and songwriter said. Ali Azmat takes a dig at Salman Ahmad's new single Isn't he concerned about his safety in the country? He recalled that when the band, which earlier consisted of artistes like Ali Azmat and Brian O'Connell, first visited India in 1998 after the chart-topping number Sayonee, people in general asked him the same question as a nuclear bomb test had been conducted by India that year. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="465"] PHOTO: USATODAY[/caption] Forget about hatred or fear, he said that the band received "nothing, but just love" from Indian fans. The same was true for Indian artistes when they come to Pakistan for festivals, he said. "I would rather rule hearts and minds of people by holding a guitar rather than holding a gun to somebody's head," said the musician, who has worked with Indian classical artistes like Samir Chatterjee and Kedarnath Havaldar on the upcoming album. The band has re-launched its entire catalogue of seven studio albums digitally. And finally, their new studio album will be launched worldwide this November. But doesn't he miss his old bandmates? "I can't believe its our silver jubilee. I have met such great musicians. If I get stuck with the same people, I would feel like I am in a prison. I love performing with different artistes. We have guests like Peter Gabriel, Outlandish and Ali Zafar on Junoon 25," said Ahmad, who was part of the band which gave hits like Ghoom tana, Meri awaz suno, Yaar bina and Mitti. He also wants people to remember his songs rather than just the band members. Whether the band members remain the same or not, the music should be timeless," he signed off. Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

Junoon to release new album on 25th anniversary

our.correspondent — Sat, 10 Sep 16 16:02:28 +0500

Junoon and popular music streaming platform Taazi have teamed up to celebrate the band’s upcoming silver jubilee. According to a press release, Junoon’s acclaimed seven albums are being re-launched on the website, along with a brand new album, Junoon25, which will come out in November. Founded by guitar player and songwriter Salman Ahmed, who also now remains as the only member of the band, Junoon revolutionalised rock music in Pakistan and its fusion of diverse musical influences was unprecedented in the region. Ahmad said the band is thrilled to join forces with Haroon Rashid and his team at Taazi. “We are as excited about the new album as we are about reactivating the entire Junoon catalogue,” he said. The new album will comprise tracks reflecting the band’s ever expanding musical horizons, maturing love poetry and a rich tapestry of genres that capture the emotional zeitgeist of our times. Taazi has been granted exclusive rights to digitally distribute the entire Junoon collection. Published in The Express Tribune, September 11th, 2016. Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

'Hope to celebrate polio eradication and Junoon's silver anniversary together': Salman Ahmed

saadia.qamar — Tue, 31 May 16 17:31:06 +0500

Even with the band we loved long gone, there is still a bit of Junoon left in the world. Salman Ahmed, ex-member of the one of Pakistan’s most iconic Sufi rock bands, has been performing in different countries using the band’s stage name despite the fact that the original trio, that included Brian O’Connell and Ali Azmat, have parted ways. The guitarist recently announced his plans for what would have Junoon’s 25th anniversary, coming up in August. Ahmed, who is also the UN Goodwill Ambassador for Polio, had relayed his plans to The Express Tribune earlier this year as well. The singer-activist is all set to release a brand new album titled Junoon25, along with various music videos to commemorate the silver jubilee of Pakistan’s favourite band. He shared that the album will contain covers, some unreleased demo versions and brand new tracks made in collaboration with international artistes. “The new songs have been recorded and produced both in the US and Pakistan. The redone versions include duets with Ali Zafar (Mein aur Tum), Peter Gabriel (Open Your Eyes), Sunidhi Chauhan (Yaaro) and Vital Signs,” he said. Salman Ahmad promises free Junoon concert at Wagah border if Pakistan beats India in T20 Ahmed further added that an international Junoon25 tour has also been planned with guest musicians slated to join at different venues across the world. The question still remains; will fans ever get to see the original members of Junoon rock the stage once again? “Junoon fans want to see a reunion so I have reached out to Ali and Brian to join the Junoon 25 tour. I would be happy to see us come together for Junoonis all around the world.” And with that Ahmed left some light at the end of the tunnel for die-hard Junoonis. However, apart from organising tours, concerts, album launches and commemorative souvenirs to mark the band’s milestone, Ahmed’s primary focus lies in working towards eliminating the crippling endemic from Pakistan. “After so much hardship and pain, our country is in dire need of good news, unity and healing. In the coming months, we hope to celebrate both Junoon’s silver anniversary and the eradication of polio from the planet. This will be a huge achievement for Pakistan and its people,” he shared. Ali Azmat takes a dig at Salman Ahmad's new single The original line-up for the band may have gone separate ways, with most pursuing solo careers, but the band’s legacy remains matchless. “Even after 25 years, Junoon’s music has stood the test of time. When it comes to our musical legacy, the struggle for retaining your authenticity in art and life is a tough battle,” explained the guitarist. He added that he was always reminded of a quote by Schopenhauer when he thought of Junoon’s journey over the years; ‘All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident’. Recalling a recent incident he said, “At a concert in February, a mother brought her teenage daughter to the show. She had named her Sayonee after our song, because the mother back then had been an ardent Junoon fan. When I met the girl, she told me that she’s learning to play the guitar just like me. That is the power of Junoon’s music across generations and borders.” While one hopes to see the day Ali, Salman and Brian take the stage together once again, the ex-lead vocalist has repeatedly stated that a reunion is off the table. “I have countless memories with Ali and Brian who I’ve known all my life. But Junoon has been performing all over the world even without them. Musicians come and go but the band keeps on rolling along with the years,” said Salman. Junoon25 is slated to launch in August later this year. “Since our first album, Junoon, was recorded in Karachi and released in August 1991, in a couple of months, we will be launching the year of Junoon, globally in grand style,” shared the guitarist. Published in The Express Tribune, June 1st, 2016. Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

Salman Ahmad promises free Junoon concert at Wagah border if Pakistan beats India in T20

Entertainment Desk — Thu, 17 Mar 16 11:51:58 +0500

It seems everyone is longing for Pakistan to beat India in the T20 World Cup and are doing whatever they can within their capacity to motivate the team towards a win. Singer Salman Ahmad is no exception. The ex-Junoon member took to Twitter to break some good news for his fans. He wrote, "If IA, #Pakistan beats #India in #T20WorldCup on March 19th, Free #Junoon concert at Wagah / Atari Line of Control. #JazbaJunoon in #Kolkata" https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/710376133234184192 Review: Salman Ahmad’s ‘Kaise Bolun’ is an insult to his artistic prowess We do love Junoon but after the Kaise Bolun? debacle, people don't seem too keen on hearing Ahmad belt out tunes for a while. Because let's face it, there was no soul to soul connection. Ali Azmat would wholeheartedly agree. https://twitter.com/RealAliAzmat/status/709229098871222272 Ali Azmat takes a dig at Salman Ahmad's new single Ahmad's offer was not taken so well on twitter it seems. https://twitter.com/i2Aviator/status/710381640820899840 Wasn't this what everyone was already thinking? https://twitter.com/ShahidSrfraz/status/710401179969318912

Ali Azmat takes a dig at Salman Ahmad's new single

Entertainment Desk — Tue, 15 Mar 16 06:53:07 +0500

Salman Ahmad's new single Kaise Bolun not only left fans disappointed but forced his Junoon exband member Ali Azmat to rule out all chances of a reunion. Salman and Ali's rocky past is no secret and this time Ali Azmat publicly called out Salman for his latest release. Ali took to Twitter to post, "There is no reunion on the cards I need some time to get over #soultosoul" https://twitter.com/RealAliAzmat/status/709229098871222272 Junoon reunion not happening And his fan agreed with him. Brutal. https://twitter.com/condeshunzz/status/709271211965030400 But then there were some who were heartbroken and were desperately hoping to see the duo come back together. https://twitter.com/Mohsin421/status/709303388320694272 https://twitter.com/TabishWaqar/status/709317392053182465 https://twitter.com/kashifaslamj029/status/709329494037897217 https://twitter.com/JasChorusB/status/709238833578049536 Breakups are usually hard, but this one seems to have hit home.

Film on Junoon might be next step for me: Salman Ahmad

Entertainment Desk — Sat, 20 Feb 16 07:41:52 +0500

The lead guitarist of Pakistan's most coveted rock band, Junoon, is set to make his acting debut and he may as well work in a film based on his own journey. As the 90s band prepares to mark it's 25th anniversary this year, Salman Ahmad thinks a film on Junoon might be next on the cards for him. In a recent interview with the Times of India, the Sayonee hitmaker, who will be seen in the Bollywood film Rhythm directed by Vivek Kumar, said, "I really enjoyed working with Vivek. So, I think a film on Junoon might just be the next step for me." Salman Ahmad collaborates with Peter Gabriel for HBO film Open Your Eyes Speaking about his foray into acting, Salman said, "Everything in my life happened because there was a whisper in my heart. I trained to be a doctor, but I followed my heart in wanting to be an artiste." Talking about the film, he said, "Vivek read the film's synopsis to me. What I loved about the story were two things: the story follows a group of friends, pursuing their careers, but are equally passionate about performing. The film's message of following one's heart won me over." https://twitter.com/sufisal/status/698514362785357824 Style staple: Salman Ahmad bowls us over with his hat trick He also shared the experience of his cameo appearance. "Shooting for the two songs was similar to how we shoot for our music. But the part where I play a mentor was challenging, as I had to get into character. However, it all fell in place after a few takes," he added. Salman has sung two songs for the film, Yaaron "a powerful song" with Sunidhi Chauhan and Kaise Bolu has a "modern" yet "Sufi touch."

Junoon’s music is much bigger than any of its band members: Salman Ahmed

saadia.qamar — Wed, 20 Jan 16 15:00:07 +0500

As a musician and UN Goodwill Ambassador for polio, it goes without saying that Salman Ahmad almost always has a great deal on his plate. The 52-year-old lead guitarist of pioneering Pakistani rock band, Junoon, is frequently heard of in the news, for his musical prowess or humanitarian efforts. This time around, however, he has come under the spotlight for a whole new reason: he will be soon be starring in an upcoming Bollywood movie, Rhythm. Speaking with The Express Tribune, Salman confessed he had always thought himself to have the potential to act. “As a child growing up in Lahore, I used to watch the Bollywood films that were telecast on Doordarshan TV, with my mother and grandmother,” he said. “In my heart, I just knew that one day, I would be in films myself. My mother used to laugh at me and say that no one in our family has ever played the guitar or acted in a movie before.” Would love to collaborate with Sajjad Ali: Zoe Viccaji Interestingly, this is not the first time Salman’s family has been approached by Bollywood. “My nana actually turned down a role before the Partition as he thought he would be compromising the name of the family.” But as author Paulo Coelho once said, when you follow your heart, the entire universe conspires to make you succeed. Such was the case with Salman who happened to come across Rhythm by chance. “The director Vicky Kumar happens to be a Junooni. He met my wife Samina and me in New York and pitched an offer I simply couldn’t refuse. It’s because of Vicky’s insistence that I have agreed to do this film.” Rhythm depicts the story of a rock band and the problems its members encounter through their lives. “It focuses on the band and its female lead singer’s mistrust in love,” shared Salman. “I play a rockstar cum guardian angel to her and it is through Junoon’s music that she finds freedom and hope.” The entire film has been shot in Poland and boasts of a both Indian and Pakistani crew. “I have contributed brand new songs to the movie. Its theme song, Yaaro, was recoreded with Sunidhi Chauhan in Mumbai,” he added. “I really enjoyed working on this project. I hope that people of all generations enjoy the musical love story and appreciate Indo-Pak artists working together.” Junoon reunion not happening The release of Rhythm in February coincides with the 25th anniversary of Junoon’s music. Salman’s plans for the year include another local film project, alongside Ali Zafar and Humayun Saeed. There is also a new, silver jubilee album being recorded at producer Shahi Hasan’s studio, as part of the Junoon 25 celebrations. “The album features special guests like Ali Zafar, Strings, Outlandish, Peter Gabriel, Morten Harket, Shubha Mudgal, Sunidhi and more,” shared Salman. “It has some of Junoon’s golden hits as well. I am also in talks with AR Rahman — let’s see what happens.” A point to note is that the silver jubilee celebrations will not see the legendary trio — which gave evergreen hits like Sayonee and Yaar Bina — reunite. But despite Ali Azmat’s bleak assurances, Salman still hopes that someday, Junoon will come together again. “I have always seen the glass as half full, not half empty. Junoon’s music is much bigger than any of its band members’,” he said. “If someone doesn’t want to come to the Junoon 25 party, we will celebrate it anyway. After all, qurbaani ki bahon mein milti hai azaadi.” Published in The Express Tribune, January 21st, 2016. Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

Junoon reunion not happening

saadia.qamar — Tue, 12 Jan 16 15:18:25 +0500

One question that fans of Pakistan’s iconic rock band Junoon have wanted to hear ever since Salman Ahmed, Ali Azmat and Brian O’Connell parted ways: is there hope for a possible comeback? While Salman has many a time raised what turned out to be false alarms, Ali is of the view that there’s no chance whatsoever. Talking to The Express Tribune, he said a Junoon reunion is not happening. “Bilkul bhi nahin! (Not at all) It’s not happening… under no circumstances. Everyone else is in the US and I am in Pakistan.” Ali’s Coke Studio 8 song Rangeela met with a lukewarm response, however, he seemed satisfied with the stint. “That was a mazedaar (fun) performance. I have received another call from Coke Studio to do a song for their upcoming season.” Salman Ahmad shows APS victims not forgotten Following his departure from Junoon, Ali embarked on a solo career and went on to release more than one studio albums. When asked about any news on future projects, he said, “Yes we have an album in the works. But it is a little difficult to decide how to release it. We will probably do it online since there is no proper record label in town.” For EMI Pakistan, he said, “It makes no difference whether they’re there or not.” After a string of Bollywood releases, Ali had stopped releasing music. “I never went away though. Last year I appeared in Coke Studio and Pakistan idol but yes there has been no music appearance as such because all the music channels have been closed. And I am not coming on morning shows until they decide to pay me.” Ali Azmat, Faysal Qureshi, Aijazz Aslam pay tribute to Peshawar victims So has the rock star now adopted a more settled, family life for good? “It’s [fatherhood] a good experience and is enjoyable. Family life is fun and gratifying. It’s another phase of my life.” Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2016. Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

Salman Ahmad collaborates with Peter Gabriel for HBO film Open Your Eyes

saadia.qamar — Fri, 18 Sep 15 07:04:31 +0500

Junoon member Salman Ahmad is soaring high; from his acting debut in Bollywood to his collaboration for an upcoming HBO film, this talented musician is fast gaining traction internationally. The musician speaks exclusively to The Express Tribune about his collaboration with Peter Gabriel for song Munn Kunto Maula in HBO film Open Your Eyes and how the opportunity came knocking at his door. “I'm honored to have been asked by Oscar-nominated director Irene Taylor Brodsky and Oscar-nominated producer Dr Larry Brilliant to compose the musical score for the film. Both of them are fans of Sufi music and have been frequent guests at my concerts in the US," Salman said. Read: Vital Signs, Junoon team up for new national chant 'Chaand Sitaara' He was introduced to English musician Peter years earlier and they haven't lost touch since. “I met Peter Gabriel in 2007, when I was performing in Oxford at the Skoll Forum hosted by participant films chairman Jeff Skoll. He introduced me to Peter and we've been in touch ever since,” he added. Munn Kunto Maula isn't the only song from Open Your Eyes the two collaborated on, the duo also worked together on the theme song of the film. “In addition to the musical score, Peter Gabriel and I collaborated on the theme song Open your Eyes which is bilingual -- in English and Urdu. Peter is also a huge qawwali buff and responsible for bringing Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to Hollywood for his Grammy-winning Passion soundtrack for Martin Scorsese's film Last Temptation of Christ." [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: PAKLINKS[/caption] He shares the thrilling experience of recording Ameer Khusro’s famous qawwali Munn Kunto Maula thousands of miles away from Peter. "I recorded the film soundtrack in NY at John Alec's studios while Peter's vocals were recorded in the UK at his Real World studios. It was an exhilarating process to record a fusion track inspired by the father of qawwali music, Hazrat Ameer Khusro and his ethereal Munn Kunto Maula,” Salman gushed. The musician is hopeful about the film winning an Oscar and cannot thank the director and producer enough for the opportunity they gave him. "Open your eyes is a brilliant, beautifully shot film about giving sight to the sightless and voice to the voiceless. I'm indebted to Irene and Dr Larry for giving me the opportunity to score the film. I hope it wins big at the Oscars next year,” he added. Read: How Junoon took Parvaaz Future plans thus far include his debut Bollywood film Rhythm, which is in the pipelines along with numerous film offers in the future, claims the musician. Next year will mark Junoon's 25th anniversary and the musician hopes to celebrate the festive occasion by eradicating polio from Pakistan. His Bollywood film, which has been in the works for more than two years, is a musical love story. Salman will portray himself -- a sufi-rocker -- who serves as a symbolic angel to the female lead in the film. The movie is about an Indian college band that goes to Poland and how a girl in the movie is a Junoon fan, “That is where I come in; I play myself in the film and serve as a sufi-rocker guide to the girl,” said Ahmed. It is a love story shot in Krakow, Poland. It has musical-global village meets coming-of-age film flavor to it," he explained. He has contributed two songs to the film. One of them features the vocal talents of Sunidhi Chauhan titled, Yaaro and will also feature in Junoon’s 25th anniversary album, slated to release next year. Read: Junooni gets into the ‘rhythm’ He views this cross-border exchange of talent as a positive influence on India and Pakistan. "I think it is really good. If you see both countries from the prism of films and music, then there's nothing wrong. "We are divided by politics. And when there's a cricket match between the two countries, we suddenly forget the love we have for each other," he added.

Junoon: Twenty years gone by

saadia.qamar — Thu, 29 Sep 11 15:44:59 +0500

Junoon’s journey, embarked by the launch of their first self-titled album Junoon in 1991, can be compared to a whirling dervish. Their first-ever PTV appearance was with their song “Neend Aati Nahi”, which featured ex-vocalist Ali Azmat, Ahmad on leads guitars and Nusrat Hussain on keyboards. But within a short span of time, Hussain parted ways and went solo, releasing his own album in 1992. Ahmad then contacted his friend Brian O’Connell, who was based in New York at that time, to come and play as a bassist for the band. For more than a decade, the trio rocked the nation with wild tunes that held promises of freedom and hope. The last album Junoon released, before they split with vocalist Ali Azmat, was Dewaar in 2003. For the last few years it has been Ahmad who has been making music under the name ‘Junoon’, without Azmat, occasionally meeting up with O’Connell for concerts and now collaborating on Junoon’s 20th Anniversary Album. Junoon – the journey Ahmad: Iqbal once wrote, ‘The whisper in your heart has strength, it may not have wings, but it has the power to fly’. Twenty years ago, Junoon was only a whisper in my heart which has now grown into a mystical and powerful bond between our music and our fans. The band has evolved over the years but we still continue to whirl around the axis of love. O’ Connell: It has been and continues to be an exciting and meaningful journey. I thank God for giving me this opportunity to reach so many people through our music. Our travels have introduced me to varying cultures, politics and lifestyles, with the underlying observation that music and art transcend differences and unite people. Close to the heart Ahmad: “Chand Sitara” at the moment O’ Connell: “Mitti” and its timeless message What does the future hold Ahmad: Shoaib Mansoor and I share the pain that most Pakistanis feel about their country, but we refuse to just keep complaining. After being a part of Vital Signs “Dil Dil Pakistan”, Mansoor is now collaborating with Junoon to produce a patriotic song “Chand Sitara”. The concept is that Pakistan will only change when its people change from within. We’re also hoping to spend the next year touring the world. I’ve just signed my first Bollywood film Rhythm, which is slated to release in 2012. O’ Connell: I have recorded the bassline for the new song “Chand Sitara” recently at John-Alec’s studio. Besides guest artists’ musical contributions on this 20th Anniversary Album, the material is Junoon’s original songs which we recorded over the last 20 years. It’s different because Ali is not with us today in the studio. Azmat’s afterglow Ahmad: I want to wish Ali Azmat, Nusrat Hussain, Sabir Zafar, Ashiq Ali Mir, Malcolm Goveas, Jay Dittamo and other Junoonis a very happy Junoon 2011. Junoon the band, however, has just two members for now. O’ Connell: I have joined Azmat on stage for his tours here in the US and it continues to be a fun, fulfilling and adventurous experience. He and I are in touch regularly. Strong friendships are permanent and the bond that the three of us have created is deep. My journey with Junoon has shaped my style and playing tremendously. Will there be a reunion? O’ Connell: For me, Junoon’s true identity was established and matured over the many years that we were all together. Although our individual messages and passions are consistent in many ways, the cohesive power of the union created a platform which is much greater than the sum of its parts. I cannot predict the future. All I can do is keep my soul healthy enough to be present, willing and open to the myriad of possibilities God has in store for each and all of us. I will always look forward to that special magic created by the three of us on the same stage. For me, it’s all about love and service. Defining moments 1990 Ahmad, dreams that a Maulana Rumi look alike says to him ‘Tumhey mousiqui ka junoon hai’. Junoon is formed with Azmat of Jupiters and Hussain of Vital Signs. 1991 Junoon the self-titled debut album released by the band by EMI Studio in Karachi gets a lukewarm response. Hussain parts ways and goes solo. 1992 O’Connell becomes a part of the band. Ahmad and Shoaib Mansoor team up to make a documentary Leading From The Front, on the life of Imran Khan. 1993 Talaash, the second album comes out in the market. The Song “Talaash” which is a political commentary gets censored by PTV under the regime of Nawaz Sharif. 1994 “Talaash” a PTV drama serial directed by Atiqa Odho and written by Anwar Maqsood on the life of the trio is aired. 1995 The band releases their first compilation album Kashmakash 1996 The trio’s third album Inquilaab gains success and one of the song in the album titled “Jazba-e-Junoon” becomes the signature song of the cricket World Cup. The band also releases a controversial video directed by Mansoor called “Ehtesaab” which is banned on PTV. 1997 Junoon releases Azadi that hits the platinum sales status within four weeks. Additionally, their song “Sayonee” stays at number one on Channel V and MTV Asia for over two months. 1998 Junoon wins the ‘Best International Group’ at the Channel V Music Awards. They perform at Zee Cine Awards in Mumbai, at New York’s Central Park and at the BBC Mega Mela in London. 1999 Former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpee invites the band to perform in India. Junoon also perform at the Millennium Peace Concert in Paris and is awarded Unesco’s ‘Outstanding Achievement in Music and Peace.’ 2000 Junoon becomes the first-ever Asian band to perform at Roskilde Festival in Denmark. The band appears in Anand Pathwardhan’s film on India and Pakistan titled War and Peace. 2001 Ahmad is appointed UN ‘Goodwill Ambassador’. After 9/11 the band extensively tours the American university and colleges, promoting messages of peace and harmony. VH-1 airs a documentary on Junoon: Islamabad Rockcity presented by Hollywood actor Susan Sarandon. 2002 The band releases “No More”, a song in English which is their first anti-terrorism song. Also, their 30-minute interview gets aired on CNN in the show called “Talk Asia”. 2003 Junoon disbands; O’Connell leaves for the US and Azmat goes solo. 2004 Ahmad sings a duet with Shubha Mudgal on “Ghoom Tana”, which is screened on respective Independence Day in Karachi and New Delhi. 2005 Azmat releases Social Circus and Ahmad releases Infinity. Ahmad appears in a controversial BBC documentary on Muslim-Americans titled It’s My Country Too. 2006 Former US president Bill Clinton invites Ahmad to speak at the Clinton Global initiative in New York attended by Queen Rania, Barbra Streisand, Bill Gates and Desmond Tutu. 2007 Ahmad performs at Nobel Peace Prize Concert and ceremony held in Oslo. 2008 Azmat’s solo career gets a boost with his second album Klasinfolk. Ahmad co-writes and records “Ring the Bells” with American Academy and Grammy award winning singer Melissa Etheridge. 2009 Ahmad performs at the SSGWI concert for Pakistan at the UN general assembly with Sting, Outlandish and Gavin Rossdale for Pakistani IDP’s. 2010 Ahmad’s memoir called Rock and Roll Jihad: A Muslim Rock Stars Revolution is published by Simon and Shuster. The artist also releases “Open Your Eyes” with Peter Gabriel. 2011 Ahmad collaborates with Gabriel and also records “If I Could Change” with Ziggy Marley and Sweet Rush for UN World Humanitarian Day. Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2011.

East meets west: Fusion of sax, tabla and sitar enthrals audience

obaid.abbasi — Mon, 26 Sep 11 01:39:15 +0500

The PNCA auditorium was packed as a New York-based jazz group performed with Pakistani musicians to promote cultural exchanges between Pakistan and the United States. Ari Roland, Zaid Nasser, Chris Byars, and Keith Gregory Balla came on stage to a warm welcome from the young music lovers of the twin cities, diplomats and embassy officials. Roland hit the most memorable notes of the night, playing his guitar to gentle perfection. He took the audience on a tour through the “golden age” of jazz, which is a fusion of western and African music conceived in the southern states of the USA by African Americans. The music style is made distinct by its heavy use of saxophones and other wind instruments. Among the many soulful instrumentals that the quartet performed, a cover of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” was one of the highlights. Four other songs were presented using a volley of soothing eastern musical instruments with a powerful saxophone line and pow wow drums, a Native American percussion instrument. “I am sure that concerts like this will reduce the ongoing tension between Pakistan and the US,” said Jalil Khan, a music lover. Similarly, the Pakistani musicians also performed and presented a number of songs, with “Pyar Nahin Hai Sur Se Jisko” getting a loud round of applause. Aamir Hussain, Mohammad Ajmal and Mohammad Salman performed using a sitar, tabla and dhol, setting up a fusion performance, which energised the crowd with the performance of one of Sufi rockers Junoon’s signatures, Jazba-e-Junoon, which brought the capacity crowd to their feet. US Embassy Charge de Affairs Richard Hogland described the event as a “good part of diplomacy” because “jazz is a form of music that America has contributed to the fusion of interests and people for a very long time.” According to the US embassy, the quartet is in Pakistan on an embassy-arranged tour from September 15-28. They have already performed in Karachi, and Lahore, and now in the capital. In Islamabad, the quartet will collaborate with the Pakistani band Fuzon to create a US-Pakistani friendship song that will be showcased at a live show in Islamabad next week. Published in The Express Tribune, September 26th, 2011.