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

He revealed his mother became skeptical when he brought home money from a gig and a secret side-business

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.


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.

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