Jal to perform in Bangladesh after 14 years

Former vocalist Farhan Saeed confirms he won't be returning

In the annals of Pakistani pop rock, few names command as much nostalgia and fervour as Jal. The band, whose soulful tracks were once the soundtrack of countless teenage years, is all set to perform in Bangladesh after a staggering 14-year hiatus. The news has sent ripples of excitement through their fanbase, yet it comes with a side of bittersweet disappointment. Why, you ask? Because Farhan Saeed, the band's charismatic former vocalist-turned-actor, won't be joining them.

The news of Jal's much-anticipated return was confirmed by none other than Goher Mumtaz, the band's linchpin and creative powerhouse. Taking to Instagram, Mumtaz shared screenshots of articles celebrating the band's upcoming performance in Bangladesh. With the enthusiasm of a man ready to reignite old flames, Mumtaz's post was a long time coming for fans who've held onto the band's legacy for over a decade.

Saeed, who parted ways with Jal in 2011, was the voice behind some of the band's most iconic tracks. Despite leaving the band more than a decade ago, his name and image continue to be associated with Jal, much to the frustration of those who've been paying attention. And it seems this confusion has reared its head yet again.

As news of the concert spread, many fans were led to believe that Saeed would be gracing the stage alongside Mumtaz, reigniting the magic of their early years. After all, what's a Jal reunion without the man who sang Woh Lamhe with such soul-stirring intensity? The rumour mill went into overdrive, spurred on by the use of Saeed's photos in promotional materials. It was nostalgia and wishful thinking, but as Saeed himself would soon clarify, it was also a case of misinformation.

In an Instagram Story, Saeed set the record straight. "To all Bangladesh fans," he began, addressing the nation with the formality of a diplomat about to deliver bad news, "I keep getting asked if I am coming to Bangladesh in September for a concert. The answer is no I am not, my picture is used blatantly though. When I will be touring Bangladesh, I'll announce it on my social media platforms. All fans are requested to spread the same."

Meanwhile, Mumtaz focused on the positive. On Instagram, he heralded the return of Jal with a message about remastered music. "The album that never left our hearts is back with a bang. Catch the remastered tracks of your favourite Aadat and a brand-new track Sun Sarkar." It's hard not to get caught up in the excitement—Mumtaz is clearly ready to remind the world why Jal became such a sensation in the first place.

For those unfamiliar with Jal's origins, the band's story is the stuff of rock folklore. Emerging from Lahore, Pakistan, in the early 2000s, Jal quickly became a household name with their breakout hit Aadat. The original lineup featured Mumtaz, Saeed and none other than Atif Aslam —a trio that would go on to shape the sound of Pakistani pop rock. Over the years, the band saw its fair share of lineup changes, with Shazi, Omer Nadeem, and Salman Albert joining the ranks. Yet, despite the shifts and shuffles, Jal's music has remained a constant in the hearts of its fans.