An interview with Junoon & Salman Ahmed
By Nafiza Dawla
Wed, 16 Mar 2005, 11:44:00
From New Nation Online Edition
Junoon, a Pakistani rock and roll band group. It is one of the biggest rock and roll, and band music groups of Asia. The word Junoon means obsession. Salman Ahmed and Ali Azmat are the two vocalist of the group. Formed in 1990, it released albums namely Junoon (1991), Kashmakash, Talaash (1993), Inquilab (1996), Azadi (1997), Andaz (2001), Pervaaz (2002), Ishaq (2002) and Deewar (2003). Junoon received award for outstanding achievements in Music and Peace by UNESCO. The BBC honoured the group with an award for Contribution to Asian Culture at the exclusive BBC Asian Awards Ceremony.
Salman Ahmed, songwriter/lead guitarist/composer, born in Lahore, Pakistan, obtained graduation in medical science from reputed King Edward Medical College. Salman Ahmad is most likely the only the living rock star, who is also a medical doctor .The New Nation got an opportunity to take his interview despite his busy time in Bangladesh as the group performed several musical programmes in Dhaka and Chittagong.
Life Style (The New Nation) : Would you please make a comment on your performances in Bangladesh?
Salman: We are satisfied with our performance in Bangladesh. It is a thrill to sing in front of 40,000 spectators. We visited Bangladesh thrice in the past but the experience we got this time was unique.
LS: Do you think that you have been succeeded to satisfy the audience by your performances?
Salman: Yes. The crowds cheered us every moment, which is rare even in our own country.
LS: What were the purposes behind your visit and performances in Bangladesh?
Salman: Bangladesh is one of the countries in our world tour.
LS: What’s your next plan?
Salman:To release an album titled Infinity in two months time
LS: How did you feel Bangladeshi people during your short visit?
Salman: The Bangladeshi people were friendly to us. Whenever we went, they greeted us and became pleased at our performance. They are really fond of music.
LS: Do you find any difference in the culture arena of Bangladesh between your previous visits and the present?
Salman: The audience responded to us this time more cordially than before. They have become more progressive and practical.
LS: Do you think that cultural heritage would be affected as the band music is flourishing is day by day?
Salman: No. If we love our traditional music and then reform, there will be no adverse impact.
LS. What is the different between Dil Dil Pakistan and Ghoom Tana?
Salman: The former represents western music and later modern style as been mixed. Ghoom Tana' is a project on HIV/Aids and friendship. I wrote and composed the song and then looked for the ideal female voice from India who could complement the melody and the lyrics. Shubha Mudgal's got this ethereal voice and she seemed to be the perfect choice. I got goose bumps in the studio when I recorded with her. I was also very honoured and deeply touched by Naseerudin Shah agreeing to do the voice over and Nandita Da She was perfect for the part because she really believes in the message behind it.
LS: Does the Junoon music come out of the Sufi’s music?
Salman: Junoon's Sufi leanings were inspired mainly due to my work and association with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. I studied and performed with him and he has remained a lasting influence. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan always said to me, “Do not forget your own traditional music.” I think Bangladesh has a lot of traditional music and I am really proud of my own culture. I don't like musical labels because they are usually inaccurate. The Beatles played all kinds of music inspired from the west and the east yet they were always known as a pop/rock band. That's the way I see Junoon - a band that plays music to express joy, freedom and love.
LS: Sate details of your band members?
Salman: The other member of Junoon is Sabir Zafar, lyricist of the band Junnon, who has become one of Pakistan's leading lyricists. Sabir and Salman collaborated to produce such classic poetry as "Sayonee" and "Mitti". He returned to form on "Gharaj Baras". The band producer, John Alec has produced every Junoon album beginning with Azadi. John mastered Parvaaz at Abbey Road studios in the U.K, and regularly tours with Junoon in all international appearances. John has established his own picturesque studios overlooking the Hudson River in Grandview, New York, where Junoon recorded and produced many tracks from this album. Road Manager, Yousuf, manages tour and is a component of the Junoon machine. Manager Shehryar Ahmad set up Junoon.com in 1996. His goal is to get Junoon as a number one singer on the Billboard charts. S. Ishtiaq Ahmed is the Sound/Monitor Engineer.
LS: How do you think that President Parveez Musharraf is also a Junoon’s fan?
Salman: He is really a great—a great leader. He promotes the young musician and also inspires them. Few months ago, the Royal Albert Hall with President Musharraf as Chief Guest saw a concert. At Albert Hall he rolled up his sleeves and stood up and clapped to the encore of 'Jazba-e-Junoon’, which he specially requested.
LS: You are also an actor, so how do you feel as an actor?
Salman: Basically I am a composer and a singer, so mostly I comfort with music.
Salman Ahmad's documentary "It's My Country Too" was telecasted, BBC2 on 15th March. The character is relating, the Muslims living in the United States.
LS. Which kind of song do you like to listen?
Salman: I listen to a lot of Blues, rock, Qawwali and Old Bollywood film songs. My CD collection includes Robert Johnson, John Lee hooker, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Radiohead, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and R.D.Burman.
Interview by : Nafiza Dawla
Photo : Arman Hossain Bappy
Monday, December 26, 2005
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Monday, December 26, 2005
An interview with Junoon & Salman Ahmed
An interview with Junoon & Salman Ahmed
By Nafiza Dawla
Wed, 16 Mar 2005, 11:44:00
From New Nation Online Edition
Junoon, a Pakistani rock and roll band group. It is one of the biggest rock and roll, and band music groups of Asia. The word Junoon means obsession. Salman Ahmed and Ali Azmat are the two vocalist of the group. Formed in 1990, it released albums namely Junoon (1991), Kashmakash, Talaash (1993), Inquilab (1996), Azadi (1997), Andaz (2001), Pervaaz (2002), Ishaq (2002) and Deewar (2003). Junoon received award for outstanding achievements in Music and Peace by UNESCO. The BBC honoured the group with an award for Contribution to Asian Culture at the exclusive BBC Asian Awards Ceremony.
Salman Ahmed, songwriter/lead guitarist/composer, born in Lahore, Pakistan, obtained graduation in medical science from reputed King Edward Medical College. Salman Ahmad is most likely the only the living rock star, who is also a medical doctor .The New Nation got an opportunity to take his interview despite his busy time in Bangladesh as the group performed several musical programmes in Dhaka and Chittagong.
Life Style (The New Nation) : Would you please make a comment on your performances in Bangladesh?
Salman: We are satisfied with our performance in Bangladesh. It is a thrill to sing in front of 40,000 spectators. We visited Bangladesh thrice in the past but the experience we got this time was unique.
LS: Do you think that you have been succeeded to satisfy the audience by your performances?
Salman: Yes. The crowds cheered us every moment, which is rare even in our own country.
LS: What were the purposes behind your visit and performances in Bangladesh?
Salman: Bangladesh is one of the countries in our world tour.
LS: What’s your next plan?
Salman:To release an album titled Infinity in two months time
LS: How did you feel Bangladeshi people during your short visit?
Salman: The Bangladeshi people were friendly to us. Whenever we went, they greeted us and became pleased at our performance. They are really fond of music.
LS: Do you find any difference in the culture arena of Bangladesh between your previous visits and the present?
Salman: The audience responded to us this time more cordially than before. They have become more progressive and practical.
LS: Do you think that cultural heritage would be affected as the band music is flourishing is day by day?
Salman: No. If we love our traditional music and then reform, there will be no adverse impact.
LS. What is the different between Dil Dil Pakistan and Ghoom Tana?
Salman: The former represents western music and later modern style as been mixed. Ghoom Tana' is a project on HIV/Aids and friendship. I wrote and composed the song and then looked for the ideal female voice from India who could complement the melody and the lyrics. Shubha Mudgal's got this ethereal voice and she seemed to be the perfect choice. I got goose bumps in the studio when I recorded with her. I was also very honoured and deeply touched by Naseerudin Shah agreeing to do the voice over and Nandita Da She was perfect for the part because she really believes in the message behind it.
LS: Does the Junoon music come out of the Sufi’s music?
Salman: Junoon's Sufi leanings were inspired mainly due to my work and association with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. I studied and performed with him and he has remained a lasting influence. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan always said to me, “Do not forget your own traditional music.” I think Bangladesh has a lot of traditional music and I am really proud of my own culture. I don't like musical labels because they are usually inaccurate. The Beatles played all kinds of music inspired from the west and the east yet they were always known as a pop/rock band. That's the way I see Junoon - a band that plays music to express joy, freedom and love.
LS: Sate details of your band members?
Salman: The other member of Junoon is Sabir Zafar, lyricist of the band Junnon, who has become one of Pakistan's leading lyricists. Sabir and Salman collaborated to produce such classic poetry as "Sayonee" and "Mitti". He returned to form on "Gharaj Baras". The band producer, John Alec has produced every Junoon album beginning with Azadi. John mastered Parvaaz at Abbey Road studios in the U.K, and regularly tours with Junoon in all international appearances. John has established his own picturesque studios overlooking the Hudson River in Grandview, New York, where Junoon recorded and produced many tracks from this album. Road Manager, Yousuf, manages tour and is a component of the Junoon machine. Manager Shehryar Ahmad set up Junoon.com in 1996. His goal is to get Junoon as a number one singer on the Billboard charts. S. Ishtiaq Ahmed is the Sound/Monitor Engineer.
LS: How do you think that President Parveez Musharraf is also a Junoon’s fan?
Salman: He is really a great—a great leader. He promotes the young musician and also inspires them. Few months ago, the Royal Albert Hall with President Musharraf as Chief Guest saw a concert. At Albert Hall he rolled up his sleeves and stood up and clapped to the encore of 'Jazba-e-Junoon’, which he specially requested.
LS: You are also an actor, so how do you feel as an actor?
Salman: Basically I am a composer and a singer, so mostly I comfort with music.
Salman Ahmad's documentary "It's My Country Too" was telecasted, BBC2 on 15th March. The character is relating, the Muslims living in the United States.
LS. Which kind of song do you like to listen?
Salman: I listen to a lot of Blues, rock, Qawwali and Old Bollywood film songs. My CD collection includes Robert Johnson, John Lee hooker, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Radiohead, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and R.D.Burman.
Interview by : Nafiza Dawla
Photo : Arman Hossain Bappy
By Nafiza Dawla
Wed, 16 Mar 2005, 11:44:00
From New Nation Online Edition
Junoon, a Pakistani rock and roll band group. It is one of the biggest rock and roll, and band music groups of Asia. The word Junoon means obsession. Salman Ahmed and Ali Azmat are the two vocalist of the group. Formed in 1990, it released albums namely Junoon (1991), Kashmakash, Talaash (1993), Inquilab (1996), Azadi (1997), Andaz (2001), Pervaaz (2002), Ishaq (2002) and Deewar (2003). Junoon received award for outstanding achievements in Music and Peace by UNESCO. The BBC honoured the group with an award for Contribution to Asian Culture at the exclusive BBC Asian Awards Ceremony.
Salman Ahmed, songwriter/lead guitarist/composer, born in Lahore, Pakistan, obtained graduation in medical science from reputed King Edward Medical College. Salman Ahmad is most likely the only the living rock star, who is also a medical doctor .The New Nation got an opportunity to take his interview despite his busy time in Bangladesh as the group performed several musical programmes in Dhaka and Chittagong.
Life Style (The New Nation) : Would you please make a comment on your performances in Bangladesh?
Salman: We are satisfied with our performance in Bangladesh. It is a thrill to sing in front of 40,000 spectators. We visited Bangladesh thrice in the past but the experience we got this time was unique.
LS: Do you think that you have been succeeded to satisfy the audience by your performances?
Salman: Yes. The crowds cheered us every moment, which is rare even in our own country.
LS: What were the purposes behind your visit and performances in Bangladesh?
Salman: Bangladesh is one of the countries in our world tour.
LS: What’s your next plan?
Salman:To release an album titled Infinity in two months time
LS: How did you feel Bangladeshi people during your short visit?
Salman: The Bangladeshi people were friendly to us. Whenever we went, they greeted us and became pleased at our performance. They are really fond of music.
LS: Do you find any difference in the culture arena of Bangladesh between your previous visits and the present?
Salman: The audience responded to us this time more cordially than before. They have become more progressive and practical.
LS: Do you think that cultural heritage would be affected as the band music is flourishing is day by day?
Salman: No. If we love our traditional music and then reform, there will be no adverse impact.
LS. What is the different between Dil Dil Pakistan and Ghoom Tana?
Salman: The former represents western music and later modern style as been mixed. Ghoom Tana' is a project on HIV/Aids and friendship. I wrote and composed the song and then looked for the ideal female voice from India who could complement the melody and the lyrics. Shubha Mudgal's got this ethereal voice and she seemed to be the perfect choice. I got goose bumps in the studio when I recorded with her. I was also very honoured and deeply touched by Naseerudin Shah agreeing to do the voice over and Nandita Da She was perfect for the part because she really believes in the message behind it.
LS: Does the Junoon music come out of the Sufi’s music?
Salman: Junoon's Sufi leanings were inspired mainly due to my work and association with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. I studied and performed with him and he has remained a lasting influence. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan always said to me, “Do not forget your own traditional music.” I think Bangladesh has a lot of traditional music and I am really proud of my own culture. I don't like musical labels because they are usually inaccurate. The Beatles played all kinds of music inspired from the west and the east yet they were always known as a pop/rock band. That's the way I see Junoon - a band that plays music to express joy, freedom and love.
LS: Sate details of your band members?
Salman: The other member of Junoon is Sabir Zafar, lyricist of the band Junnon, who has become one of Pakistan's leading lyricists. Sabir and Salman collaborated to produce such classic poetry as "Sayonee" and "Mitti". He returned to form on "Gharaj Baras". The band producer, John Alec has produced every Junoon album beginning with Azadi. John mastered Parvaaz at Abbey Road studios in the U.K, and regularly tours with Junoon in all international appearances. John has established his own picturesque studios overlooking the Hudson River in Grandview, New York, where Junoon recorded and produced many tracks from this album. Road Manager, Yousuf, manages tour and is a component of the Junoon machine. Manager Shehryar Ahmad set up Junoon.com in 1996. His goal is to get Junoon as a number one singer on the Billboard charts. S. Ishtiaq Ahmed is the Sound/Monitor Engineer.
LS: How do you think that President Parveez Musharraf is also a Junoon’s fan?
Salman: He is really a great—a great leader. He promotes the young musician and also inspires them. Few months ago, the Royal Albert Hall with President Musharraf as Chief Guest saw a concert. At Albert Hall he rolled up his sleeves and stood up and clapped to the encore of 'Jazba-e-Junoon’, which he specially requested.
LS: You are also an actor, so how do you feel as an actor?
Salman: Basically I am a composer and a singer, so mostly I comfort with music.
Salman Ahmad's documentary "It's My Country Too" was telecasted, BBC2 on 15th March. The character is relating, the Muslims living in the United States.
LS. Which kind of song do you like to listen?
Salman: I listen to a lot of Blues, rock, Qawwali and Old Bollywood film songs. My CD collection includes Robert Johnson, John Lee hooker, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Radiohead, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and R.D.Burman.
Interview by : Nafiza Dawla
Photo : Arman Hossain Bappy
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