Music of the heart

Leading Pakistani musician Junaid Jamshed talks about overcoming the inner conflict created from being a star

Fame sometimes comes at a price, and well-known Pakistani rock star Junaid Jamshed, paid for it. Fame drove him towards a journey inward. And today, the rocker who had turned a recluse is ready... to rock once again.

"It has not been an easy path. As the lead singer of the well-known Pakistani band Vital Signs, fame and adulation was mine for the taking," Jamshed said.

"Did I want it? I had fallen into it. As the spotlight stayed focussed, my mind was in turmoil. I was constantly looking for answers within, what is the purpose of life.

"After Vital Signs drifted apart, I continued with my solo career, which by the mercy of God did well. "I remember as a child I wanted to be the pilot of a fighter jet, followed by a doctor and then an engineer. The fate of being a rock star was unexpected.

"The questions troubled me and I couldn't find answers in my music. A few years ago, I did an album Us Raah Par, which expressed my internal conflict.

"After that I started going away for short periods of time to seek the answers within." Jamshed would travel with some moderate religious groups, that would go to remote parts of Pakistan to spread the word of God.

"People implied I was doing a Cat Stevens. I guess it was something akin to that, if not much stronger," he said. "On this journey, finally I came to the conclusion that the world of music was not for me. I had finally found peace. So I decided to give up music.

"This caused a furore among my fans, and their response impacted me. Also when I returned after my latest extended hiatus of over four months, I discovered the real world.

"I had contracts and obligations to complete. Also I realised that music was my identity. People knew me because of it... the fame was because of it.

"My mentor Shoaib Mansoor explained that music was a much stronger medium to spread the message of God and would reach a wider audience. So I came back and life has come a full circle."

Jamshed explained that finally he has managed to reconcile to some extent with his image of a rock star – he was doing what he wanted to. The return also marked his reunion with members of Vital Signs for a comeback. They will release an album in August, along with a reunion concert in Dubai next month.

"My music has changed, along with my inner self. There is more maturity and experience to the sound," he said.

"After 15 years in the industry, I know a lot more about music than when I started out. The sound initially was raw and innocent, which too had its appeal. Whereas, now it is more caring."

Vital Signs was formed in 1986 and the group has given over 500 concerts before the members drifted apart seven years ago. Jamshed was their lead singer and a few of their successful albums include Vital Signs, Vital Signs II, Aitebar, Hum Tum and Greatest Hits. The highlights of his solo career include several chart-topping singles and albums such as Us Raah Par.

Jamshed agreed that with his affiliation to religion, the image of fundamentalism was being attached to him.

"I am an extremely moderate man. I believe that once a person understands the tenets of his religion well, only then can he attempt to comprehend others," he said.

"People did imply that I was becoming some sort of fundamentalist. I am a musician with a fan following of people from all religions, so it is highly improbable that I would take such a path.

"So I had to hold a press conference to clear away these illusions. I would never participate in it or become a fundamentalist."

He said he loves peace and harmony, for music is essentially about those things. "Who doesn't want peace? Take India and Pakistan, along with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. There is so much talent there, if we come together, we don't need anybody else.

"The fact that we have musicians crossing the border is a beautiful thing and should be encouraged."

Jamshed was signed by the Indian company Times Music as one of their overseas artistes a year ago. They are scheduled to release his latest album Dil Ki Baat in India.

"Dil Ki Baat is a culmination of my journey of self discovery. Continuous progress has to be made on the path but the album gives the answers I have found within me," he said.

"Times Music has worked very hard with me on the album and hopefully they will be able to release it in India. Although the current political situation between India and Pakistan is quite tense, I hope music can cross over."

Speaking about the growth of popular music on the Sub-Continent, Jamshed said it has developed immensely in Pakistan.

"It was the voice of the people against the establishment, which has today found a wider expression. "In India, film music is closer to the roots of the people, so it is bigger."

"Anyway, no matter what the music of the future, for it to be popular, it has to have universality in its appeal – a globalisation of sound will have to be achieved for success," Jamshed added.