Ali Azmat, Salman Ahmad revisit Junoon memories

When Ali Azmat and Salman got back together after 13 years, music wasn’t the only thing they discussed. From a ban on Junoon, and their phenomenal success, to their personal journeys, the two spilled it all in a conversation with Geo News.

On being asked why the reunion didn’t happen sooner, Ali, taking a break from being his funny self, said that he and Salman discussed it a lot of times, but circumstances would just not allow.

“Then there’s also where you stand personally, where you are in life,” he said. “I thought a conversation with the self was due.”

Difficulty in getting visas was another issue, as Ali continues to reside in Pakistan while Salman has made the US his home.

The two said they had been thinking about reuniting again, and the plan materialised when Sooper approached them.

Revisiting the memories of when the band shot to fame in South Asia, Salman said he and Ali were neighbours, and used to jam together in Lahore before realising their music taste overlaps.

“I started from Vital Signs…but while I was friends with Junaid Jamshed, my music wasn't quite wasn’t on the same frequency,” he said.

The band in the 90s was banned for three years from performing publicly, after one of their song’s lyrics didn’t sit well with the then government.

“Maybe because of long hair,” Ali quipped when asked why the band was banned. Salman added it could be because some people were jealous of them. On a serious note, they said, they had decided they were no going to censor themselves, especially when people thought twice about airing their views.

They also talked about how their music reflected the Pakistani society—people who love Sufism and Sufi poetry and are also modern.

Will they continue making Sufi music? ” Now, we are thinking to make goofy music,” Ali jokes again.

The two said they plan to sit together and figure out what sort of music they want to make. They also promised something new for the 2019 cricket world cup, to give fans, who are still stuck with Jazba-e-Junoon, something new.

Junoon is set to make a return to the country's music scene after over a decade.

Geo and Sooper have partnered to bring the rock band to the Junoonis on December 25 at Karachi's DHA Sports Club.