rowing up in the late 90s and 2000s , I can say that my generation was lucky enough to see a booming music scene in Pakistan . With active music channels and concerts , the youth often rocked to the hits by their favourite bands and artists . I also remember Junaid Khan ’ s voice tearing through our TV screens as he sang for Call the Band and gave hits like Pukaar and Sab Bhula Kay . With a promising venture into acting , I spoke to Junaid about the previous and current music scene , his experience of TV dramas and some quick bits about his life .
G
Despite vast exposure of social media and big forums like Coke Studio , why is music still not taken as a serious profession in our society ? Every change takes time . There was a time when media was not even considered a profession , and it was said that those who couldn ’ t do anything else went into media . There wasn ’ t much invested in media , but now you can see people make a living out of the entertainment business and educated people are involved in it . I believe social awareness is increasing .
As ambassadors of this profession , we do talk to people and promote it , but it will take some time to spread into the masses .
We don ’ t have music schools in Pakistan . Don ’ t you think that is a problem ? Yes , we never had music schools . However , we never had media schools either until a few years back and now media science , which includes courses like music production , is being taught on big scales in the country . So , such small steps contribute towards the acceptance of this profession in the society .
Talking about music schools , what role do they play in building a promising career ? Is it not something you are born with ? Any form of art has to be in you before you learn it . You can go across the globe to get an education in music or acting , but if you don ’ t have it in you , you will not be able to portray it to the audience without looking mechanic . Every artist who has received an education from some music or acting school has a set of unique skills which they have defined for themselves . Schools help in polishing these skills . Though art is a craft but it has to come from the heart .
A lot of fame , money and glamour is attached to a singer ’ s career . When youngsters look at singers , they feel everything must be easy for them . How true or false is that in your life ? No job is easy . The thing is that you don ’ t have to go through undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to become a successful musician unlike other fields which require 4 to 6 years of higher education . This is why people don ’ t really “ see ” the background and don ’ t value the hard work that goes into a musician ’ s career . I had an educational background . I studied engineering and then pursued MBA in marketing ; however , many don ’ t have an academic background , but they are self taught and are groomed by experience , and are doing wonders . It takes a lot of time and sweat to get there .