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Friday, September 20, 2024  
15 Rabi ul Awal 1446  

From a pop star to a preacher; Glance at Junaid Jamshed's life

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WEB DESK: Clad in a leather jacket, a pair of well-fitted jeans, and a t-shirt, Junaid Jamshed was one of the most famous celebrities in Pakistan. 

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Born on September 3rd, 1964, Junaid was a star from the beginning. Junaid Jamshed was the lead man of the most famous boy band of the country, Vital Signs, and a renown solo artist of the 90's, after the band split.

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However, this is not how Junaid Jamshed is remembered today. Today, Junaid Jamshed is remembered as a preacher, a philanthropist, a kind human being, someone who was very down to earth,

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Formed by two teens in 1986, Vital Signs rose to fame with the most famous national song till the date, Dil Dil Pakistan, video of which was directed by Shoaib, four boys seen in jackets and guitars hung on their shoulders, it was a refreshing change from Zia-ul-Haq's Islamization. It was also the first time a boy band was allowed to appear on national television dressed in western attire.

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Soon after, Vital Signs became a noted national and international boy band, with much credit to the band's looks and its albums.

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Later in the 90's, the band split and Junaid continued to his journey in music as a solo artist. Junaid's many singles were an instant hit and he was still famous the same for his career.  Junaid's single Aankhon ko Ankhon Ne was very well received, so was Us Rah Par, and much more.

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On the peak of his career, Junaid decided to quit music and preach the righteous path to masses. He chose to focus on religion, inciting many questions about his sudden change of path.

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His appearance changed drastically, as he ditched leather jackets and stonewashed jeans for a more traditional ensemble and a beard.

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He went on to build a fashion empire, with a clothing boutique known as J., which has several outlets across Pakistan.

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Junaid also received Tamgha-e-Imtiaz by then president for his humanitarian acts and philanthropy.

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Junaid's life's dramatic change could not stop him from being a part of the limelight. He was caught in various controversial stories, with allegations of blasphemy on him, a crowd attacked Junaid at Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad, accusing him of the same.

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More or less, Junaid was always open to forgiveness, giving duas to all. Not depriving the audience of his melodious voice, Jamshed started releasing albums of Naat Khuani.

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An influence, a beloved father, friends to many, preacher to thousands, Junaid Jamshed lost his life when he was en route to Islamabad from Chitral on the ill-fated PL-661 flight which crashed near Havelian.

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Junaid Jamshed shall live in our hearts forever, his journey from a pop star to a preacher will always be remembered.

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Here is a video about Junaid Jamshed's life: