Junaid Khan

you & me

Known for his distinctive voice and acting chops, Junaid Khan had a knack for performing arts despite being a quiet kid. During his time in university, he found friends who were into music, which led him try out for a band, “At the time, ‘Call’ was looking for a vocalist and I met Xulfi’s brother for a formal audition. I sang a few lines of ‘With Arms Wide Open’ by ‘Creed’ and something by ‘Staind’,” he recalls. Predominantly an alternative rock band, Call came out with its first song ‘Nishaan’ which became very popular in 2002. Later, it released songs like ‘Pukaar’ and ‘Shayad’ which catapulted the band to success. While being associated with Call as a lead vocalist for a long time, Junaid dabbled into acting as well. His acting stint started in 2011 with Jawad Bashir sitcom ‘Kabhi Na Kabhi’, which opened the doors to many more projects for him like ‘Mujhey Roothnay Na Dena’, ‘Silsilay’, ‘Ishq Tamasha’, ‘Mata-e-Jaan’, ‘Yahan Pyar Nahin Hai’, ‘Kadoorat’ etc made him a household name. Apart from proving his versatility as an actor, he’s sung some much-loved OSTs such as ‘Thays’, ‘Ro Raha Hai Dil’, ‘Sun Yara’ and ‘Natak’ to name a few.

Recently, the crooner came out with his song ‘Taalash’ which is a cross-border collaboration. The singer-turned-actor can also be seen on-air in serials ‘Kam Zarf’ and ‘Hania’, which tackles the issue of marital abuse. Let’s get to know more about this rock star...

You! Did you always want to pursue singing as a career?

I didn’t have such aspirations to be a singer, I just discovered I had this talent when I used to sing with my landlord while he played guitar. I used to play with my friends, and when ‘Call’ started, it was an instant success. When ‘Nishaan’ picked up, we took this up full-time.

You! What made you pursue acting?

I was interested in theatre and performed at university level as well. But during my MBA, I didn’t have much time for it. So, when I got a substantial script, I came into acting.

You! What do you prefer more, singing or acting?

Definitely, singing, because it’s your own expression.

You! Tell us about your new song ‘Taalash’ with The Spunk...

I always have been in favour of cross-border work with artists, so it was me from Pakistan, The Spunk from India and Glitch team who shot the video was from Bangladesh. The message of the song revolves around peace within you and around you, and that’s the message we want to give.

You! What do you love most about your job?

With my line of work, I have a platform to express myself about anything and tell my story, which is very fulfilling.

You! A project you consider your claim to fame...

My first song ‘Nishaan’

You! A project that you hold really close to your heart...

In terms of music it is ‘Sab Bhula Ke’, for TV it’s ‘Ye Mera Deewanapan Hai’, which wasn’t as popular but as an artist it’s special to me.

You! Is there a hidden talent no one knows about?

Not a lot of people know about my sketching because I rarely share them on my Instagram. My mom is a gold medallist in fine arts so I got that from her.

You! At this point of life, what song can be your life’s theme song?

‘Sab Bhula Ke’

You! Your favourite genre in music:

Rock.

You! Your all-time favourite movies:

For comedy, ‘Andaz Apna Apna’; for action, ‘Hard Target’ &’Mission Impossible’.

You! Your favourite singer:

Bryan Adams.

You! Your favourite actors:

Tom Cruise & Russell Crowe.

You! What do you usually wear in daily life?

Casuals.

You! Your favourite designer...

Zara.

You! The biggest misconception about you...

That I’m very rude. I think I give out that vibe when it’s actually the opposite.

You! Who’s your bestie in the industry?

Danish Nawaz.

You! Among your friends you are known as...

A shrink and a foodie.

You! Something very few people know about you as a person...

I am very calm and composed.

You! One thing you like best about yourself...

That I can channel good and bad thoughts to control my stress level.

You! Something that you want to change about yourself...

I can’t say no to people.

You! What’s your most valuable possession?

My emotional control but, materialistically, I love cars, so my Audi A5.

You! You are afraid of...

Losing people I’m close with.

You! One thing that always cheers you up...

Music.

Your idea of romance...

Nothing overboard, just something causal and chilled out.

You! What’s your biggest turn off?

Pretentious behaviour.

You! You are crazy about...

Food.

You! If you were stranded on an island, what are two things you’d want with you?

My cell phone and food.

You! One food that you can eat forever:

Eggs, in all forms. Also, tres leches cake, it’s always in my fridge.

You! How do you spend your Sundays?

Just chilling or go out to watch a movie.

You! Your favourite hangout:

Any food joint.

You! What advice do you have for young artists coming into the field?

Be genuine and original. The more honest you are the more you will be able to connect with the people.

You! If you weren’t doing what you are doing today you would be...

I’ve done my MBA so probably a 9-to-5.

You! What’s next on your bucket list?

I have a film project that I’m almost signing. So, I look forward to it.