Kashmir rocks to beat of Junoon’s music

 Srinagar, May 25: Asking Kashmiris not to give up their sentiments and emotions, Salman Ahmad, founder of the famous Junoon group of Pakistan on Sunday said that he would cherish the moment of performing in the “Paradise on Earth.”
“If you people have sentiment as well as emotions then don’t give it up and continue with it. Your emotions and your sentiment drives you along and it is therefore necessary one does not lose sight of the things,” said Salman before his performance at the lawns of the SKICC here where thousands of people had gathered.
Salman said that when he formed the band in 1998 it was a dream to perform before the people of Kashmir in Srinagar. He added that although it took him 10 years to fulfill the dream “I am thankful to the Almighty for bestowing upon me this great opportunity.”
“During my career I have performed at placeslike Mumbai, Delhi, Lahore and Chandigarh, but all along I had this desire to perform in Srinagar. When I first raised this demand the South Asian Federation (SAF) people said it was very difficult to perform here. However, in my heart of hearts I had this belief that one day my dream would be fulfilled,” said Salman.
The Junoon founder said that it was in November 2007 that he got a call from Madanjeet Singh, SAF founder asking him whether he is ready to perform in the Srinagar city. He said that he could not believe when was asked to perform in Srinagar, and without wasting any time he said “yes” to the invitation.
Playing hit numbers like Yaroo Yahi Tou Zindagi Hai Kismat Se Jo Mili Hai, Meri Awaz Suno Mujhe Azad Karo, Khudi Ko Kar Buland Itna Ki Khuda Bandhe Se Khud Pooche Bata Teri Raza Kya Hai, Saayien Tou He Mera Sucha Saayein Hai, Sayonee Chain Ik Pal Nahin Aur Koi Hal Nahin, Damaadam Mast Qalander Ali Shahbaaz Qalander and Allah Hu Allah Hu, the Junoon members enthralled the audience present on this occasion.
Joined by Sameer Chatterjee on tabla, Chris Jerry on guitar and Sunny Jain on drums, the performance of Junoon mesmerized the audience. The SAF delegates also enjoyed the performance of the famous group and they could be seen applauding each and every item number.
Before the performance of Junoon, the Singhs group also performed some of the items and they too caught the attention of the people present during the show. Led by Nikki Singh, this group performed many items and drew applauds from the crowd. The other members of the group who performed on this occasion were Peter Porchik (Guitar), Ravi Chari (Sitar) and Deepak Peters (Tabla).
Geetika Ganjoo played the anchor to the show which she said was being organized in connection with the launch of Kashmir Study Centre at University of Kashmir here. She said that SAF has been founded by Madanjeet Singh and India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
Union Water Resources minister Prof Saif-ud-din Soz, former chief minister and NC Patron Farooq Abdullah, Director General Police Kuldeep Khoda, Afghan Women Affairs Minister Husana Bano Gazanfar, former President of Sri Lanka Chandrika Kumaratunge Bandranaike were among the SAF delegates present on the occasion.

Source: etalaat.net