Salman Ahmed, a member of the popular Pakistani band Junoon of Sayonee fame, was in Mumbai for a day on Saturday to dub for his Indian film Rhythm. Salman is acting and composing the music for the movie.
Speaking to us during his whirlwind visit, Salman had some news for fans of Junoon who were upset that the band split. “We plan to come together again next year to celebrate 25 years of the band. We will do a tour and of course India — where we’ve received so much love — will be part of it,” he said.
But what about Pakistani films not being very welcome in India? Recently the Mahira Khan starrer Bin Roye was banned in Maharashtra. “Music and films have nothing to do with politics. Both speak the language of love, so politics and what is happening between two countries should be kept away from creative arts,” Salman counters.
Salman is now based in New York, where he teaches at Queens University. While he stopped over at Pakistan on his trip here, he rues that he didn’t get a chance to see much of Mumbai, thanks to his tight schedule. “I stopped by at Lahore, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a big hit back in Pakistan. I’m hoping my film also strikes such a chord with the audience. I haven’t got to roam around Mumbai much as I was here just for a day and busy dubbing my dialogues.”
About his acting experience, he says, “I’ve done bit of TV and hosting. It’s the first time I’m part of a Hindi film. I’ve grown up watching films like Bobby. A lot of people said Ranbir Kapoor’s character in Rockstar reminded them of me. So it’s interesting.” Ahmed has also collaborated with Sunidhi Chauhan for the soundtrack. “She’s an amazing singer,” Salman says. “I was amazed by how willing she was, to trying different approaches to one song.”
