Profile: From rockstar to evangelist, JJ leaves behind a lasting legacy

Junaid Jamshed unfortunately happened to be one of the 47 ill-fated passengers who were aboard the PK-661 flight which was making its way from Chitral to Islamabad, when it crashed at Havelian. The tragic plane crash cut short the life of Junaid Jamshed, who had managed to captivate our hearts ever since he dabbled with music till the time he turned an evangelist. 

Rarely does one come across an individual who courts success in every venture he takes part in. Junaid Jamshed was exactly that individual, who ruled the hearts of the average Pakistani from his early Vital Signs days till the time he embarked on a solo career. The young, dashing Junaid, clad in stonewashed jeans and leather jacket, became an instant hit when the Vital Signs first released their album. 

Pakistan was mesmerized and delighted by the handsome individual, who had struck a chord with the masses who were deprived of music and entertainment after Zia-ul-Haq's martial law. Junaid gave us hits one after the other and people could not help falling in love with him. 'Dil Dil Pakistan' catapulted him to overnight fame and there was no going back from there, with hits such as 'Sanwali Saloni', 'Yeh Shaam', 'Tum Mil Gaye' and plenty others. 

However, in 2004, he shed the stonewashed jeans and leather jackets for a simpler, modest apparel. Junaid Jamshed was inspired by Islam in such a profound manner that it altered his dressing and looks entirely. Growing a full length beard, Jamshed left music for good and started reciting naat/nasheeds. Owing to the melody and allure that his voice contained, he once again garnered praise for singing various naats which included 'Muhammad ka Roza, 'Mere Nabi Pyare Nabi' and others. 

He dealt his hand in fashion designing and selling perfumes and was again successful. He founded the clothing line J., which went on to become a resounding success with the masses, just like his stellar musical hits. The host of many TV shows and Ramazan transmissions, Junaid Jamshed began learning the art of spreading Islam and under the tutelage of Maulana Tariq Jameel, became a skilled preacher.

He did court controversy when he was forced to leave the country owing to allegations of blasphemy but eventually returned back to Pakistan.   

Junaid Jamshed left many sad and grieving when he passed away on December 7, 2017. A legend for most, his stellar musical hits are timeless classics which shall never be forgotten. Described as a humble, modest, kind and friendly individual, there's no doubt that Junaid Jamshed has left behind a legacy unmatched for millions across the subcontinent (and beyond) to be inspired by.