You are also the only Pakistani band to have produced a song in Hollywood for the movie Jinnah. Salman, how did it feel controlling such a large team of musicians?
I've always been intoxicated by movie soundtracks. I love the background score to Brave Heart, Gladiator and the signature riff of all the Bond films. Movies without music would be totally un-watchable for me.
The Jinnah song was a special challenge because I had to get a Western orchestra (recorded in New York) to play to the vocals, tablas and guitar which I'd recorded in Pakistan.
Composing the song was a very moving experience because of my special interest in the events of 1947 and Asim Raza did full justice to the song by making such a powerful video.

Who are your favourite artists?
Junoon's favorites are Aaroh in Pakistan and the maestro A R Rahman in India.

A lot of new bands rely heavily on sequencing and producing music instead of playing it themselves. Is it healthy for music to grow?
Whether it's sequenced or played live, you still have to use your own mind, inspiration and creativity to write a great song. There are no shortcuts in music.

When Nawaz Sharif was the prime minister of Pakistan, Junoon was banned. Surprisingly, the band was at the peak of fame, even though none of the channels aired them. Would you agree, when I say that the public trend is to follow the rebel?
People always follow uncompromising individuals who stand for freedom and the truth. The true spirit of rock music is to go against the status quo and Junoon's musical legacy of seeking answers to life's difficult question gets us into trouble with politicians and governments but we've always stood by our beliefs.

After 9/11 incident,Junoon was the only Asian band to voice their concern over the incident and organised United for Peace concert both in Islamabad and New York. What motivates Junoon to take such initiatives?
I've always believed that peace is the best weapon against violence and terrorism. On 9/11 both the worlds of East and West collided with each other and spread a wave of hatred.
Although, Junoon only played a small part in healing the wounds but 'No More' was a song/video about the duality of our existence. All human beings are capable of mercy and compassion but we have to constantly guard ourselves against our demons of hate, anger and violence.

Two politicians got locked in a fight at a wedding and were parted by Salman Ahmed. Is he always a peacemaker?
I just happened to be at that wedding when blows were being exchanged and I couldn't help getting into the middle of the fracas. I guess it takes a rock musician to knock some sense into our feuding politicians!

Junoon performed at the UN Day back in 200 I and roped in Euphoria as well. Why did you do that?
India and Pakistan should always cooperate with each other. We have to live, play, sing and work together as good neighbours. That's the only way we'll get rid of poverty, hate and violence from our region.
As a UN ambassador for peace, I requested Kofi Annan to make UN day a joint Indo- Pak peace concert and I'm happy that our musical passion for peace
finally reached the ears of both President Musharraf and Vajpayee!
That is why Junoon supports the 'One world, One music' theme concerts. Music brings people together and that can only be a good thing.

Lastly, define Junoon.
Junoon is passion and it's music can be described as 'an ecstatic expression of joy'.