Chand Sitara: Celebrity patriotism and another Junaid Jamshed blooper

Published August 11, 2015
Many veterans, as well as newer members of the fraternity attended the star-studded affair.
Many veterans, as well as newer members of the fraternity attended the star-studded affair.

Last night in Lahore, stars from every aspect of Pakistani life ranging from cricket to music to film came together to celebrate one thing: Pakistan!

A photo posted by Instagram (@instagram) on

Under the banner of soon-to-be-aired Chand Sitara, the likes of Salman Ahmed, Ali Zafar, Junaid Jamshed, Zoe Viccaji, Hadiqa Kiyani and more sung this patriotic anthem:

Fans of classic Pakistani bands Vital Signs and Junoon have been hoping for this moment for a while. With Junaid Jamshed and Shahzad Hasan representing Vital Signs and Salman Ahmed doing the same for Junoon this mash up is historic, but will it be able to live up to classics like 'Jazba Junoon' or 'Dil Dil Pakistan'?

Here's a round up of other memorable moments from Chand Sitara.

6 moments that stood out, for better or worse:

1. Junaid Jamshed brings it home with a much-awaited rendition of 'Dil Dil Pakistan.'

A photo posted by Instagram (@instagram) on

You can say what you want but you can't deny Jamshed is an extraordinary singer and he proved that once again with his cover of the classic patriotic jingle, Dil Dil Pakistan.

The former Vital Signs singer also sang Hum Hain Pakistani Hum To Jeetaingay, as well as Chand Sitara.

2. Lesser-known talent was celebrated with equal fervour:

The event was a star-studded affair, with many veteran celebs coming together with the newer crop of singers who have stepped into the arena. However, amongst the ones celebrated were also unsung heroes from all walks of life.

Pakistan's only licensed Formula 1 driver, Saad Ali also attended the event, along with Haroon Tariq, a world record holder who got a whopping 87 A's in O/A levels.

3. Pakistani cricket was a major presence:

When they're not busy on the field, our talented cricketers are attending events like Chand Sitara to show us they have a soft corner for Pakistan. Our favourites, Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik were present.

Malik, in particular, was quite excited.

A pleasant surprise was seeing Zeeshan Abbasi there.

4. Junaid Jamshed comes under fire for, um, hand holding:

JJ started trending on Twitter after a picture of him clasping Hadiqa Kiani's hand emerged on social media; fans were confused by the gesture though haters rejoiced -- and soon enough everyone weighed in with their two cents:

Jamshed, who often comes under the crossfire, has not posted an apology video yet, like he usually does.

Read: Junaid Jamshed in hot water again over sexist remark. Social media responds

5. Fashion took the front seat

Zoe Viccaji, Anoushay Ashraf and Mehreen Syed all made our jaws drop; these ladies always have their finger on the fashion pulse!

Zoe and Anoushay opted for spunky Sana Safinaz ensembles.

A photo posted by Instagram (@instagram) on

A photo posted by Instagram (@instagram) on

Mehreen decided to go for a more traditional look, looking radiant as ever.

A photo posted by Instagram (@instagram) on

6. Even the brightest stars get nervous before the big performance!

Read also: With 'Chaand Sitara', Vital Signs and Junoon greats hope to lift Pakistan's spirit

The trio reunited after years and Jamshed returned to the stage to sing after over two decades -- they were bound to get some stage fright! Fret not, nothing a little impromptu prayer won't fix!

The evening has reaffirmed what we have known all along -- It's time for Vital Signs to get back together!

Opinion

Editorial

Under siege
Updated 03 May, 2024

Under siege

Whether through direct censorship, withholding advertising, harassment or violence, the press in Pakistan navigates a hazardous terrain.
Meddlesome ways
03 May, 2024

Meddlesome ways

AFTER this week’s proceedings in the so-called ‘meddling case’, it appears that the majority of judges...
Mass transit mess
03 May, 2024

Mass transit mess

THAT Karachi — one of the world’s largest megacities — does not have a mass transit system worth the name is ...
Punishing evaders
02 May, 2024

Punishing evaders

THE FBR’s decision to block mobile phone connections of more than half a million individuals who did not file...
Engaging Riyadh
Updated 02 May, 2024

Engaging Riyadh

It must be stressed that to pull in maximum foreign investment, a climate of domestic political stability is crucial.
Freedom to question
02 May, 2024

Freedom to question

WITH frequently suspended freedoms, increasing violence and few to speak out for the oppressed, it is unlikely that...