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

Short-changed?
Updated 24 Nov, 2024

Short-changed?

As nations continue to argue, the international community must recognise that climate finance is not merely about numbers.
Overblown ‘threat’
24 Nov, 2024

Overblown ‘threat’

ON the eve of the PTI’s ‘do or die’ protest in the federal capital, there seemed to be little evidence of the...
Exclusive politics
24 Nov, 2024

Exclusive politics

THERE has been a gradual erasure of the voices of most marginalised groups from Pakistan’s mainstream political...
Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

To drag a critical ally like Saudi Arabia into unfounded conspiracies is detrimental to Pakistan’s foreign policy.