Prejudgement can be a dangerous thing. Having heard previously various things about Najam Sheraz such as his being arrogant and having a major attitude, were soon challenged as soon I took my first step inside the singer's tastefully cluttered living room. From his cherubic little daughter who was fascinated with the recorder, to his relaxed demeanour, one discovers a Najam Sheraz who has evolved through the years, both as an artist and person.

Najam's latest album, Jaisay Chaho Jiyo is a tasteful blend of various pop flavours.

"It's doing well, better then ever. Commercially, JCJ was marketed by three corporations, all strong in their capacity. TV ads, videos and the launch were simultaneously coordinated, which definitely helped sales" confides Najam about the new records performance. He has also branched out into acting, both scoring the music and appearing in a couple of episodes of the upcoming TV show, Aahista Aahista, which also happens to be the name of a track on his album.

Throughout his career, Najam has been known to be an innovator, taking chances with his music and often cashing in on the ensuing results. Remember that wicked blend of eastern classical and western rock that was Sohna Chah Ta Hoon? Does he wish to continue his experimental work.

"The next project is going to be very different. It's a very balanced album. I have found balance as far as life, growth and personality are concerned."

Naturally all artists want to claim that they are different, or that they will be doing different work. With Najam, one can rest assured, as he has changed colours and grown as a singer with every album. He explained why he takes calculated experimental risks.

"Most of our masses are not into experimental music, yet the masses appreciate my voice. So companies that sell music expect me to sing awami." That is understandable as musicians earn their living from selling records, and making a small discerning group happy will not go a long way when it comes to paying their bills, though he adds that "even when I sing awami, I'm not going to go below my standard."

Regarding his split with Karavan, Najam is honest. "I enjoyed doing Rakh Aas (Najam's only album with Karavan) a lot. But the spirit was missing. All band members have to have one single goal. I am a big fan of Assad Ahmad. He's a great performer and Sameer is one of the top bassists," Najam adds diplomatically.

He also reveals that the ban that was placed on music videos and long haired males appearing on PTV back in 1997 by Nawaz Sharif did a lot to kill the momentum of the project. "A lot of people said it was a bad move (to release Rakh Aas). I am proud of that album because the skill and confidence I gained is matchless. In the local market people thought I was a loser (for releasing Roop Nagar). The people in the (music) industry have this view. But now I'm back and have got a great deal," Najam declares triumphantly, extremely proud of the victory of his conviction over the pessimism of industry pundits.

As far as underground bands are concerned, Najam is brutally honest.

"Nobody gives anybody a chance. It's an open platform. An open contest. You have to stand up for yourself, to dream and then execute. One should come in the market with a difference. I have never run after the promoters with a press kit! I have always tried to keep the integrity of an artist. A lot of promoters think I have an attitude problem. It's nothing of that sort. I was a little hard and fast earlier, but what they couldn't understand was the integrity. For the newcomers who have potential, instead of waiting, they should do something. I sold my car, my drum machine and other things for my career. This is how it happens!"

Najam is absolutely clear that there are no free lunches in this business. He appreciates up and coming talent Ali Noor, who he says "has huge potential. That guy has got it. He has freedom in his voice."

Considering his sudden concentration on the business of music, one wonders whether it will take its toll on his art.

"You have to draw a line which the sponsor shouldn't cross. Whoever understands that, you can work with. In the video of JCJ, you don't see any cup or teabag. Very few companies would bear that." He makes a very valid point, noting that since local record companies don't invest in the artist, someone has to fill in that gap. Thus, in walk the corporations. "You are using the sponsor to reach out to the public and they should get their mileage (as well) by associating with the artist. It's not an outright sale."

Speaking of the sniping that often takes place between artists, Najam says that "something I would like to see is that people and artists should respect other artists' opinions or efforts rather than criticizing, just to put them down." He also appreciates the efforts that guitarist Shallum Xavier, bassist Khalid Khan and former Vital Sign turned producer Shahzad Hasan, put into the album.

Summing up, Najam drops the equivalent of a bombshell, which frankly left this writer dumbfounded. He has experienced a sudden spiritual reawakening. "I was living a less than ideal life. There was no peace of mind with the success. I went to this website, which answered people's questions using ayats of the Holy Quran. That was the turning point." Adamant about having the specific Ayat of the holy book being quoted in this interview, he referred to the following verse in which peace of mind was addressed.

"Chapter 13, Ayat 28: For those who believe, only remembrance/ admonition of Allah can bring the peace of heart and mind." This led him deeper in to the study of the Holy Quran. "It's not for any commercial purpose. We're just trying to improve the quality of life in light of the Book. The Quran doesn't make you a fanatic or extremist. Allah (SWT) is talking of the balanced nation." By nature, people would question, why such a volte-face from the world of entertainment into a spiritual rebirth?

"If I wanted to improve my sales, I would have boosted them by adding a revealing element into my work. Why should I talk about the Quran? The peace of mind I get from studying It was not there before."

With these words and his newfound spiritual direction, we bid the golden throated singer Salaam.