Farhan Saeed Opens Up on Leaving JAL, Heartbreak, and His New Album Khat

Pakistani singer and television actor Farhan Saeed recently visited Gulf News in Dubai, where he spoke candidly about his journey from being the frontman of the iconic band JAL to carving his solo career and releasing his new album, Khat.

Saeed recalled his meteoric rise: “I slept as a normal kid and woke up as a star kid,” he said, reflecting on the early days of JAL when hits like Aadat shot him from Lahore to international fame. But after ten years of singing and performing without involvement in the business side, he felt restless.

“At 28, I wanted to do things we couldn’t do as a band acting, experimenting,” he explained. Choosing to leave JAL before the recording of their third album meant he started over, suddenly a “nobody” in the music scene. For a whole year, work opportunities dried up, and he had to redefine his identity outside the band.

His father sought advice from Junoon’s legendary vocalist Ali Azmat, who told him: “He’s already decided. There is nothing you can tell him.” Saeed laughed recalling it, noting, “Music you can’t do with a double mind. If you’re not okay inside, you can’t pretend and keep going.”

After years of navigating singles, tours, and acting, Farhan finally found the balance to record his new album. Khat is deeply personal   a metaphor for all the emotions, messages, and memories we hold inside and eventually must release. “Khat is so poetic, it will never be outdated,” he said.

The album’s theatrical aesthetic reflects its emotional depth, with music videos featuring rain, dramatic visuals, and unapologetic performances. Farhan Saeed’s journey from band frontman to solo artist illustrates both the pain and freedom of pursuing authenticity in music and life.