Rahat enthrals Delhiites
From Noreen Aslam

BOMBAY—Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, student and nephew of legendary Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan rose to fame in a very short span of time. Learnt under the guidance of Late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahat has a deep knowledge of sur and understood the department of the music. Recently, this Pakistani singer was in the national capital to perform on the invitation of Indian Women’s Press Corp in conjunction with Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Although Rahat is known as a qawwali singer, he has also composed songs for Bollywood movies like ‘Paap’ and Kalyug’. Besides, he is composing songs for music director Anu Mallik and Anand Raj Anand. We chatted with the legendry singer in the capital to find out more about himself and his music.
Excerpts of the chat:
Will you tell our viewers about yourself?
I am the student and nephew of late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. I started learning at the age of seven and my first concert was at the age of 11 with my guru in 1985.
What’s so special about today’s event?
This is my first public performance in Delhi, though I had performed in earlier in the capital on the invitation of Mrs Sonia Gandhi. I am sure today Delhiites will see me singing live, and for a performer it is very exciting. On the other hand, it’s a difficult day too as if something goes wrong the audience will immediately react.
Are you going to play any special track for Delhiites?
Maybe but it all depends on the audiences present in the hall.
You have a big name in Bollywood. How did it get possible?
As I am popular in Pakistan being the nephew of Late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, one day I got a call from Bhatts (Mahesh Bhat camp) with a offer to compose song for their movie. I accepted their offer and it began like this.
How the sufi music is so popular?
In today’s world everybody is in a hurry and the music is also being made on the fast pace. So, today songs don’t make a success. But the sufi music is totally different; anyone can relate the music with himself.
Could music play a vital role in Indo-Pak relations?
Yes, music is playing an important role in bridging the gap between the two countries.
What’s making Pakistani bands popular in India?
Pakistani bands are much popular in India as Indian bands are popular in Pakistan. Since the audiences look for change, they accept the new thing that comes their way.
What are your forthcoming albums?
I am working on a lot of things. Besides album, I am also busy in composing for Bollywood music directors like Anu Mallik and Anand Raj Anand.