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Stepping into the shoes of a maestro like Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is no mean task, but this modest young man from Pakistan is not only continuing the legacy of the legendary Sufi singer with absolute elan, he has carved a niche for himself in the global music scene as well. Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, nephew of Nusrat Fateh Ali, took up the charge of his uncle’s qawwali troupe in 1997 after his untimely demise. Since then he has not looked back. While his Sufi renditions have left audiences spellbound worldwide, his recent forays into Bollywood have resulted in many blockbuster numbers. "Recently I have sung for Himesh Reshammiya in the film Namaste London. It was a very nice experience working with him," he says about his recent Bollywood venture. "I have also recorded two songs for two upcoming films of Sanjay Gupta. The music in these films is by Anu Malik and Anand Raj Anand," he says. On his experience in the Indian film industry so far, he says, "It has been a superb experience. It’s a good platform for singers like us." Rahat’s Lagi Tumse Man Ki Lagan from the film Paap and Jiya Dhadak Dhadak from Kalyug have been hugely successful in India. His last song Naina Thag Lenge from Vishal Bharadwaj’s Omkara last year was also appreciated. "There is so much talent in India. We have grown up listening to Lataji and Ashaji. Among the new breed, Sonu Nigam is excellent," he says about his favourite Bollywood singers. Being from the Sufi tradition of music, the 33-year-old feels the young generation has a huge responsibility to conserve these ancient musical genres. "At times we tend to be too westernised. The youth should not forget their roots and help conserve these traditional musical forms such as Sufi music," he says. Despite all the western influences in Indian music, Sufi music continues to rule, feels the scion of noted qawwal Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan. "In all the new music done here, Sufi touch is being used. It was popular among the people and will continue to be so," Rahat says. Though Rahat is contributing immensely towards popularising qawwalis and Sufi music as a whole, he has also worked in many prestigious western projects. Recently he worked for the music of Acalypto. "Westerners also know their music. I enjoyed working in Acalypto," he says. When asked about his experience of being a part of the acclaimed film Dead Man Walking in which his uncle Ustad Nusrat collaborated with Tim Robbins, he says: "I was too young then, but we had a good time". Rahat also loves coming
back to India for his projects. "I love the country and the
people here. We migrated from India to Pakistan and its feels as if I
am coming back home," he says emotionally. Reacting to the recent
violence in the Samjhauta Express, he says, "Through music we
have always tried to spread the message of love and friendship. But
probably only God can make these criminals understand." —
PTI
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