Rahat Fateh Ali Khan hits back at qawali criticism

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has responded to the criticism surrounding his recent qawali performance at the grave of legendary singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The performance took place on the occasion of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s barsi, or death anniversary, and quickly became a topic of debate on social media.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is one of Pakistan’s most celebrated classical and playback singers. Known for his powerful vocals and traditional qawali performances, he has built a successful career through Pakistani drama soundtracks, film songs and numerous popular qawwalis. He has also earned international recognition for his work in both Pakistani and Indian entertainment industries.

Among his most successful songs is “Zaroori Tha,” which was written by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar and composed by Sahir Ali Bagga. The song became a major international hit and achieved billions of views online, further establishing Rahat as one of the most influential voices in contemporary South Asian music.

However, his recent appearance at Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s grave sparked criticism from some social media users. Several people questioned the decision to perform qawali at the gravesite, while others expressed concerns about the manner in which the performance was conducted.

Addressing the controversy during an appearance on Naeem Hanif’s YouTube show on RNN, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan defended his actions and explained that the performance was rooted in his family’s long-standing qawali tradition.

The singer said that he believes much of the criticism from netizens comes from a place of affection, suggesting that fans sometimes express their emotions through criticism. However, he also distinguished between those who understand the traditions associated with qawali and those who do not.

Rahat explained that his family has followed these traditions for generations and that he considers the practice part of a legacy spanning around a century. He emphasized that his actions were consistent with the traditions passed down through his family and made it clear that he does not regret participating in the performance.

The singer also addressed concerns about where he and the other performers were positioned during the qawali. According to Rahat, they remained at the edges of the grave rather than standing inside it. He said that he maintained a respectful attitude throughout the performance and believed his body language clearly reflected that respect.

Rahat further expressed disappointment that someone close to him had spoken negatively about the incident. His comments suggested that the criticism from people he considered close was particularly difficult for him to accept.

He also clarified that the qawali was not the only activity carried out during the gathering. Before the musical performance, Quran Khuwani and prayers were held in remembrance of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan remains one of the most influential qawali singers in history, and his musical legacy continues to inspire generations of performers. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who was closely connected to that musical tradition, has repeatedly carried forward the family’s qawali heritage through his own performances.

By addressing the controversy publicly, Rahat has made it clear that he views the performance as an act of remembrance rooted in family tradition and respect rather than something he believes should be regretted.