‘Music is my childhood passion’

MLLIONS HAVE BEEN smitten by his honey-dipped voice and the heaven-like feel to his music. Coming from a family of famous singers that had given the world the iconic Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, his uncle, it would have been tragic if he hadn’t embraced music.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was brought up in an environment where people breathe melody from the time they are born. His father Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan was his uncle Nusrat’s greatest ally in their musical forays around the world. His grandfather Fateh Ali Khan was a legendary Qawwali singer in Pakistan.

It was in his genes and at the age of three Rahat showed his precocious singing talent. His uncle Nusrat identified the star in him and took it upon himself to teach the young boy the nuances of music. At the age of nine, he performed for the first time at a concert held in memory of his late grandfather. There was no looking back since then as he travelled around the world as a member of his uncle’s famous Qawwali group.

Now Rahat has carved his own niche. On one hand, he is keeping the great family tradition alive by enthralling the audiences around the world with his stunning Qawwali performances, on the other he has become the beacon of hope in Bollywood. Pure music lovers, after all, die for an ethereal voice like his in an age polluted by loud music from the likes of Yo Yo Honey Singh.

Even Hollywood has been charmed by the Faisalabad-born star. Rahat has lent his voice to the soundtracks in movies like Dead Man Walking, The Four Feathers and Mel Gibson’s epic Apocalypto.

Some of his magical Bollywood numbers like Mann Ki Lagan (Paap, 2003), Jiya Dhadak Dhadak (Kalyug, 2006), O Re Piya (Aaja Nachle, 2007), Ajj Din Chadheya (Love Aaj Kal, 2009), Dil Toh Baccha Hain Ji (Ishqiya, 2010) have broken all barriers. So much so that now he holds a very special place in many Indian hearts.

Now this Friday evening is going to be a special one as well as the maestro is all set to mesmerise his UAE fans at the World Trade Centre in Dubai. The show in Dubai will be the culmination of Rahat’s year-long World Tour. The multiple-award winning vocalist’s Dubai show will be the icing on the cake coming as it does after conquering hearts in over 30 cities in USA, Canada and UK. His World Tour destinations also included Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. Rahat’s ability to take his listeners’ breath away will once again come to the fore when he and his band perform in Dubai on Friday.

Ahead of his Dubai concert, Rafat spoke to City Times about his music, his uncle’s influence on him and what inspires him the most.

You have performed in some of the biggest cities around the world. Is Dubai one of your favourite cities as a performer?

Yes, of course. I like all the cities that I visit and Dubai is also a favourite. I am looking forward to another fantastic show out there on December 20.

Coming from a family of legendary musicians, did you always want to become a singer?

Music is my childhood passion and I have been influenced by Sufi music, especially Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

It must be a great honour for you now to keep the iconic family tradition alive at the global level?

I am very blessed that I have been able to perform all over the world.

You have given so many memorable Bollywood hits. Do you have a personal favourite?

I have enjoyed working on all of my songs and I can’t choose any favourite because all have been memorable for me!

Are singing reality shows on TV really the platform an aspiring musician needs?

I believe the main thing is that you just need to be passionate about your music and also believe in God always.

What inspires you the most? Is it the fame, the awards or just the plain joy of being able to sing at a surreal level?

It is not the fame or awards, it is just my passion for music and performing for my fans around the world