Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s tryst with Bollywood spans over a decade. He speaks to Nishant Singh about his journey and his bond with composers Sajid-Wajid
Many Pakistani singers have sung for Bollywood films, but this singer's journey is something that inspires many singers on both sides of the border. Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is once again ready to enthrall his listeners by his upcoming track for an Indian movie, Jugni.
“The song is a spiritual one. It’s a Qawwali, and Clinton has added a very new touch by giving it an Afghani feel with the instrument Rubab — a flute-like musical instrument originating from central Afghanistan — being played in the song. And Shellee has written very poetic lyrics,” shares Rahat.
His journey has been very eventful, since his debut in Bollywood with the song, lagi Tumse Mann Ki lagan for the moviePaap in 2003. "When a new born baby grows, the environment, situation and the people around are constantly changing. In the same manner I have also had good and bad experiences. But, overall the journey in Bollywood has been good so far,” he added.
He feels that Coke Studio India as well as Pakistan is doing well in its own way. But in his personal view, “Indian version of Coke Studio can do better as India is very rich culturally and traditionally and they can give more chances to un-heard voices.”
He also feels that the music has changed over the period of time, as it became commercialised and big money has got involved at the same time in India there are people, who listen all kind of music. So, with commercialised music here classical concerts are also happening.
His career in Bollywood has been more than a decade long and in that time, he has worked with many Indian music composers. He shares the best bond with the music director duo Sajid-Wajid. Rahat has sung many hits for Sajid-Wajid, most of them are picturised on actor Salman Khan.
In spite of working with many music directors like Vishal Bhardwaj, Shankar Ehsaan loy and Pritam, he still hasn’t got a chance to work with the most coveted name, AR Rahman. He says that he is just waiting to work with Rahman.
Rahat is the nephew of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, son of Ustad Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan and also grandson of legendary Qawwali singer Fateh Ali Khan. In addition to Qawwali, he also performs ghazals and other light music.
In a subordinate role with his uncle Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, working in collaboration with Eddie Vedder of the American rock band Pearl Jam, Rahat contributed to the soundtrack of the 1995 Hollywood film, Dead Man Walking. In 2002, he worked on the soundtrack of The Four Feathers in collaboration with the American composer of orchestral and film music, James Horner. In 2002, Rahat also worked as a guest with The Derek Trucks Band on the song Maki Madni for Trucks' album, Joyful Noise. In 2011, his vocals were featured on the soundtrack of Mel Gibson's Apocalypto.
He has judged two singing reality shows - Chhote Ustaad 2, alongside Sonu Nigam and Junoon - Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka. Rahat became the first Pakistani to be invited to the Nobel Peace Prize concert in 2014 where he performed Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's most memorable qawwali Tumhe Dillagi and Mast Qalandar. He also sang Aao parhao - jo seekha hai woh sab ko seekhao (Come teach - teach all that you have learnt).
Clinton Cerejo is also debuting as Music Composer with Jugni and he has roped in AR Rahman, Vishal Bhardwaj, Rekha Bhardwaj along with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in his debut projects. Cerejo is a renowned singer and has lent his voice to films like Ek Thi Dayaan, Blood Money, Pyaar Ka Panchnama, 7 Khoon Maaf, Ishqiya, Wake up Sid!, luck, Partner, Omkara and many more.