Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, born into a family of renowned Qawwals and classical singers in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan, made his mark in Bollywood with his debut song in the movie “Paap” in 2003.
Discover Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s First Song in Bollywood
Early Life and Musical Background
Rahat was born into a Punjabi family known for its musical heritage. He is the son of Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan and the nephew of the legendary Qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Rahat’s grandfather, Fateh Ali Khan, was also a prominent figure in Qawwali music.
Bollywood Debut: “Mann Ki Lagan”
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s first song in Bollywood, “Mann Ki Lagan,” was featured in the movie “Paap,” released in 2003. This song marked Rahat’s entry into the Indian film industry and highlighted his ability to blend traditional Qawwali with contemporary music. His soulful voice and emotional delivery captivated listeners, making “Mann Ki Lagan” a memorable track.
Rise to Fame
Rahat’s Bollywood debut was just the beginning of his successful career. He continued to contribute to various film soundtracks, earning acclaim for his unique voice and style. In 2008, he sang “Teri Ore” for the movie “Singh Is Kinng” alongside Shreya Ghoshal. This song became a hit and further solidified Rahat’s position in Bollywood.
International Collaborations
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s talent transcends borders. He has collaborated with international artists and contributed to Hollywood soundtracks. In 1995, Rahat, alongside Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, worked with Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam on the soundtrack for the film “Dead Man Walking.
Memorable Performances
Rahat’s performances have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. In April 2012, he toured the UK, performing at Wembley Arena and Manchester Arena, attracting a combined audience of over 20,000 people. His concerts set records for maximum ticket sales, showcasing his widespread popularity.
Breakthrough with “Zaroori Tha”
The song “Zaroori Tha” from the album “Back 2 Love” (2014) became a significant milestone in Rahat’s career. It was the first original non-film music video from the Indian subcontinent to cross 100 million views on YouTube within two years and 200 million views within three years. Eventually, it reached a billion views, solidifying Rahat’s status as a global music sensation.
Judging and Television Appearances
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has also made notable appearances on television. He judged the show “Chhote Ustaad” alongside Sonu Nigam and was one of the judges on the singing reality show “Junoon,” which premiered on NDTV Imagine in 2008.
Nobel Peace Prize Concert
In 2014, Rahat became the first Pakistani artist to perform at a Nobel Peace Prize concert. He performed Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s famous qawwalis “Tumhe Dillagi” and “Mast Qalandar,” as well as “Aao Parhao,” at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.
Coke Studio Performances
Rahat has been a prominent figure on the Pakistani musical show Coke Studio, appearing in five editions. In season 1, he collaborated with Ali Azmat for “Garaj Baras.” He teamed up with Abida Parveen in season 7 for “Chhaap Tilak Sab Chheeni.” In season 9, Rahat’s performance of “Afreen Afreen” with Momina Mustehsan became the first Pakistani song to cross 300 million views on YouTube.
Continued Legacy and Impact
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s musical journey continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide. His ability to blend traditional Qawwali with modern music has earned him a unique place in the music industry.