Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is an illustrious singer recognized for his accomplished singing, especially in Qawwali and Sufi genres. His singing repertoire however also extends to other musical genres including ghazals and light music. He has gained immense acclamations in Bollywood for his distinct singing style, high pitched voice and poignant renditions which completely mesmerize the audience. Apart from films, he has also several music albums to his credit. He has also done playback singing for Pakistani film industry.
Early Life of Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was born on 9th December 1974 to a family of traditional musicians in Faisalabad, Pakistan. He is the grandson of Fateh Ali Khan, the legendary Qawwali singer. His family comprised celebrated Qawwals and classical singers. His father Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan and his uncle Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan were celebrated singers. Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was meticulously trained by his uncle Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan in the traditions of Qawwali music and has been singing along with his father and uncle since the tender age of three. His formal training began from the age of seven and he delivered his first stage performance at nine years of age on the death anniversary of his grandfather.
Career of Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan became a significant part of the Qawwali group of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan at the age of fifteen. The group was famed throughout the globe. In 1985 he toured the UK along with his uncle in which he rendered solo performances, apart from singing with the Qawwali group. He has performed at various international concerts such as Birmingham concert, Harrow Leisure Centre concert and many others. In 1990s he made his debut in Pakistani film industry as a playback singer. He stepped into the Bollywood in the year 2004 with the movie Paap. In the movie he sang the song `Mann Ki Lagan` garnering much praise. This was followed by his playback singing for a number of Bollywood flicks which established him as a prominent playback singer in Hindi film industry earning appreciations and popularity. He lent his voice for numerous Hindi films such as Kalyug, Omkara, Om Shanti Om, Aaja Nachle, Billu Barber, Love Aaj Kal, My Name Is Khan, Ishqiya, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, Anjaana Anjaani, Heroine, Dedh Ishqiya and many more.
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan also works in association with Eddie Vedder, belonging to the American rock band called Pearl Jam. He has also worked for the soundtrack of the movie Dead Man Walking, a 1995 Hollywood film. In the year 2002 he has contributed to the soundtrack of The Four Feathers in association with James Horner, the American composer of orchestral and film music. In 2002, he made a guest appearance with The Derek Trucks Band. In the year 2011, the soundtrack of the movie Apocalypto featured the vocals of Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. He has also appeared on television shows like Chhote Ustaad 2 and Junoon - Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka as a judge. Apart from these he has extensively toured around the world for musical concerts and has captivated the audiences with his passionate singing earning worldwide recognition.
Achievements of Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has been honoured with a number of prestigious accolades for his phenomenal renditions. He has won Filmfare Awards, Pakistan Media Awards, Star Screen Awards, UK Asian Music Awards, Masala Lifestyle Awards and The Musik Awards.
Personal Life of Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is married to the daughter of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Nida Khan. The couple is blessed with two daughters namely Filza Khan and Maheen Khan and a son named Shazmaan Khan.
