Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Defends Qawwali Performance at Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Grave
LAHORE: The world famous Pakistani Qawwal and singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has made himself known in public to justify the criticism he had received for his Qawwali composition at the grave of great Maestro Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on his birthday.
While appearing on a YouTube show, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan said that the reaction on social media is often done with love and such comments are ‘the other way to show their love for us. But he refused to call those who object “ignorant of the traditions of their families,” he said.
For better or worse, defending family tradition and expressing respect.
We follow our heritage and our traditions, he said, “This is the 100-year-old tradition of our family and we practice in this manner without any remorse.
The singer clarified that they were not inside the grave enclosure but around its border and performing the Qawwali with utmost respect. I was very respectful and I could tell from my body language that I was there,” he said. Expressing dismay over the backlash, Rahat said, that even some of his near and dear ones had joined in criticising him, he was much hurt by this. He also shared that, before the Qawwali session, proper arrangements had been made for the recitation of the Quran and collective prayers.