Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Birthday: Sufi Music Maestro and Legendary Nusrat’s Heir

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is a renowned Punjabi Qawwal and Sufi singer hailing from Punjab, Pakistan. He is one of Pakistan's most popular and highest-paid singers. He is the nephew of the legendary Qawwal Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, son of Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan, and grandson of the Qawwali singer Fateh Ali Khan. In addition to Qawwali, Rahat also sings Ghazals, Sufi songs, and light music. He is also a popular playback singer in Hindi cinema (Bollywood) and the Pakistani film industry.

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Early life ( Rahat Fateh Ali Khan biography )

Rahat was born in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan, into a family of Punjabi qawwals and classical musicians. He is the son of Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan and nephew of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Rahat had a deep love for music since childhood. At the age of three, he would hum along with his father and uncle. At the age of seven, he began formal qawwali lessons from his uncle, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. His son, Shahzaman Fateh Ali Khan, is also a qawwal, and one of his performances in 2025 went viral when people compared his voice to Nusrat's.

Career ( Rahat Fateh Ali Khan early life )

Rahat's first public performance was when he was nine years old—on his grandfather's death anniversary. At the age of 15, he became a part of Nusrat Sahab's (  Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Nusrat's nephew ) famous qawwali group, and in 1985, he toured with him in the United Kingdom. Apart from qawwalis, Rahat also gave many solo performances. He sang for the first time as a playback singer in Bollywood in the 2003 film "Paap"—the song was "Man Ki Lagan".

Also read: Sulakshana Pandit Passes Away at 71: Bollywood Mourns the Legendary Singer-Actress

International popularity ( Rahat Fateh Ali Khan qawwali singer )

In 2012, Rahat performed in the UK, playing at Wembley Arena and Manchester Arena to a combined audience of over 20,000—a record for ticket sales. His song "Zaroori Tha" (from the album Back 2 Love, 2014) made YouTube history. It was the first non-film song from the Indian subcontinent to—

• 100 million views in two years.

• 200 million in three years,

• And finally achieved 1 billion (100 crore) views.

He also frequently performs with the Leo Twins.

Copyright dispute ( Rahat Fateh Ali Khan controversy )

In 2018, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's daughter claimed that some singers were misappropriating Nusrat's songs. Rahat responded by saying that he was Nusrat's adopted successor and did not need any permission to sing his songs.

Also read: Asha Bhosle: Bombay High Court Secures Personality Rights of Legendary Singer

Television ( Rahat Fateh Ali Khan television show )

Rahat played the role of judge in the TV show Chhote Ustaad along with Sonu Nigam. He was also a judge in the show Junoon, which aired on NDTV Imagine in 2008.

Performance at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony ( Rahat Fateh Ali Khan awards )

In 2014, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan became the first Pakistani artist to be given the opportunity to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert. He performed Nusrat Sahab's famous qawwalis—

• "Tumhe Dillagi",

• Also presented “Mast Kalandar” and his song “Aao Padhao”.

FAQs

Q1. Who is Rahat Fateh Ali Khan?

A1. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is a renowned Pakistani qawwal, Sufi singer, and popular Bollywood playback singer. He is the nephew and disciple of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Q2. When and where was Rahat born?

A2. He was born on 9 December 1974 in Faisalabad, Punjab (Pakistan).

Q3. From whom did Rahat Fateh Ali Khan learn music?

A3. He was trained in Qawwali and classical music from childhood by his uncle, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Q4. When did Rahat perform on stage for the first time?

A4. He sang on a public stage for the first time at the age of nine on the death anniversary of his grandfather.

Q5.Which was his first film in Bollywood?

A5. She made her Bollywood playback debut with the song "Man Ki Lagan" in the 2003 film Paap.

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