RELIVING THE LEGACY OF NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN ON HIS 69TH BIRTHDAY

Often referred to as "Shahenshah-e-Qawwali" by fans worldwide, the music maestro Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was born on October 13, 1948. He would have been 69 today had it not been for his tragic death in 1997. In the three decades that he performed music publicly, he transcended the boundaries of language and nationality in a way that his songs are still remembered by people across the world and have acted as tools to bring together music lovers from different countries.

"Working with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was the closest I got to God," said famous director Shekhar Kapur. And oh my, I don’t feel any different. Not that I have worked with Khan sahib, but listening to him is the closest I’ve got to experiencing heaven.

It’s not difficult to go back the legendary singer. Many of his songs have seen multiple renditions, the latest that has hit my ears is Mere Rashke Qamar. It’s safe to say that despite the renditions being not so bad, I went back to a time where I dream that I’m seeing him live. With this article, we intend to take you on that trip too.

1. Tumhein Dillagi Bhool Jani Padegi

Tumhae dillagi bhool jani padegi
Mohabbat ki raahon mein aa kar to dekho
Tarapne pe mere ne phir tum hansoge
Kabhi dil kissi se laga kar to dekho

2. Is Karam Ka Karoon Shukr Kaise Adaa

Ho mubarak tumhe sar jhukaana
Phir bhi itni guzarish karunga
Dil khukaana bhi laazim hai zaahid
Sar jhukaana hi sajdah nahi hai

3. Kiven Mukhre Ton Nazran Hatawan

Teri soorat uska naqsha ay
Koi rab di soorat hor nahi

4. Unke Andaz-e-karam

Dillagi Dil Ki Lagi Ban Ke Mita Deti Hai
Dil Jalwon Se Dillagi Ashiqi Nahi Ron Walyon Se Nasin Ashiqi Nahi
Dillagi Dil Ki Lagi Ban Ke Mita Deti Hai

5. Kehna Galat Galat

Tu Roz Roya Kare Uth K Chaand Raaton Mein
Khuda Karay Tera Mere Baghair Ji Na Lage
Achi Surat Ko Sanwarne Ki Zaroorat Kia Hai 
Sadgi Mein Bhi Qayamat Ki Ada Hoti Hai.

6. Afreen Afreen

Husn-e-Janaa Ke Tareef Mumkin Nahi
Afreen Afreen, Afreeeen Afreeen
Tu Bhi Dekhe Agar, To Kahe Hamnsheeen
Afreen Afreen, Afreeeen Afreeen

7. Ali Maula

Japle Japle Re Manwa
Yehi Naam Sacha Hai Pyaare
Yehi Naam Tere Sub Dukh Taale
Isi Naam Ki Barkat Ne Diyeh Raaz-E-Haqiqat Khol

8. Mast Nazron Se Allah Bachaye

Mere daamin mein to kaanto ke siva kuch bhi nahi
Aap phoole ke kharidaar nazar aate hai 
Hashar mein kon gawahi meri dega sagar 
Sab tumare hi tarafdaar nazar aate hai

Earplugs on, delve into the Nusrat state of mind, body and soul, and join us in wishing Khan sahib a very happy birthday. Your legacy lives on, sir.