Pakistani singer and qawwal Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has come under criticism on social media after a video showing him performing qawwali at the grave of legendary qawwal Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan went viral.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan visited the final resting place of his uncle and mentor, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, on the occasion of his death anniversary, accompanied by his son Shahzaman Ali Khan. The two were seen performing kalaam near the grave as a number of people gathered at the site.
Video of performance sparks debate
The viral footage also shows people throwing money into the air during the performance, prompting a debate on social media over the manner in which the gathering was conducted.
Several social media users questioned the appropriateness of holding a qawwali performance so close to the grave and objected to the practice of showering money during the gathering.
Some users described the scene as disrespectful and argued that greater reverence should have been observed at the final resting place.
Others, however, defended Rahat, viewing the performance as a tribute to his uncle and teacher and a way of remembering his musical legacy. Similar reports from Pakistani media outlets confirm that the video has triggered criticism as well as differing reactions online.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s enduring musical legacy
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who died on August 16, 1997, at the age of 48, remains one of the most influential qawwals in Pakistan and internationally. His work played a major role in taking qawwali to audiences around the world.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan performed with his uncle from a young age and later established his own career while continuing the family’s qawwali tradition. His son Shahzaman Ali Khan has also followed the family’s musical path.
The viral video has therefore sparked a wider discussion over how cultural and musical tributes should be conducted at the graves of celebrated artists.
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