Legendary qawwal and Pakistan’s musical ambassador, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, is celebrating his 51st birthday today. Renowned worldwide for his soulful voice and Sufi-inspired music, Rahat has carried forward the rich musical legacy of his illustrious family.
Born on December 9, 1974, in Faisalabad into the prominent qawwal family, Rahat is the son of Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan and the nephew of the late qawwali maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. From an early age, he trained in qawwali, classical music, and the intricate nuances of pitch and rhythm, developing the mastery that few achieve.
Rahat made his stage debut at a young age and quickly captured audiences globally with his unique, heartfelt performances. His voice has breathed life into qawwalis, ghazals, film songs, and patriotic anthems, earning him international acclaim. His music resonates across Pakistan and India alike, and he has sung numerous hit songs for Indian films while leaving a lasting mark on Pakistani television and film industries through memorable title tracks.
In addition to his popular songs, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s national and patriotic anthems have become symbols of unity and love for the country. Recognizing his contributions to the arts, he has received multiple national and international awards, including the Pride of Performance and IIFA Awards, and in 2019, Oxford University awarded him an honorary PhD in music.
Even today, Rahat continues to represent Pakistan on global stages through concerts, spiritual gatherings, and international events, maintaining his status as one of the world’s most cherished and influential musicians.
