By Mohiuddin Muzahid Mahi

DHAKA, Dec 23, 2024 (BSS) - Pakistani Sufi devotional singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan who rattled the Bangladeshi audience with his thrilling voice during his just-ended Dhaka tour has dubbed culture as a revolutionary element that could instil into one the sense of universal brotherhood and love.

 "Every individual in every country should have brotherhood and love for others," he told BSS before he left Dhaka following a three-day visit when he appeared in two performances enthralling a huge fans with his mostly spiritual songs.

Khan added: "Our qawwali also carries the message of peace and order. May peace prevail in the world".

Khan is carrying the Sufi devotional songs including Qawwali to the world following footprints of his famous grandfather Fateh Ali Khan with his performances.

"We don't want any war or destruction . . . the revolutions which are being staged or took place in the past, were aimed to attain peace," said Khan.

The music maestro was born in Pakistan in 1974 in a family which for generations devoted itself for spreading the sense of brotherhood and love through spiritual songs, particularly the Qawwali, earning for it the title "Qawwal family".

Khan said paid his tributes to the martyred and wounded Bangladesh's recent uprising while "I pray for the wounded to get well soon and may Allah give the strength to the families of the deceased to bear the loss".

The maestro, who developed his mastery specially in harmonium with his synchronized voice, also earned his international repute for ghazals and classical songs while he also perform in music for Urdu and Hindi films.

 Khan expected the culture to be bonding factor between his country and Bangladesh recalling several Bangladeshi stars in cultural arena like actors Shabnam, Nadeem Beg, Rabin Ghose and thereafter singer Runa Liala placed themselves in the queue of legendaries in Pakistan.

"This is the cultural unity, which is a revolution as well . . . this is beneficial for the cultural industries as well," Khan said.

 Asked if he listens to Bangla songs Khan answered in the affirmative saying "I have listened very old Bangla music through Hrishikesh Mukherjee's films of Hindustani Film Industry".

 "I really admire this kind of music of Bangladesh," said Khan referring to filmmaker Mukherjee who preferred simplicity and warmth in his movies and film songs instead of glamour unlike the traditional commercial films.

Commenting on his family and musical hierarchy Khan said "actually, my family belongs to Khawal Family for 600 years. The teaching of music is inherited in our family".
 "Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan has taught me a lot but his life is not more than 48 years. So, the time he has given to me was very short. (Yet) I do feel my guru Nusrat Ji. He adopted me from my father who is younger brother of him," he said.

Asked how he evaluates Bangladesh's July-August mass uprising, he said "I appreciate all revolutions which are meant for peace and stability. Whether it is in Bangladesh, Pakistan or any country, if the revolution is for peace, then we applaud it".
 
Asked who is his favourite singer in Bangladesh, Khan instantly named Runa Laila saying "I always listen to her songs. She is a fabulous singer, a legendary artiste with a big heart".

Khan was in Dhaka for the 'Charity Concert' organised by Dhaka University students and the Opening Ceremony of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) organised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

 He gave his exclusive interview to the national news agency on the sidelines of a reception at the residence of Pakistani high commissioner in Dhaka.