Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, celebrated as the “King of Kings of Qawwali,” performed at the wedding of Bollywood icons Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, marking his possible first performance in India. The legendary Raj Kapoor, who had discovered Nusrat’s talent, extended the invitation for the wedding’s sangeet ceremony, a gesture that introduced India to Nusrat’s powerful, transcendent voice. Attendees were captivated by his performance, as he chose to sing Indian classical vocal pieces rather than his trademark qawwali, leaving guests in awe and musicians eager to congratulate the young singer.
Born on October 13, 1948, in Faisalabad, Pakistan, Nusrat hailed from a lineage of qawwali singers dating back nearly 600 years. Under the guidance of his uncles after his father’s death, he became the official leader of his family’s qawwali party in 1971. His distinctive style and musical brilliance soon established him as a revered figure in Pakistan. By the mid-1980s, Nusrat’s fame had reached international stages, including London’s WOMAD festival, and his album Intoxicated Spirit was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1997.
Raj Kapoor’s invitation paved the way for Nusrat’s Indian journey. Accompanied by Pakistani actor Mohammad Ali, Nusrat eagerly accepted, also seizing the opportunity to visit the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. His soulful performance at the wedding made a lasting impression, turning him into a beloved figure for Indian audiences and paving the way for his future collaborations in Bollywood. Over the years, Nusrat’s compositions were featured in several films, from Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya to Dhadkan, and he collaborated with renowned singers, such as Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, cementing his influence in Indian music.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s legacy remains timeless, as he’s widely regarded as one of the most influential qawwals in history. His pioneering fusion of traditional qawwali with Indian and Western music transformed him into an international icon, earning him the Pride of Performance award from the President of Pakistan. His journey from Rishi Kapoor’s wedding to global acclaim is a testament to his unmatched talent and the unifying power of music across borders.
