Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan downplayed a viral video depicting an altercation where he appeared to be aggressively confronting a man, identified as his disciple. The footage captured the Qawwali singer repeatedly hitting and slapping the individual, who pleaded ignorance about a missing “bottle.” Spectators attempted to intervene to protect the distressed student.
Samaa TV, a Pakistani broadcaster, identified the man as Khan’s employee and expressed concern over the emergence of violent behavior among singers.
In response, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the nephew of the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, clarified that the incident was a personal matter between a teacher and his disciple. He emphasized the traditional relationship dynamics between an ‘ustad’ (teacher) and ‘shagird’ (disciple). Khan shared a video featuring the beaten man and his father to explain his actions.
Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali khan was caught abusing his servant. Later, he gave an explanation. pic.twitter.com/PC0DawSEsq
— Брат (@B7801011010) January 27, 2024
According to Khan, the dispute arose from a misplaced bottle of holy water, and he justified his actions as a form of discipline. In the clarification video, the disciple admitted to the mistake but asserted that there was no ill intention behind it. He described Khan as a father figure who showers love on his disciples for their good deeds and corrects them when they err.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan concluded by stating that he had apologized to the disciple after the incident, and both the beaten man and his father expressed support for Khan, emphasizing the familial and mentor-disciple relationship inherent in the field of Qawwali.
