Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Speaks About 'Sayonee'

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan recently held a press conference, making several interesting announcements. The maestro first shared that in memory of the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's 20th death anniversary this year, he has begun 48 concerts worldwide, in accordance with 48 years of Ustad Nusrat's life. 

He said, “I feel like the new generation should remember and witness the music of Khan sahib live. But they haven’t had the chance to experience it live, so being a successor of Khan sahib, I am doing 48 concerts across the world.”

The 48 concerts are to be held across several cities in the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, far East countries and Australia.

“Of course, it won’t be the same but I will try to give them as close an experience as he gave to the audience. I will keep his memory alive.”

Additionally, talking to the media, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan also addressed the criticism he has faced lately on his Coke Studio cover of Junoon's Sayonee. He said,“I actually like the interesting feedback. Some people like it, some don’t. I feel like there are some anti-Pakistan opinions in there too. I personally liked the song, especially the ending.”

“I feel  Sayonee suited my voice well. Many other songs have been covered so many times, like Main Tenu Samjhawan ki and Khan sahib’s Rashk-e-Qamar. This is the song that elevated Junoon back then. People cover Noor Jehan and other artists too. So, we shouldn’t think about who did it better. It’s a tribute to them and we should take it this way. Music should be free from hate and arguments.”

He further announced the release of his new qawwali album titled, ‘Just Qawwali’ and the formation of RFAK Films. “We will officially be coming next year with our debut film under newly-formed RFAK Films banner. It will be a musical.”