Talented singer Rafaqat Ali Khan has a worldwide fan following. Throughout the year he is performing in different countries. It would be safe to say that he is known more in the foreign countries than in Pakistan. Son of legendary classical singer Nazakat Ali Khan he belongs to ‘Sham Chaurasi Gharana’ and got initial training from his father and after his death from his uncle Ustad Salamat Ali Khan and Ustad Zakir Ali khan. His first hit songs were Allah tera shukriya, Chand say chehray ka sadqa and Kash hum bhi parhae likhe hotay. He has also to his credit many hit songs of Bollywood films. Now following in his footsteps his son Farasat Ali Khan has arrived on the music scene. Interestingly unlike his father he loves to sing English songs. The proud father says he would be the rap star in the future and he was ready to help him in his career. In an exclusive interview with Sunday Plus Rafaqat Ali Khan talked about his career and upcoming projects. Following are excerpts of the interview
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Q: You have performed more in foreign countries than in Pakistan. Tell us something about your recent international collaborations?
A: I think myself the most privileged and fortunate Pakistani singer because I have performed internationally more than any other Pakistani singer. I have performed in USA, Canada, UK, Norway, Switzerland, France, Denmark, UAE and many other countries. I have performed in many international music festivals. Recently, I have returned from London after performing in 15 different places including the Royal College of London. London Art Council had invited me for these performances. It was a good experience performing with British artistes and musicians. Besides I have performed 10 times at Madison Square Garden and 15 times in the state of Michigan in USA. It is a state where hardly any singer gets the second chance for performing. I have now been invited to perform at some concerts in Lucknow.
Q: How do you maintain your voice with every passing year?
A: Luciano Pavarotti says that sleeping 10 hours and drinking lot of water never allows any throat ailment. Secondly, being pious and saving oneself from wrong doings maintains the freshness of your voice and one can sing melodious songs even at the age of 70. The force can decrease but the melody will sustain.
Q: It is said that too much practice is also bad. What you have to say about the statement?
A: That is a relative statement. Those who want to sing classical need more practice. Our ancestors used to say that one hour of stage performance needs at least 10 hours practice. But there is exception which means some songs need less practice.
Q: There used to be situational singing. What is the scenario now?
A: Situational singers are very rare because it is not an easy task. Muhammad Rafi had that talent who had sung for every situation. Similarly, every person cannot be a playback singer.
Q: These days there is hardly any good song writer; what are the reasons for this situation?
A: The trend of doing everything by the artiste himself has gained popularity. Everyone has his own studio and prefers to write the lyrics themselves instead of contacting professional or good writers. In fact people want to gain more profit with minimum investment. It is the main reason that professional song writers are vanishing. There is no work left for the artistes in Pakistan. Secondly, the lobby system everywhere in the country has also made the situation worse. The government is not making efforts for the promotion of young talent in Pakistan.
Q: What are the new projects that you are working on?
A: My new sufi album is near completion. All the lyrics have been written by Faqir Hussain, who was the maternal grandfather of stage and TV star Sohail Ahmed. He was a great Punjabi poet and was considered equal to Ustad Daman. The only unfortunate thing is that he did not get any projection at state level. I am proud of singing his work. My eleven-year-old son has also sung with me in this album. I am planning to release it from Saregama or Times of India; only is title is yet to final.
Recently, I also did a telefilm in London “Naachle London” and its song became hit in West. Besides, a new film is ‘Saltanat’ is under production. I am playback singer for the film.
Q: You talked about Saregama and Times of India; what sort of response Pakistani artistes are getting from India?
A: Bollywood has turned into an international market. As far as response to Pakistani artistes is concerned, the opportunities have decreased in number because of strained relations between both countries. As soon as ease prevails and relations become normal, there will be more opportunities. But let me add here that it is very unfortunate for the artistes that they find very little opportunities here in Pakistan. We are killing our young talent. Look billboards all around and you will notice Bollywood actors, actresses and models are ruling Pakistani billboards. Secondly, it is an unfortunate fact that for becoming a star in Pakistan, first one has to prove his mettle in some another country.
Q: Science and technology has revolutionised every sphere of life; why you do not takes its advantage and share your unplugged work with the fans?
A: Somehow in the past I did not pay heed towards it but now I am working on it and my children are helping me out in managing these things. Very soon my unplugged work will be available on Youtube. These days I am learning about different kinds of music from Youtube. One day someone questioned me as to who is my biggest teacher and I replied “Ustad Youtube Ali Khan”.
Q: How do you learn different genres of music?
A: I have learned even those things from Youtube which I could never understand by reading any music book. It is because on Youtube, complete lessons are available; secondly, complete captions and lyrics provide better guidance to the students. I add Ustad Zakir Ali here who once replying to my question about learning said, ‘there is so much work available, it depends on a singer how much he takes it. It is his talent which makes him different’.
Q: Are your sons following in the footsteps of their grandfather and father?
A: Two of my sons are interested in music. One is eleven years old about whom I mentioned earlier that he helped me in my next album. He is a classical singer. The second son, Farasat, is a matriculate student. He is also a very talent singer who can sing the songs of Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, Beyonce, Dizzee Rascal and many more. Farasat wants to participate in the American Idol competition. I have promised to provide every sort of support that will be required. I also plan to do fusion with him.
Q: Pakistani music industry has seen decline in recent years. How do you think Pakistani artistes will survive?
A: Since 2008 we are facing a very dreadful situation in which the entertainment activities have declined and earning bread and butter for an artiste has become very difficult. Those who are still striving are trying to find their future in foreign countries and in Bollywood. There is no policy and support for the young talent from government side. Above all, the piracy has made havoc with the singers and artistes. This grim situation should be addressed before it is too late.
faizan hussain 