Rahat Fateh Ali Khan mesmerises Dhaka audience

Renowned Pakistani Sufi singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan captivated thousands of fans at a sold-out concert in Dhaka’s Army Stadium on Saturday night.

The event, titled Echoes of Revolution, saw the maestro deliver a spellbinding performance, blending his signature Qawwali style with Bollywood classics.

The nephew of legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahat took to the stage at around 10:00 PM, enthralling the audience with hits like Mere Rashke Qamar, Afreen Afreen, Tere Mast Mast Do Nain, Sanu Ik Pal Chain Na Aave, Dil Diyan Gallan, Tumhe Dillagi and Jaruri Tha. Each track was met with resounding applause and chants of “One more! One more!”

His rendition of Dama Dam Mast Qalandar with his son Shahzaman Fateh Ali Khan closed the night on a high note, igniting a dance frenzy among the crowd. Despite the biting winter chill of “Paush,” the atmosphere was electric, with Rahat’s powerful vocals warming the hearts of his Bangladeshi fans.

The concert, organised by The Spirits of July, aimed to raise funds for the July Smriti Foundation, which honours the martyrs of the July uprising. It opened with a Qawwali performance by Silsila Band, followed by energetic acts from rapper Hannan, rapper Sezan, and popular bands such as Chirkutt and Artcell.

Rahat’s magnetic performance reaffirmed his status as one of South Asia’s most beloved artists, leaving an indelible mark on Dhaka’s music scene. Fans are likely to remember this night as a celebration of melody and emotion, bridging the timeless traditions of Sufi music with the glamour of contemporary Bollywood.