LONDON: Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and his son, Shahzaman Khan, were formally felicitated in Parliament at an event celebrating cultural diplomacy and musical excellence, which brought together communities from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The ceremony was organized by British-Asian artist Raja Kaasheff to honor Ustad Rahat and his son in recognition of their enduring musical legacy and contribution to South Asian music.
One of the highlights of the event was the official unveiling of the cross-border Bengali duet “Prem Piyasha – Reloaded (Thirst for Love)”, a collaboration spanning the UK, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. The project features Rahat alongside Rubayat Jahan, blending Qawwali’s classical roots with contemporary romantic expression.
With lyrics by Kabir Bakul, composition and arrangement by Raja Kaasheff and direction by Saikat Reza, the song was released under Dhruba Music Station, symbolizing a cultural bridge between South Asia and the global diaspora.
The event attracted a distinguished audience, including Ruth Cadbury, Ritu Prakash Chhabria, Asif Akbar, Tariq Ahmad, Barrister Farhan Farani, Baroness Uddin, Afzal Khan, Apsana Begum, Vijay Sharma, alongside many Lords, MPs and eminent personalities of the community.
Speakers described the collaboration as more than just a musical release, calling it a reflection of a shared heritage and an emotional connection that transcends borders.
Raja Kaasheff said the inauguration at Parliament reinforced the role of music as a unifying force capable of connecting cultures, languages and nations. He said that ‘Prem Piyasha – Reloaded’ is a timeless romantic play capturing the essence of love beyond geography, adding that the involvement of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan brings people together beyond divisions.
Lord Tariq Ahmad said Rahat’s contribution to South Asian and global music remains immense. He noted that the legacy of late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan continues through Rahat and now through Shahzaman Khan, describing the occasion as a proud moment.
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan thanked Raja Kaasheff and Rubayat Jahan for their collaboration and praised their artistic contribution. He said working with them has always been a pleasure and described ‘Prem Piyasha’ as an important musical work.
He also thanked parliamentarians for paying tribute to him and his son.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is currently in London and recently performed to a sold-out audience at the Royal Albert Hall. He is also expected to perform at private events this week with his full band.
He said he was honored to be recognized by British parliamentarians, calling it an honor not only for himself but also for South Asian music, the Sufi Qawwali tradition and modern Urdu music.
