Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is on his visit to India after four-and-a-half years and is excited about singing a song for Salman's production
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 11, 2015)


After four-and-a-half years, a "very happy" Rahat Fateh Ali Khan returned to India for a flying visit.

The Pakistani Sufi singer and nephew of the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, was arrested on February 13, 2011, at the Delhi airport for forex violation. He admits that was a mistake he won't repeat.

Right now, he's gung-ho about an absolutely original song he's recorded for Salman Khan's production, Hero, Yaada teri yaad. "I did the vocal dub in Pakistan and they did the mastering here. I watched the original Hero as a child. Now, Aditya Pancholi's son Sooraj and Suniel Shetty's daughter Athiya step into Jackie Shroff and Meenakshi Sheshadri's roles. It's a pleasure to sing for them and Khan saab. Woh sab ke hero hain so your songs become popular," reasons Rahat, admitting he's yet to see Salman's latest film, Bajrangi Bhaijaan. "My family members have seen it but tickets are available only for the 1.30 am show by which time I'm asleep. But by the time I return in September, I'd have seen it for sure," he promises.

He's had a hit himself in Zaroori tha from Hamari Adhuri Kahani and points out that he has always had "achche talukaat" with Mahesh Bhatt. What did he think of Alia Bhatt's rendition of his popular Mein tenu samjhawan in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania? "Alia sang the song her way. For an actress, woh lagbhag achcha gayi hain, she did a decent job," he quips.

He's gearing up to release a new album by the year-end. "It has 35 per cent songs in Punjabi, 35 per cent in Hindi and the remaining 30 per cent explores a new musical genre," says Rahat. "Music requires a lot of attention and concentration."

His personal life too has got a lot of attention after stories of him divorcing his wife Nida and marrying model Falak started making the rounds, along with pictures of the nikaah. "I too want to see these pictures of my doosri nikaah," he laughs, insisting the rumours were spread by jealous rivals back home. "My wife adores me, I love my family, why would I want to marry anyone else?"