Sufi qawwal, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, was a gifted musician. There is absolutely no denying this fact. Nor does anyone forgo the fact that Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan created some of the most sensational melodies while he was alive. Be it a romantic song or his usual qawwali’s, he was absolutely magical when it came to music, so much so that, even today, 24 years after his death, his songs and his qawwali are still remembered, sung, re-sung and adapted.
Recently Adapted NFAK’s Songs Across The Border
Two NFAK songs were recently adapted in India. One for upcoming movie ‘Shiddat’, named ‘Akhiyan Udeek Diyan’ was given its due credits by the composers. The song was recreated by singer Master Saleem and composer Manan Bhardwaj, who tweaked the lyrics to suit his composition and the setting of the film. However, the ethical practice was followed and NFAK was given credits for being the original composer of the mesmerizing track that even today hits differently to all those who adore Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s qawwalis.
Another song by Neha Kakkar and Farhan Sabri adapted Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s ‘Dulhe Ka Sehra’ and the song ‘Bol Kaffara’ for a recent collaboration, ‘Bol Kaffara Kya Hoga’ but gave necessary credits where due. The song gave proper credits to Asim Raza for ‘Bol Kaffara’ and Soch The Band for the lyrics of the song and its original composition.
Over the years, we have seen Bollywood adapting and copying NFAK’s qawwalis and songs a few of which include the film ‘Yaarana’s’ famous song, ‘Mera Piya Ghar Aya’, Raja Hindustani’s song ‘Kitna Pyara Tujhay Rab Ne Banaya’ which happened to be a rip-off NFAK’s song ‘Kina Sona Tenu Rab Ne Banaya’ and another ‘Mujhe Ek Pal Chain Na Awe’ from the film Judaai that happened to be a copy of ‘Sanu Ek Pal Chain Na Awe’ by the maestro himself.
It is always great to see industries appreciating other industry’s artists and creating a wider audience for their work as long as they’re given due credits.
