SAN JOSE, CA: On Friday, May 12, music lovers from the Indian subcontinent had a rare treat in store for them. Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, nephew of the late legend of ‘qawwali’ music, ‘ghazals’, film and album numbers alike, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, was in town for a live performance- “The Tribute Tour Honoring Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan”, organized by Bright Brain.
The venue was the Event Center at San Jose State University. Crowds dressed in their Friday best, both traditional and contemporary, stood outside, braving the chilly wind, waiting to get their tickets validated.
As the show began and people settled in with their ‘samosas’, chai and sodas in the auditorium that boasts a capacity of 5000 people, there was palpable excitement.
Ustad Rahat came on stage with his entourage of band musicians and chorus singers and completely mesmerized the crowd with his singular voice reverberating across the arena.
With his trademark Pakistani politeness, the maestro engaged with the audience. He effortlessly rendered Punjabi and Rajasthani songs and ‘ghazals’ alike with his musicians on the saxophone and guitar setting the tone for each song and matching his vocals with their instruments.
He completely entranced the audience with numbers such as “Jiya dhadak dhadak…”,”Tere bin nai lagdaa dil dholnaa…”, “Thodaa kachcha hai dil…” and the iconic “Afreen…”, that was originally sung by his uncle, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
People in the front started a ballroom style waltz during one of the more romantic, peppy numbers.
It was proved that music truly transcends all barriers as Pakistanis, Indians, Muslims, Hindus, first and subsequent generation immigrants, all swayed to the rhythm.
Lakshmi Iyer
India Post News Service
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