Remembering Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: Qawwal’s hit songs that Bollywood copied

Today marks the 21st death anniversary of qawwali maestro Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Years have gone but he is still remembered for his incredible music and qawwalis, some of which are still being sung and adapted.

Khan, who is one of the greatest singers of all times in the genre of qawwali, influenced countless musicians worldwide. He brought the modest form of devotional singing to international attention.

The 'King of Qawwali' released as many as 25 qawwali albums, which earned him several awards and honours. He died at the age of 48 on August 16, 1997 leaving a legacy of over 125 albums.

Khan's music has been adapted by many Indian movies and musicians in the early 1990s and many of the remakes were blockbuster hits. Here is a look at six of his hit qawwalis that Indian composers took inspiration from.

Sanu Aik Pal Chain Na Aave 

Composed by Nadeem-Sharavan, the 'Judaai' song 'Mujhe Ek Pal Chain Na Aaye' is actually the copied version of Khan’s Sanu Ek Pal Chain Na Aave.

Mera Piya Ghar Aaya

The popular song 'Mera Piya Ghar Aaya' featured Madhuri Dixit in 1995 film 'Yaraana'. The song was composed by Anu Malik and originally sung by Khan.

Kissey Da Yaar Na Vichdey

Another Nadeem-Shravan’s song 'Isse Jyada Dukh Na Koi' was actually copied from Khan’s collection. Nfak sang the original one 'Kissey Da Yaar Na Vichdey'.

Mere Rashke Qamar
The superhit qawwali of Nfak has been revitalized multiple times. Recently, this song was adopted in the soundtrack of Ajay Devgn starrer 'Baadshaho' movie, which was sung by his nephew Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.


Yeh jo halka halka suroor

This legendary song has been one of the most copied songs of Nfak. Starring Rekha and Jeetendra in the movie 'Souten ki Beti' (1990) and again this song has recently been remaked in 'Fanney Khan' starring Aishwarya Rai and Rajkummar Rao.

Kinna Sona Tenu Rab Ne Banaya

'Kitna Pyara Tujhe Rab Ne Banaya' song is from the movie 'Raja Hindustani', which is composed by Nadeem-Shravan. The song was actually copied from Nusrat’s song 'Kinna Sona Tenu Rab Ne Banaya'.