‘India Doesn't Allow Pak Artists’, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Explains Why Indians Do Destination Weddings

In the middle of a controversy over the social media popularity of a video in which he beat up a student, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has now asserted that Indians arrange their weddings overseas in order to bring Pakistani artists to perform.

In a chat with YouTuber Adeel Asif, Rahat said, “Since we couldn’t travel to India, Indians… I would like to give them some credit, they started hosting their destination weddings in foreign countries because India does not allow Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Atif Aslam to come in and perform. (They said) We will host our weddings outside so they can come and perform,” the singer said.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan reacts to backlash over viral video

In he same interview he said,? “I did apologise to him. He started crying and said, ‘Ustaad ji (Sir) why are you doing this?’” The 49-year-old said, “Baap ka jaise role hota hai. Shagird ki baap hone ki jarurat hai. Humne woh role hi adaa kia hai (I am his teacher. I have played the role of his father).”

Reacting to the trolling, the Pakistani singer said, “He is my protege and I accepted that I scolded and trashed him. Later I apologised. Till this point, it was fine but people are making fun of it. But the truth is he had my holy water with him. People are not understanding the intensity of the situation. It’s a very serious matter for me as it involves my spiritual guide.”

Chinmayi Sripada’s Reaction To Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s Controversy

She wrote, "Some of these people behave like such gentle, soft-spoken souls in public, one would never think they’d be capable of such inhumane behaviour. If only cameras existed earlier - more of those we celebrate as so-called greats would have been exposed for what they actually were to other people. Horrendous.”

While reacting to his apology video, she wrote, “The justification he gives here “The teacher showers love on the student when they do well; and the punishment is equally harsh when they make a mistake.” Gurus get protected by the ‘divinity’ of their position, regardless of the faith / religion they practice - all their transgressions, from violence, emotional abuse to sexual abuse is condoned for the sake of their ‘artistry’, ‘talent’ etc etc. This needs to stop.”