Mumbai: Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s mesmerising qawwali “Mere Rashke Qamar” is still remembered fondly by music enthusiasts four decades after it was first recorded, perpetuating the legend of the great singer’s music through the ages.
“The song Mere Rashke Qamar” was actually written by Fana Buland Shehri, composed by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and sung by him, and was originally written in 1988. There is a longer original version that lasts about 17 minutes, and over the years, some shorter and recreated versions have been made.
Mere Rashke Qamar translates as ‘A favored one whose beauty even the moon could envy’. Its evocative poetry, composition and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s unique style of singing have helped this song remain popular for so long
The qawwali was not one of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s most popular mainstream songs in his lifetime, but it became more popular throughout the years, and eventually became a cult-classic.A renewed version, featuring Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, was used for a Bollywood film in 2017, “Baadshaho,” which was set against the backdrop of the Ajay Devgn and Ileana D’Cruz starrer action movie.
The recreated version also showed the legacy of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s music catalogue in Indian popular music. Over the years, many of his compositions and qawwalis have been brought back and made suitable for Bollywood audiences.Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is one of the most celebrated and influential artists of the qawwali and Sufi music genre, known around the world for her profound impact. His recordings continue to be listened to years after his death.
One such example is “Mere Rashke Qamar”, a piece of poetry, music and a strong legacy of vocal power that unites generations. The piece has been used in playlists and contemporary musical culture for almost 40 years after it was created.
