LONDON: Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and his son, Shahzaman Khan, were formally felicitated at the Houses of Parliament during an event celebrating cultural diplomacy and musical excellence, bringing together communities from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The ceremony was organized by British-Asian artist Raja Kaasheff to honor Ustad Rahat and his son in recognition of their lasting musical legacy and contribution to South Asian music.
A highlight of the event was the official unveiling of cross-border Bengali duo “Prem Piyasha – Reloaded (Thirst for Love)”, a collaboration spanning the UK, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. The project features Rahat alongside Rubayat Jahan, combining classic Qawwali roots with contemporary romantic expression.
With lyrics by Kabir Bakul, composition and arrangement by Raja Kaasheff and direction by Saikat Reza, the song was released under Dhruba Music Station and symbolizes a cultural bridge between South Asia and the global diaspora.
The event attracted a distinguished audience including Ruth Cadbury, Ritu Prakash Chhabria, Asif Akbar, Tariq Ahmad, Barrister Farhan Farani, Baroness Uddin, Afzal Khan, Apsana Begum, Vijay Sharma, along with numerous Lords, MPs and prominent community figures.
Speakers described the collaboration as more than a musical release, calling it a reflection of a shared heritage and an emotional connection that transcends borders.
Raja Kaasheff said the inauguration inside Parliament reinforced the role of music as a unifying force capable of linking cultures, languages and nations. He said “Prem Piyasha – Reloaded” is a timeless romantic piece that captures the essence of love beyond geography, adding that Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s participation unites people across divides.
Lord Tariq Ahmad said Rahat’s contribution to South Asian music and the entire world remains immense. He noted that the legacy of late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan continues through Rahat and now through Shahzaman Khan, and described the occasion as a proud moment.
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan thanked Raja Kaasheff and Rubayat Jahan for their collaboration and praised their artistic contribution. He said working with them has always been a pleasure and described “Prem Piyasha” as an important musical work.
He also thanked the parliamentarians for honoring him and his son.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is currently in London and recently performed to a sold-out audience at the Royal Albert Hall. He is also scheduled to perform at private events this week with his full band.
He said he was honored to be recognized by UK parliamentarians, calling it an honor not only for himself but also for South Asian music, the Qawwali Sufi tradition and modern Urdu music.
