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Renowned Pakistani Qawwali singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and his son Shahzaman Khan were honoured at the UK Houses of Parliament in an event celebrating cultural diplomacy and musical excellence.
The ceremony, organised by British-Asian artist Raja Kaasheff, brought together communities from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh to recognise the duo’s significant contribution to South Asian music.
A major highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the cross-border Bangla duet “Prem Piyasha – Reloaded (Thirst for Love)”. This collaborative project involves artists from the UK, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. It features Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan alongside Bangladeshi singer Rubayat Jahan, blending traditional Qawwali elements with modern romantic expression.
The song features lyrics by Kabir Bakul, composition and arrangement by Raja Kaasheff, and direction by Saikat Reza. It has been released under Dhruba Music Station and is being seen as a cultural bridge connecting South Asia and its global diaspora.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including British parliamentarians Ruth Cadbury, Afzal Khan, Apsana Begum, Baroness Uddin, Tariq Ahmad, Vijay Sharma, Ritu Prakash Chhabria, Asif Akbar, lawyer Farhan Farani, and others.
Speakers at the event described the song as more than just a musical release — calling it a powerful symbol of shared heritage and emotional unity that goes beyond national borders.
Raja Kaasheff emphasised that holding the unveiling inside the UK Parliament highlights music’s ability to unite people across cultures, languages, and nations. He described “Prem Piyasha – Reloaded” as a timeless romantic song that captures the universal essence of love, and praised Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s participation for bringing people together across divides.
Lord Tariq Ahmad praised Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s immense contribution to South Asian and global music. He noted that the legendary legacy of the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan lives on through Rahat and now through his son Shahzaman Khan, calling the occasion a moment of pride for all.
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan expressed his gratitude to Raja Kaasheff and Rubayat Jahan for the collaboration. He described “Prem Piyasha” as a significant musical work and thanked the UK parliamentarians for honouring him and his son.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is currently in London. He recently performed to a sold-out crowd at the iconic Royal Albert Hall and is scheduled to perform at private events this week with his full band.
He said he felt humbled by the recognition from UK parliamentarians, describing it as an honour not just for himself, but for South Asian music, the Sufi Qawwali tradition, and modern Urdu music as a whole.
