‘You will always be missed’: Rahat Fateh, Shaan Shahid, netizens remember Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on his 25th death anniversary

The world lost the King of Qawwali, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, on August 16, 1997 but it never forgot him. He died of a sudden cardiac arrest had also suffered from liver and kidney issues for some time before he passed away at the age of 48. Even today, the musician’s timeless qawwalis are remembered and cherished and he remains in the hearts of Pakistani music lovers.

From ‘Halka Halka Suroor’ to ‘Piya Ghar Aaya’, Khan’s melodies are a treat for anyone who loves qawwali. Almost two and a half decades after his death, people still remember the icon on social media, including his nephew and singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and actor Shaan Shahid.

Both took to Twitter to express their thoughts on the 25th anniversary of his death. The ‘Main Tenu’ singer wrote, “You had touched countless lives in your lifetime and even after your death, you live through your music and your family legacy. You will always be missed!”

Shahid called him “true ambassador of Pakistan” and said his voice and knowledge was God gifted.

Netizens have also offered prayers and words of appreciation for the late qawwal. This user shared that he still listens to his music as it connects with him in a way no other artist can.

“25 years ago today we lost one of musical history’s greatest voices,” a user wrote.

Another labelled him as the master of qawwali and said August 16 is the day the “music died”.

For this user, Khan was the “source of light in the often dark history of Pakistan.”

Another wrote that the qawwal is one of the finest musicians and no one in the future could compare.

This user remembered the time when he used to listen to the legend’s work on VHS tapes and made a small prayer for him.

Love for Khan’s work goes beyond borders as many of his qawwalis have also made it to Bollywood. His career started off when he was only 16 years old and ever since the singer contributed to the musical word with his exceptional voice. He is often given the title Shahenshah-e-Qawwali and in his life he performed at venues across the world.