nfak songs used bollywood
Image Source: Daily Times

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (NFAK) has been crowned as the king of Qawwalis. The late singer made his name globally as his voice charmed, inspired, and moved each who heard it. On his 24th death anniversary today, we can’t help but remember his legendary voice. To that end, his voice and music composition skills were also heavily integrated in India. Here are all the songs he sung/composed for Bollywood movies. 

1. ‘Choti Si Umar’ – Bandit Queen (1994)

This was the first time he stepped into Bollywood. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Roger White collaborated to compose songs for this movie. One of the most haunting melodies of the movie was ‘Choti Si Umar’ and it was composed by NFAK. It talks about bidding goodbye to daughters at a very young age with the background of child marriage.


2. ‘Meri Saason Mein’ – Aur Pyar Ho Gaya (1997)

This was totally in the ballpark of NFAK’s greatest hits, a romantic hit! This composition was also done by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Khan gave it a Hindustani classical touch by using the sitar and tabla and it was sung by Udit Narayan.

3. ‘Ishq Ka Rutba’ – Kartoos (1999)

In this song, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan also lent his majestic voice. He adopted many verses from his independent song from his Pakistani album. The song was also made more contemporary with the musical composition. Such is his magic that the film flopped but the song is one of the greatest hits of India.

4. Mere Rashke Qamar

The famous and revered Qawali of NFAk Mere Rashke Qamar was recently re-done by India in a Bollywood film.  In 2017 for an Ajay Devgan movie titled “BaadShaaho” the song by NFAK was integrated.

The re-imagined:

The original:

5. Sanu Ik Pal Chain Na Aave

This was re-sung by none other than Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in 2018. The song is originally by NFAK and much of the same lyrics have been retained. The melody has changed, however, to fit the contemporary movie. It was re-sung for Raid in 2018.

The re-imagined:

The original:

6. Ye Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai

This is another one of NFAk’s most famous and loved qawwalis. It was re-imagined with the same lyrics for Fanney Khan starring Aishwariya Rai. The song has been made more upbeat with some additional verses though the essence of the lyrics remains.

The re-imagined:

The original:

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