Pakistani sensation tempts Bollywood

Pakistani music is becoming huge in India and the most recent sensation is khayal singer Rafaqat Ali Khan. From a romantic number to a fast-paced qawwali to an old Sufi number re-invented, Rafaqat's music speaks of versatility and beauty. Making his debut with Main Hoon Wo Aasman from Krrish, the son of famous classical singer Nazakat Ali Khan is very happy with his first solo album in India. "The album is called Nishan-E-Rafaqat, meaning signs of friendship. Rafaqat means love or friendship that also happens to be my name," says the excited singer.

A celebrated singer from Pakistan and the recipient of the Amir Khusro Award, Rafaqat has sung for Mahesh Bhatt's Awarapan and Pooja Bhatt's Dhokha after he made his foray in the industry with a stunning performance in Rakesh Roshan's Krrish.

His album, which was recently released by Times Music, seems to be an amalgamation of Sufi, qawwali and pop music. Though all the songs are a treat to hear, but Rafaqat's favourite is Kahen Ye Ankhiyan, which is a soul-stirring number and is being aired on various music channels.

"All 11 songs are different from each other. Ishq Da Bukhar is a kind of dance number whereas Chap Tilak and Duma Dum Mast Kalandar are classical songs. So I have aimed to please all kinds of music lovers," says Rafaqat. Even in the time of remixes and hip-hop music, the Pakistani singer is optimistic about the revival of Sufi music.

"Sufi music is definitely coming back. People are increasingly loving it and in the coming years, it is definitely going to be very big. And you know that by seeing the kind of money music companies are spending on Sufi singers because that is what everyone likes now. Moreover, everyone has different tastes, so there is ample space for every kind of music to survive," he says. With a phenomenal voice and a now a great album, it looks like Rafaqat is definitely here to stay for a long time.