LONDON: Renowned Pakistani singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and his son Shahzaman Khan were formally honoured at the Houses of Parliament during an event celebrating cultural diplomacy and musical excellence.
The ceremony was organised by British-Asian artist Raja Kaasheff to recognise the father-son duo for their contributions to South Asian music and their enduring artistic legacy.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the cross-border Bangla duet “Prem Piyasha – Reloaded (Thirst for Love)”, a collaboration connecting artists from the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. The project features Rahat Fateh Ali Khan alongside Rubayat Jahan, combining classical Qawwali influences with contemporary romantic expression.
The song includes lyrics by Kabir Bakul, composition and arrangement by Raja Kaasheff, and direction by Saikat Reza. It has been released under Dhruba Music Station as a symbol of cultural harmony across South Asia and the global diaspora.
The event was attended by several parliamentarians, community leaders and artists, who described the collaboration as a reflection of shared heritage and cultural unity beyond borders.
Speakers highlighted the global impact of South Asian music and praised the contribution of the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, noting that his legacy continues through Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and the emerging generation represented by Shahzaman Khan.
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan thanked the organisers and participants for the recognition, describing the honour as a tribute not only to him and his son but to South Asian music, Sufi Qawwali traditions and modern Urdu music.
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 during his stay.