Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Captured on Video Allegedly Assaulting Student with Shoe, Gives Explanation Later

Iconic Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan finds himself at the center of a controversy following a viral video depicting an altercation with a man, claimed to be his disciple. The incident, initially shared on X (formerly Twitter), showed Khan allegedly using his shoe to thrash the individual.

In the video, Khan is seen questioning the man about a bottle while resorting to physical actions. Other individuals in the video attempted to intervene and separate Khan from the student.

Later, Khan clarified the situation, asserting that it was a personal matter between a teacher (Ustad) and his disciple (Shagird). He emphasized the nature of the mentor-disciple relationship, describing the man as being like his child. In a video shared on the microblogging site, Khan, along with the man and his father, explained the context and addressed the incident.

“This concerns a private matter between Shagird and Ustad. He is like my kid. This is the nature of the relationship between a mentor and his follower. I show love to a disciple whenever he does something well. He faces consequences if he commits a transgression,” explained Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

Khan mentioned that he had apologized to the man after the incident. The disciple clarified that he had misplaced a bottle containing holy water, and there was no ill intention behind Khan’s actions. The student’s father emphasized the unique relationship within the field of Qawwali.

Since the video surfaced, social media users expressed criticism and disappointment toward Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Some lamented the incident’s impact on appreciating the artist’s work, highlighting the need for accountability despite the artist’s stature. Netizens called attention to the broader issue of respecting art and criticized Khan’s attempt to downplay the incident.

As reactions continue to pour in, the incident prompts discussions on the responsibilities of public figures and the complexities of mentor-disciple dynamics in the world of music.