Hadiqa Kiani recallas composing ghazal for Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

She composed and sang 'Raat Bhar Ankh To Nahin Jagi' for the maestro in 1997

On the occasion of the maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s 23^rd death anniversary on August 16, Pakistan’s beloved songstress, Hadiqa Kiani shared how she had the honour of collaborating with him back in 1997.

Taking to Twitter to share a prized memory, Hadiqa revealed an “accomplishment I don’t often talk about.” This accomplishment involved her having gotten the golden chance to not only compose, but also sing a ghazal for the legend that was NFAK. The song in question was Raat Bhar Ankh To Nahin Jagi on Nusrat’s album Samandar Maen Samandar Vol 59.

“In 1997, I had the honour of composing & singing my 1st ghazal for the legendary Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan,” she wrote, adding that both the ghazal itself and the album it featured in, is not easily found now.

I wanted to share something very close to me, an accomplishment I don’t often talk about. In 1997, I had the honor of composing & singing my 1st ghazal for the legendary Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The ghazal and the album it was featured is now very difficult to find (pt.1) pic.twitter.com/SLer1ymMSq

— Hadiqa Kiani (@Hadiqa_Kiani) August 16, 2020

However, she went on to share that that ordeal was made easier after a friend told her where she can find the album. “A friend sent me a screenshot from Spotify and told me it’s available there. So, if you want to hear how this university student from Rawalpindi sounded in 1997, take a listen on Spotify,” she added, posting a screenshot of the album on Spotify.

“It is still such an honour to have had my ghazal selected by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for this album, an honour I will never forget. Rest in peace,” she added, closing off her mini tribute to the iconic NFAK who was/still is perhaps one of the most recognisable musical talents from Pakistan.

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