Tribune’s Gamechangers 2011: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

More money, more problems.

Acclaimed Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s meteoric career growth across 2011 has perhaps only been rivalled by his bad luck in all things monetary this year.

While touring India, Khan was held by Indian authorities for carrying a large amount of undeclared foreign currency in violation of local currency laws. This scandal was quickly followed up by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), declaring that the singer had not paid his taxes for the past five years. Following media hue and cry, Khan appeared in court for tax evasion and issued a public apology.

Mid-year, Khan’s band was also struck with tragedy, as their Indian manager was killed in a road accident in the US. Two members of the band were also injured in the accident.

Quote of the year: “I was ignorant about tax procedure.”