SRINAGAR: Renowned Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan found himself at the centre of controversy as a video surfaced on social media showing him physically assaulting an individual, reportedly a domestic servant, over a missing “bottle.” The incident stirred a wave of criticism and concern among netizens.
In the video that quickly went viral, Khan is seen repeatedly beating a man while inquiring about the missing bottle.
The singer claimed the person being assaulted was his student, identified as Naveed Hasnain, and later issued an apology video to address the incident.
In the apology video, Khan characterised the incident as a “personal matter between a teacher and his student.” Hasnain, who appeared alongside the singer, explained that the missing bottle contained “water sanctified by a pir” and that he had inadvertently misplaced it.
“He is my father and my teacher. He loves us a lot too. Whoever has done this act [of leaking the video] is plainly blackmailing to defame my teacher,” Hasnain stated in defence of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
The singer expressed remorse, stating that he had immediately asked for forgiveness from Hasnain after the incident. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the nephew of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and grandson of Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, holds a significant position in the music industry and has received accolades, including an honorary degree from Oxford University in 2019.
As the controversy unfolded, the video, first published by Samaa TV sparked negative reactions on social media, with users expressing disappointment and calling for accountability. Some criticised the singer for his actions, while others questioned the authenticity of the apology video.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of domestic staff and has led to a broader conversation about the responsibility of public figures to maintain ethical conduct.
“Unfortunately, he’ll not punished. His money will take care of everything. Such a shameful act,” a user wrote. Another user commented, “90% of the privileged in the sub-continent behave like that. Irrespective of region, religion, caste, language and profession.”
“The second video looks scripted. Rahat Ali has lost respect now,” a third user remarked. A fourth user added, “Very sad to see the real person behind a beautiful voice. No matter what you do after the incident but the reality is caught on camera.”
