LONDON/LAHORE: Renowned Pakistani artist Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has indicated that his wife and other family members will handle his music going forward, ending his 12-year relationship with internationally recognized music and event producer Salman Ahmed.
According to The News, Khan declared during a press conference in Lahore that his Pakistan RFAK company will merge into NRK, which is overseen by his wife Nida Khan, her brother Baqa Burki, a transport business owner based in the US, his cousin Maroof Ali Khan, Asher Anwar, and Raja Umair Hussain.
It’s understood that Khan and Ahmed parted ways over a number of matters pertaining to the singer’s family, the worldwide lobbying of music promoters, and disagreements about live performances.
For a period of twelve years, Salman Ahmed promoted Rahat internationally through his business, PME World.
At the press conference, Khan declared that he was breaking away from the “previous management in a loving and peaceful way.” However, this correspondent has learned that there are ongoing legal issues and that multiple lawsuits are imminent.
The singer said at the same news conference that “previously payments were made to the company without my knowledge by the clients and some clients remain trapped,” however he did not name the prior management firm. Please only make payments once I have personally signed the receiving document since I don’t want this scenario to happen again where clients pay the money immediately.
The artist recently voiced a number of other complaints with the former management group.
Upon being reached, Ahmed refuted the accusations made by Khan. “The maestro had asked me to meet with him and finalize his UK tour and other dates which he had committed with me only five days prior to the press conference,” the man stated.
Ahmed claimed to have transacted more than $22 million in international business and more than Rs 1.2 billion in domestic business with Rahat.
“Our relationship has always been excellent. Khan’s several marriages, family issues, business dealings, image-building, and everything else have all been handled by me. It appears like Khan Sb has forgotten everything and is no longer aware of my loyalty, even though I was a shield ready to take the first bullet if necessary. I find it disappointing that he made such unfounded accusations.
We were party to a legal contract. We never took money without following the law and getting Khan’s OK. I am happy to provide the Federal Bureau of Revenue in Pakistan with the documentation I have for every penny that Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has taken, so they may audit my income and taxes. Nothing is hidden from me.
Rahat became one of the most sought-after musicians in the world thanks to the amazing music that Khan and Ahmed created together. Salman Ahmed turned things around for the singer and made Rahat a household name in millions of households throughout South Asia and beyond. Rahat was already well-known in Pakistan due to his powerful vocal abilities before Ahmed took on the role of manager.
Khan received the PhD in music from the University of Oxford after thanking Ahmed for his work.
Ahmed is one of the most reputable and seasoned Asian art promoters in the United Kingdom. About 36 years ago, he began hosting British Asian concerts and Bhangra nights.
In a case worth $2.2 million, the Supreme Court of California recently decided in favor of Khan and Ahmed against a show producer located in California, on grounds of extortion, economic duress, and slander. The singer’s spokesperson did not respond to inquiries.
