MUMBAI: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the legendary Pakistani Qawwali and playback singer, has etched an indelible mark on the music industry, leaving a profound impact with his soul-stirring vocals. His musical contributions have played a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange between India and Pakistan, and his latest masterpiece, "Aankhein," featured in Kabli Pulao, has emerged as a radiant addition to his already illustrious career. This track shines as one of his finest works, a testament to his exceptional talent, and it marks a new chapter in his illustrious journey. As "Aankhein" prepares to grace Zindagi on 11th Nov, the anticipation among fans reaches new heights, as they eagerly await another enchanting musical experience. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's unique ability to infuse raw emotion into his music continues to enthrall audiences, further solidifying his status as a true maestro in the realm of music. Let’s look at Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s top 5 tracks that we can’t stop humming

Afreen Afreen: Coke Studio Pakistan- Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s rendition of “Afreen Afreen” on Coke Studio Pakistan was a beautiful and iconic performance that resonated with music lovers across the world. The song, originally composed by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, was given a new life by his nephew, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s emotive interpretation. It was performed on Coke Studio Pakistan which is a platform known for its fusion of traditional and contemporary music. “Afreen Afreen” is rooted in Sufi traditions and often explores themes of spirituality and a deep connection with the divine. The lyrics, written by Javed Akhtar, convey notions of love and longing in a poetic and profound manner. The song’s timeless beauty, combined with Rahat’s exceptional talent and the evocative lyrics had made the song a classic and evokes deep emotions and connect with people on a meaningful level. It has garnered over 300 million views on YouTube, becoming first Pakistani song to cross that mark.

O Re Piya: Aaja Nachle- “O Re Piya” is a beautiful and soulful song from the Bollywood movie “AajaNachle”. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s performance in ‘O Re Piya” is deeply emotive and soul-stirring. The music, composed by Salim-Sulaiman, is soothing and the lyrics, penned by Jaideep Sahni are thought-provoking. The song is a romantic ballad that expresses the pain of separation and agony of longing for someone you love and Khan’s voice does complete justice to it. It represents a pivotal moment in the film and adds a romantic and emotional dimension to the story. Despite being released in 2007, “O Re Piya” continues to enjoy popularity and remains a favourite among music enthusiasts. The song received several award nominations, including the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer, showcasing the critical acclaim it garnered.

Jag Ghoomeya: Sultan- “Jag Ghoomeya” from the movie Bollywood movie “Sultan” is a romantic song sung by Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, composed by Vishal-Shekhar and with lyrics written by Irshad Kamil. The song incorporates elements of both Indian and Sufi music, creating a unique cultural fusion that appeals to a broad range of listeners. Khan’s melodious voice infuses the song with a captivating and heartfelt essence, transforming it into a memorable romantic piece. His vocal prowess and ability to convey deep feelings through his singing are evident in this song. In the movie, the song contributes to the love story between central characters portrayed by Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma and it mirrors the emotional journey of their relationship.

Ankhain: Kabli Pulao- Written by Imran Raza and sung by music maestro- Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, “Ankhain''- the official OST of the show ‘Kabli Pulao’ starting 11th November, at 10 pm on Tata Play (Channel no. 154) Dish TV and D2h (Channel no. 117), and Airtel TV (Channel no. 102) on Zindagi, is winning hearts with its streak of romance and intertwined sadness. Its Music and Composition is done by Sahir Ali Bagga and directed by Kashif Nisar. The romantic lyrics and tune beautifully convey the power of emotions expressed through the eyes. It builds on how despite cultural and lingual barriers, love can be communicated through the gaze of the eyes; that act as a gateway to one’s soul. This universal theme has resonated with audiences worldwide, contributing to the OST’s massive popularity. Rahat’s flawless vocals effortlessly breathe life into this song, making it an unforgettable experience for listeners. The song has over 8 million views on Youtube.

Jiya Dhadak Dhadak: Kalyug- Sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and composed by Rohail Hyatt and Faisal Rafi, “Jiya Dhadak Dhadak” is a popular song from the Bollywood movie “Kalyug”. The lyrics, penned by Saeed Qadri, express the feelings of love, longing and heart’s palpitations. Khan’s versatility as a singer is evident in this song, his expressive and melodious voice adds a layer of richness to the song, making it a touching experience for the listeners. It became a chart-topping hit and Rahat’s emotive quality contributed to its success.