Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s son Shahzaman Ali Khan left a huge impression on Pakistan Idol during episode 24 with his rendition of the iconic qawwali 'Kise Da Yaar Na Vichre', prompting an outpouring of nostalgic reactions online.
The hit song was originally sung by the late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s greatest musical legends.
Nusrat played a pivotal role in taking qawwali to global audiences, while his nephew Rahat Fateh Ali Khan went on to establish himself as a leading vocalist across classical, qawwali and playback singing.
Viewers quickly made comparisons to the family's renowned musical heritage when Shahzaman Ali Khan appeared on a national platform.
As clips from the episode circulated on social media, several users remarked that Shahzaman’s voice carried shades of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. One listener wrote that his voice had “hints of the legendary qawwal,” while wishing him success for the future.
Another user commented that “Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s music continues to live on,” calling it “a source of pride for Pakistanis,” and stating that “some artists never truly die, as their legacy survives through their work.”
Some reactions pointed out that while Shahzaman’s voice “resembled that of the late maestro,” it would “continue to improve with time and experience.”
Others focused on the emotional depth of “Kise Da Yaar Na Vichre,” saying the song was “powerful enough to move listeners to tears,” particularly those familiar with its Punjabi lyrics and classical composition.
One comment described the performance as “deeply nostalgic,” adding that it “felt like listening to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan again,” while another praised Shahzaman as “a promising young talent carrying the family’s musical heritage forward.”
A few viewers also linked the performance to personal memories, with one recalling that it “took them back to their childhood days of watching classic PTV drama Dhuwan in the 1990s.”
While comparisons to Nusrat and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan remain inevitable, many viewers appeared appreciative of Shahzaman Ali Khan’s early steps into the spotlight, viewing his Pakistan Idol appearance as a respectful nod to a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences.
