Getting ‘vocal’ about Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

India has always welcomed singers from all over the world with open arms. But this isn’t going down too well with independent singers and musicians in the country who now think it is time India focused on the already existing talent in the country

Following the statement made by Pak singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan that he’donly visit India if ‘respectfully’ invited, the Indian music industry gets vocal.

Singer Raghav Sachar, who is a self-confessed fan of the Pakistani singer, is not in favour of Pakistani artistes coming to India. “I have the highestregard for Rahat and I am big fan of his work but we really don’t need people from other countries. Musicians from elsewhere come and make a career when they are nobodies in their own countries. They earn a lot more, get a lot more recognition and have no tax liability here. If we do not have the required talent in our country then it’s understandable.”

Singer Shibani Kashyap echoes the same thought: “I have known Rahat personally, but I think it is not him speaking. In any case, it’s high-time we stopped opening our doors to world musicians. I doubt if we would get the same kind of treatment there that they get here. Bollywood has made all of them world famous, when thousands in our country are still struggling for a platform to showcase their talent. Collaborating with artistes from other countries is fine, but that’s about it.”

Music composer Bappi Lahiri treads a more diplomatic path. “I have never worked with Rahat or any other artiste from Pakistan. Only music directors who work with these singers are answerable to this,” he says.