Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has addressed the recent viral video depicting him hitting his protege, Naveed Hasnain, with a shoe, shedding light on the incident during a conversation with Adeel Asif on his podcast. The renowned Pakistani singer expressed remorse, stating that he had apologized to Naveed, whom he affectionately refers to as his protege.
Reflecting on the incident, Rahat shared, “I did apologize to him. He started crying and said, ‘Ustaad ji (Sir), why are you doing this?’” He emphasized the role he plays in Naveed’s life, likening it to that of a father figure, asserting, “I am his teacher. I have played the role of his father.”
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan further disclosed his ongoing support for Naveed’s family, highlighting his contributions towards their medical treatments and wedding expenses. The video in question depicted Rahat repeatedly slapping and kicking Naveed over a ‘bottle,’ which Rahat clarified as ‘pir sahab ka dum ka paani (holy water)’.
Addressing the subsequent backlash and trolling on social media, Rahat defended his actions, asserting, “He is my protege, and I accepted that I scolded and disciplined him. Later, I apologized.” He lamented the lack of understanding regarding the gravity of the situation, stressing its spiritual implications involving his spiritual guide.
Describing the incident as an “internal matter” between a master and his employee, Rahat reiterated that such interactions are commonplace in mentor-protege relationships. He emphasized that while praise is showered upon proteges for their achievements, discipline is also necessary for mistakes made. Rahat clarified his stance in a separate video alongside Naveed and his father, refuting claims that the incident was an attempt to tarnish his image.
In essence, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s response to the viral video underscores his regret over the incident, his role as a mentor, and his efforts to address the situation both privately and publicly amidst the ensuing controversy.
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