Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the renowned Pakistani music maestro, has announced a significant change in his management, revealing that he will now be represented by his wife and other family members. This decision marks the end of a 12-year collaboration with his previous management company, led by globally acclaimed music and concert producer Salman Ahmed.
During a press conference in Lahore, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan disclosed that his Pakistan-based company RFAK will merge into NRK, managed by his wife Nida Rahat, her brother Baqa Niazi (who operates a truck business in the US), and in Pakistan by his cousin Maroof Ali Khan. Interestingly, Maroof Ali Khan was previously accused by Rahat in 2014 of embezzling over USD 1.2 million.
The separation between Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Salman Ahmed reportedly stems from various issues related to the singer's family, global music promoter lobbying, and disagreements over live shows.
Rahat, who was represented by Salman Ahmed for over a decade, expressed during the press conference that the parting was happening in a "loving and peaceful way," but indications suggest potential legal disputes in the future.
While Rahat did not explicitly name his previous management company, he raised concerns about payments made without his knowledge, urging future payments only when personally authorized by him.
When contacted, Salman Ahmed rejected all allegations and stated his willingness to provide revenue stream paperwork to Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to clarify the situation.
Salman Ahmed emphasized his significant contributions to Rahat's career, managing over $22 million worth of international business in 12 years and playing a pivotal role in both personal and professional matters.
Expressing disappointment in the allegations, Salman Ahmed said, "Rahat Fateh Ali Khan sold my sincerity too damn cheap. It is showtime now. The world will see the reality."
The collaboration between Rahat and Salman produced remarkable music, elevating Rahat to a prominent position among world artists. Salman Ahmed, an experienced British Asian art promoter, played a crucial role in reshaping Rahat's career and making him a household name.
