Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s legacy continues to resonate across the globe, leaving an indelible impact on international artists alike.

In a recent conversation, actor and comedian Sohail Ahmed shared how deeply the music legend’s name affected Indian Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh.

“Whenever I mentioned the name of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, by God, his eyes would lower. He would say, ‘I have listened to music from all over the world, but Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is from this land and I cannot understand who he was… I still can’t figure it out. He was beyond anyone’s comprehension,'” said Sohail.

Sohail also highlighted the respect that Pakistan’s rich musical heritage commands, especially in India. “People from India greatly admire our poetry, which is unmatched. They love our actors and singers, and they give respect to our musicians,” Sohail noted.

The comedian further raised a pertinent question about the recognition of Pakistani artists: “So why do we think that a star has to go international to be recognised in Pakistan? Why can’t we respect our own artists when they perform here?”

Sohail fondly recalled a conversation with Master Manzoor Sahib, who praised Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s distinct voice, saying, “His voice didn’t have the same quality as others; he was unique. He didn’t believe in anyone else.”