A video showing Qawwal Rahat Fateh Ali Khan assaulting an employee caused widespread social media outrage. Khan claims the incident involved a “blessed water bottle” and was a private matter between him and his student.
In the viral video, Khan physically attacks Naveed Hasnain, identified as his student. Khan insists the bottle contained water blessed by a spiritual leader. Addressing the video, he described it as a private teacher-student issue, emphasizing the dynamics of their relationship.
Hasnain, supporting Khan’s statement, denied the incident as abuse. He recounted Khan’s affection towards him and dismissed the video as an attempt to defame Khan. Hasnain’s father cited an analogy from the Qawwal community, suggesting such actions are not viewed as violence but as part of their tradition.
Khan responded to allegations of employee mistreatment by showing his long-term driver on camera, who denied any abuse from Khan. In subsequent videos, Khan reiterated his stance without a direct apology. Hasnain echoed this sentiment, downplaying the incident.
Social media reactions show widespread dismay at the violence and the subsequent justifications. Users criticized the normalization of violence, especially in a teacher-student relationship. The reaction highlights a broader concern about acceptable behaviour in such dynamics.
