Indian composer Salim Merchant reveals his 'special bond' with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Indian composer Salim Merchant opened up about his special bond with Pakistan's music maestro Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who commands immense popularity in India.

Salim Merchant turned to photo and video sharing app, Instagram and shared a bunch of joyful pictures with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and expressed his fondness in the caption.

Merchant mentioned that he has performed numerous hits with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. In a series of pictures shared by Salim, he pointed out that the "last picture in the sequence" is from when he recorded the popular song "Aafreen," originally sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

In the pictures, Salim's brother, Salman Merchant, can also be spotted. The duo is a popular music sensation in India.

“We share a special bond & brotherhood with Rahat bhai. From Ore Piya , Saaiyaan , Dillagi , Mujhko teri Zaroorat , Padharo Maula, Aafreen & performing together a few times. I cannot express my happiness to have known him so closely…The last pic in this sequence is the one when we recorded Afreen,” Salim’s caption read. 

Fans of the Indian and Pakistani musical duo cherished the deep bond between the two singers, expressing sorrow over the inability of the people of both nations to freely engage due to heightened political and security tensions between the two countries.

An Instagram user wrote, “It’s an absolute shame we are deprived of this talent singing for us! Let art be free of all politics.” 

“Wow, those were the days when we used to get the songs from cross border.” another user reminisced.

Several Pakistani artists have successfully worked in India, earning immense acclaim, while Bollywood celebrities also enjoy substantial fan following in Pakistan.