IMAGE: 14 Aug 2016

“The King of Qawwali”

Famed qawwal Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan may have left us, but his songs will forever keep him alive.

“The King of Qawwali”, who was born on October 13, 1948 in Faisalabad, was not only popular in Pakistan, but also in the rest of the world. Nusrat Fateh Ali's songs have defined the art-form of Qawwali for the generations to come.

Here are 15 of his songs which define Nusrat's legacy.

1) Alif Allah Chambe Di Booti

Originally a Punjabi folk song sung by many artists and qawwals, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's rendition was very popular.

2) Tumhe Dillagi

One of the qawwal's most famous songs. It has also been sung by Nusrat's nephew Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, a rendition which saw Bollywood actors Huma Qureshi and Vidyut Jammwal in the video.

3) Sanson Ki Mala Pey

Did you know the lyrics to this song have been written by a 16th-century Hindu mystic poet Meera, also known as Meera Bai? She was one of the most most famous of the women bhakta poets of north India.

4) Piya Re Piya Re

Nusrat's song 'Piya Re Piya Re' saw a remixed version featured in album Love is in the Air by Indian actor/musician Van Shipley.

5) Sanu Aik Pal Chain Na

One of Nusrat's signature songs, it has also been sung by the younger qawwal Rahat and pop artist Atif Aslam.

6) Yeh Jo Halka Halka Suroor

This by far is Nusrat Sahib's most sung kalaam, one which he sang at many concerts and on TV shows.

7) Dam Mast Qalandar

To date, this qawwali of Nusrat sb's has been remixed numerous times.

8) Mann Kunto Maula

'Mann Kunto Maula' is based on a hadith (a saying of the Prophet (PBUH)) and has been composed by 13th century Sufi musician, poet and scholar, Amir Khusro.

9) Mera Piya Ghar Aya

Another one penned by Punjabi Sufi poet, humanist and philosopher Bulleh Shah, this song has seen many renditions by famous artists, including Nusrat Fateh.

10) Mere Rashk-e- Qamar

Another one of his most memorable tracks.

11) Allah Hoo Allah Hoo

Released in 1992, this song became an instant hit among fans and artists like Rahat Fateh Ali and Sami Yusuf have performed it on many occasions.

12) Afreen Afreen

'Afreen Afreen' was the first collaboration between Nusrat and renowned Indian lyricist Javaid Akhtar. It is one of the qawwal's most famous and signature tracks to date.

13) Dam Hama Dam Ali Ali

Nusrat's love for the Prophet (pbuh) and his son-in-law Ali was not unknown, in fact, this is just one of the many qawwalis the ustad has sung in their honour.

14) Tum Ek Gorakh Dhandha Ho

The Sufi verse 'Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho' (You are a Puzzle) was written by Pakistani lyricist Naz Khialvi, which was later sung by the Ustad.

15) Tu Mera Dil Tu Meri Jaan

Another one of Nusrat's popular tracks, which has been sung by artists galore.