In a recent development, renowned singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has found himself embroiled in controversy after a video surfaced on social media, suggesting his alleged involvement in the physical torture of an employee. Playback singer Chinmayi Sripaada, known for her outspoken views, took to her Twitter account to condemn Khan’s behavior, deeming it ‘horrendous.’
The circulated video captured Rahat Fateh Ali Khan repeatedly slapping and kicking his employee with a shoe. Chinmayi, expressing her shock, stated, “Some of these people behave like such gentle, soft-spoken souls in public, one would never think they’d be capable of such inhumane behaviour. If only cameras existed earlier – more of those we celebrate as so-called greats would have been exposed for what they actually were to other people. Horrendous.”
In response to the controversy, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan released a video message, offering clarification on the incident. He maintained that the altercation was a personal matter involving a teacher (ustad) and his disciple (shagird).
However, Chinmayi was not swayed by the clarification. In response to Khan’s justification, she remarked, “The teacher showers love on the student when they do well, and the punishment is equally harsh when they make a mistake. Gurus get protected by the ‘divinity’ of their position, regardless of the faith/religion they practice – all their transgressions, from violence, emotional abuse to sexual abuse is condoned for the sake of their ‘artistry’, ‘talent’ etc., etc. This needs to stop.”
The incident has sparked a debate on the often overlooked darker side of revered figures in the artistic community, with calls for greater accountability and an end to the protection granted based on their positions of influence.
