Khaleej Times spoke with the vocalists just ahead of the concert.

As a student and nephew of legendary qawwali singer Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahat began performing on stage at the age of 11 with his ustad in 1985.  "What keeps us going as musicians is a strong belief and passion for music and its power to unite,” he said. 

As a renowned qawwali singer who is equally well known for his contributions to the Bollywood music scene, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has garnered a huge fan-base in India after composing over 50 songs for box office hits like ‘Dabangg’ and ‘My name is Khan’.

"Both countries share common passion — a love for films and cricket. Through this, we all must surely try to bring the neighbours together. I have always tried to advocate peace on both sides of the border through my singing and will continue to do so,” the singer told Khaleej Times. "Pakistani bands are much popular in India as Indian songs are popular in Pakistan. Since the audiences look for change, they accept the new thing that comes their way.”

Rahat recently won the ‘Best International Act’ award at the UK Asian Music Awards for his composition in Dabangg ("Tere Mast Mast do Nain”), suggesting a revival of more traditional forms of music that challenges the popular auto-tuned melodies and electro-beats of contemporary South Asian music.  "There is no definition of what is good or bad in music, but I feel that there is always going to be a future for qawwali. It’s the music of the soul,” Rahat stated.

Sharing the stage with the king of qawwali is pop sensation Atif Aslam.  With more than five international stage shows this year under his wing, Atif has been more on stage than in the studios. "I prefer the stage as a vehicle of expression. It’s an immediate medium and I feel more in touch with the world around me,” the Pakistani ‘youth icon’ said.

"I think ‘Prince’ (his recent Bollywood project) was over-commercial — which is totally not my style. I don’t want to be a six-pack hero with no substance. I want to do something that will reflect reality. With the flood situation in Pakistan having displaced so many people, I felt disconnected, like I was getting too commercial. I needed more time to explore myself, work on my music and get back to reality,” he added.

Fans can look forward to Atif’s new album, a collaboration with Guns ’n’ Roses and a film project in the wings, ready to be released soon. 

"Salam 2011 is our chance to have fun with our fans. We are experimenting with new compositions and styles since we’re singing together for the first time,” Atif said. 

The duo ended the concert with a tribute to the late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan while ringing in the new decade in his honour as a Pakistani music legend that inspired a whole generation of artistes.