Rahat Fateh Ali Khan thanks India for promoting Pakistani talent

Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who is one of the judges of the music-based reality show Chotte Ustaad 2, says he is thankful to India for providing a platform to young singers from his country, which hasn't been able to promote budding talent.

"The situation in Pakistan is not good... the country is facing problem of terrorism and so we cannot provide a platform to budding talent here. We are thankful to India and the makers of this show (Chotte Ustad 2) for roping in children from Pakistan," Khan told PTI.

"Once the situation normalises in Pakistan we will surely create a platform there for the young talented singers. And we would try to bring in Indian talent," he said.

Chhote Ustaad 2 will feature 10 children from India and 10 from Pakistan. Each Pakistani child will be paired with an Indian child, and the 10 pairs will compete with each other for the title.

Khan, who has has chartbusters like 'Mann Ki Lagan' (Paap), 'Jiya Dhadak Dhadak' (Kalyug), 'Teri Ore' (Singh is Kinng) and 'Ajj Din Chadheya' (Love Aaj Kal) to his credit, said films and cricket were the two mediums to bring India and Pakistan together.

"Both countries share common passion -- 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 said.

On Chhote Ustaad 2, Khan, who is the nephew of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, said  "I liked the concept of the show. It encourages brotherhood between India and Pakistan. It is a very good step and hence I wanted to support it."