Wajid Khan, the celebrated name of Bollywood music industry, who used to compose music with his brother Sajid Khan breathed his last in the wee hours today. His untimely demise at the young age of 42 has left Bollywood and his fans in utter shock. He is remembered as a sweet and ever-smiling man by his colleagues in the film and music industries, one who was passionate about his craft. He was loved for his tremendous warmth and liveliness, and spontaneity. Hailing from a family of musicians, Wajid with his brother Sajid is known to have created situational music. He lost his battle to multiple health issues.
Personal Life
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Born on July 10, 1977, in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh; Wajid Khan was grandson of Padma Shri winner Ustad Abdul Latif Khan and son of veteran tabla player Ustad Sharafat Ali Khan. His father is known to have worked with music stalwarts in Bollywood for decades. His lineage is enriched by Ustad Niyaz Ahmed Khan and Ustad Faiyyaz Ahmed Khan, who were his grand-uncle and maternal grandfather.
His music training began with his brother Sajid when he was just 7-8 years old. The famous musician Ustad Allarakah Khan trained them in classical music. He learned to play guitar from Das Babu – one of the best guitarists of India.
He got married in 2010 and has two kids.
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Filmography
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The music duo – Sajid Wajid began with their Bollywood career with Salman Khan-starrer Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya in 1998. The movie and music both were superhits and the brothers never looked back since then. They gave a number of hits such as Hello Brother, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Tere Naam, Chori Chori, Wanted, Ek Tha Tiger, Dabangg franchise, Rowdy Rathore, Housefull 2, Daawat-E-Ishq, Chashme Baddoor, Main Tera Hero, Teri Meri Kahaani, and Heropanti.
He has also given his voice as a playback singer for Salman and Akshay Kumar. Some of his famous tracks are Mera Hi Jalwa, Fevicol Se, Chinta ta Chita Chita, Chal Maar, Bullett Raja, Pandey Jee Seeti, and Mukhtsar among many others. The theme song for the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League, Dhoom Dhoom Dhoom Dhadaka also had the composer’s melody. The last song that he composed with his brother was also for Salman – Bhai Bhai, the actor’s Eid single.
Wajid has also penned lyrics of some famous songs that include Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal (Desi Mem) and with Shabbir Ahmed – Le Le Mazaa Le (Wanted).
Other Works
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Sajid – Wajid have also composed music for some albums as music directors in ‘90s and early 2000s that were the decades of non-film music. One of the biggest hits of all time they have delivered is Deewana by Sonu Nigam in 1999. Others include Khoya Khoya Chand by Alka Yagnik and Babul Supriyo in 2001 and Tera Intezar by Rahul Vaidya in 2005.
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Awards and Accolades
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Among the host of musical masterpieces that Wajid has given with his brother Sajid, some are also acknowledged and awarded. The list of awards include:
- Dabangg – Mirchi Music Awards for album of the year in 2010
- Dabangg – Star Screen Award for the best music director in 2011
- Dabangg – GiMA Award for the best music director in 2011
- Munni badnaam hui – Zee Cine Awards for the best track of the year in 2011
- Ek Tha Tiger – Big Star Award for most entertaining music in 2012
- Fevicol Se – Guild Awards for radio song of the year in 2013
- Main Tera Hero – Life Ok Now Awards for the best album in 2014
- Pride of India award for music in 2016
- Daddy – Jio Filmfare Awards for background score in 2018
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Illness and Death
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Wajid Khan passed away at Surana Hospital, Mumbai on 1st June, 2020 where he was already hospitalized and his condition deteriorated. It is confirmed by Sajid Khan, his brother that Wajid Khan was coronavirus positive and died of cardiac arrest. He also had a kidney transplant lately and was infected. The young music composer was given an emotional farewell by only 20 people at the Versova kabrastan because of COVID-19 induced lockdown.
Many Bollywood stars like Salman Khan, Salim Merchant, Priyanka Chopra, Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra, and Sonu Nigam posted touching tweets in his remembrance.
Though he has left for eternal peace, he will be cherished through the pieces of music that he has composed. Peace be with you, the melodious composer. You are alive in your symphony.
