Wajid Khan Is Remembered Fondly As News Of His Passing Shakes The Internet
Niharika has a passion for all things art, music, and travel and has over 4 years of experience in writing for social media. During her spare time, she likes experimenting in the kitchen, playing vide... read full bio
If you grew up in the early 2000s version of the country, you probably remember hit films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Dabangg, Chori Chori, and many more. The films are memorable for not only their gripping and humorous plots but also for their incredible soundtracks. The name Sajid-Wajid is not new and their fans probably know most of their songs by heart. Many were shocked to wake up to the news of the untimely passing of Wajid Khan last night. The singer/composer had been suffering from major health issues related to his kidney and heart. He had also recently been diagnosed as COVID-19 positive and was allegedly on a ventilator towards the end of his hospital stay. So let’s take a look at the talented composer’s fruitful life and remember him fondly.
In This Article
Musical Beginnings
Besides being extremely gifted composers, did you know that Sajid-Wajid were actually the sons of famed tabla player, Ustad Sharafat Ali Khan? The musical family tree does not just stop there, however, as their grandfather, Ustad Abdul Latif is also a classically trained musician and a Padma Shri award winner. Talk about good genes! The brothers were so enormously talented that they kept winning at different college festivals when they were younger. Originating from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, the brothers first made Salman Khan’s acquaintance when they were selected as composers for the film, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya in 1998. From there began their familial friendship and decades of collaboration.
Sajid-Wajid gained attention for their collaborations with Salman Khan and soon they made names for themselves in Bollywood. The pair were the talk of Bollywood in the 2000s and although they gained fame for being Salman Khan’s favorite composers, they ventured into many other films as well. Many of his friends had witnessed him improve and evolve as a composer before becoming a music director.
Core Beliefs
While Salman Khan might be the poster child for a Bollywood Bad Boy (thanks to his controversies), Sajid-Wajid were always a much-loved pair. More than anything, the pair enjoyed making music for the joy of it rather than for the money. In an interview, Wajid spoke about how much he enjoyed making music with Salman Khan as he always ensured they had a good time. Sajid-Wajid believes making new music was what got them “high” and admitted that they aren’t just in it for the fame.
The brothers were also fond of finding new talent. They had admitted that they sometimes went against what the producers said and decided to add female singers into the mix as well. Talk about female empowerment! However, not everything was sunshine and sparkles for the pair and they would quarrel over certain issues. Wajid once opened up about how his brother and he got into such a massive fight that he was unceremoniously kicked out of the car and asked to take a Rickshaw. Although the pair ceased fire later, Wajid used to make it a point to remind his brother of the incident. They were always very in sync with one another and that is probably what made them one of the best composers Bollywood had ever witnessed.
Sajid and Wajid would find inspiration for their music anywhere. Their hit song, Pandeyjee Seethi was composed after the pair observed a brass band back in their hometown. It’s funny how a tune from Uttar Pradesh became the anthem of Mumbai for so long. In a way, it feels almost right. After all, Mumbai is a city that was built on the backs of migrants from other parts of the country.
Gone Too Soon
Wajid Khan made his final Instagram post about five days ago when he promoted their latest song, Eid Mubarak. The song was composed by Sajid-Wajid and sung by Javed Ali. Interestingly enough, Wajid ended up composing both his first and last songs for none other than his longtime pal, Salman Khan. The song, called Bhai Bhai, was composed by the brothers and sung and penned by Salman himself (triple threat, much?).
Wajid had been suffering from a few health issues for some time now and things came to a steady boil when he was also diagnosed with COVID-19. The composer was already suffering from kidney and heart-related ailments at the time and was on a ventilator in the last few days of his life. “He died of a cardiac arrest,” Wajid’s brother, Sajid Khan told a leading daily on the 1st of June. Fans across the country were devastated to hear the news and many have been taking to social media to share messages of hope for his family as well as their condolences.
While, this year has been extremely difficult for most of us, as so many out there have lost their loved ones and others around them to the coronavirus. And now, to hear of the passing of one of our childhood idols is simply heart-wrenching. We send our condolences to the family of Wajid Khan. What was your favorite Sajid-Wajid song? Do let us know in the comment section below.
