Bollywood's most distinctive composer Wajid Khan dies at 42

Wajid Khan won hearts of millions of admirers both in India and abroad. His distinctive tunes and mellifluous voice passed borders and earned him adulation from his fans across nations. As a singer, he recorded many hit songs including Do You Wanna Partner and Soni De Nakhre (Partner), Hud hud Dabangg (Dabangg), Chinta Ta Chita (Rowdy Rathore), Tujhe Aksa Beach (God Tussi Great Ho) and Jalwa (Wanted).

Hyderabad: Even as the nation is yet to recuperate from the demise of two legendary actors Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan Khan, the demise of music compose-singer-director Wajid Khan of composer duo Sajid-Wajid, in the early hours on June 1 has left the Bollywood as well as the nation in complete shock.

In the span of twenty-two years Sajid-Wajid has had composed music for numerous block busters.

Born in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Wajid was the son of legendary tabla player Ustad Sharafat Hussain Khan. Being a family man, the magical musician shared strong bond with father. After Sharafat's death, Wajid suffered an emotional breakdown. He and brother took a break from the music industry ailing his demise.

The Aa Re Pritam Pyaare crooner first scored music for Salman Khan's 1998 movie Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, winned the song Teri Jawani Badi Mast Mast Hai.

Wajid grabbed a special place in hearts with distinctive tune choices and mellifluous voice. As a singer, he recorded many hit songs, including Do You Wanna Partner and Soni De Nakhre (Partner), Hud Hud Dabangg (Dabangg), Chinta Ta Chita (Rowdy Rathore), Tujhe Aksa Beach (God Tussi Great Ho) and Jalwa (Wanted).

Being a curious seeker of divergent music, Wajid has travelled various parts of the world to explore the genres. "Life is fun guys, get up and enjoy it," the ever-smiling face once uttered.

Sajid-Wajid recently composed songs for Salman during the ongoing lockdown, one of which was a number titled Pyaar Karona, a pop anthem encouraging all to fight the novel virus. The song released in April was sung by Salman and also featured the actor in the video.

READ |B-town celebs condole demise of Wajid Khan

The brothers also composed Dabangg actor's Eid special song Bhai Bhai, which talks of communal harmony.

Besides, the Mashallah crooner has also composed for few non-film albums including Sonu Nigam's Deewana, Alka Yagnik and Babul Supriyo's Khoya Khoya Chand and Rahul Vaidya's Tera Intezaar.

Apart from his immense contribution to the music industry, the duo served as a mentor on singing reality shows Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012 and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar. They had scored IPL 4 theme song, Dhoom Dhoom Dhoom Dhadaka.

The music director left for heavenly abode at the age of 42. The musician was suffering from heart and kidney problems and was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Music composer Salim Merchant told PTI, "He had multiple issues. He had a kidney issue and had a transplant a while ago. But recently he got to know about kidney infection... He was on the ventilator for the last four days, after his situation started getting worse. Kidney infection was the beginning and then he got critical."

The demise of Wajid Khan took the film fraternity to shock, B-town celebs paid heartily tribute to the man with a winsome smile. Though the popular music director left for the heavenly abode, his melodies and tunes will keep humming in our minds for years.