Singer-composer Wajid Khan of music director duo Sajid-Wajid, popular for their work on superstar Salman Khan’s films such as Wanted, Dabangg and Ek Tha Tiger, died in wee hours on Monday in a city hospital due to coronavirus. The 42-year-old singer had underlying kidney issues.
“He died of a cardiac arrest,” Wajid’s brother Sajid told PTI while confirming that the musician had tested positive for COVID-19.
Music composer Salim Merchant, who first confirmed the news of Wajid’s death, said the composer was hospitalised recently at Surana Hospital, Chembur where his condition deteriorated.
“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,” Salim told PTI.
A source close to the family also confirmed the coronavirus diagnosis.”He had coronavirus. When you already have heart and kidney issues, your immunity is low. His situation worsened in the last few days,” the source added.
The music composer duo made their Bollywood debut with Salman’s 1998 movie Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya and went on to work on actor’s various films including Garv, Tere Naam, Tumko Na Bhool Payenge, Partner and the popular Dabangg franchise.
Wajid also did playback for Salman in chartbusters like “Mera He Jalwa”, “Fevicol Se” and for Akshay Kumar in “Chinta Ta Chita Chita” from the film “Rowdy Rathore”, among others. He recently co-composed Salman’s songs “Pyaar Karona” and “Bhai Bhai”, which the actor released on his YouTube channel.
Wajid along with his brother Sajid served as mentor on singing reality shows “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012” and “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar”.
The composer duo also scored IPL 4 theme song, “Dhoom Dhoom Dhoom Dhadaka”, which was sung by Wajid.
Soon after the news of the composer’s demise broke, many from the film fraternity took to Twitter to pay tributes.
Condoling Wajid’s demise, Amitabh Bachchan wrote on Twitter, “Shocked at the passing of Wajid Khan .. a bright smiling talent passes away .. duas , prayers and in condolence (sic).”
Akshay Kumar remembered Wajid as ever-smiling and talented.
Actor Priyanka Chopra said she will always remember Wajid’s smile.
“The one thing I will always remember is Wajid bhai’s laugh. Always smiling. Gone too soon. My condolences to his family and everyone grieving. Rest in peace my friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers,” she posted on Twitter.
Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan said he was still unable to come to terms with the news of Wajid’s demise.
“Shocking ! Good bye dear brother.. love you .. till we meet on the other side ! Prayers for your peaceful journey Wajid bhai,” he tweeted.
Singer Javed Ali posted, “Feeling Deeply Saddened after hearing shocking news of the sudden demise of Wajid Khan. May his Soul Rest in Peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May Allah give strength to the family.”
