Wajid Ali Khan, one half of the music composer duo Sajid-Wajid, died in Mumbai early today. He was 42. The composer had been admitted at the Surana Sethia hospital in Chembur with a kidney ailment where his condition worsened and he died. He had also tested positive for COVID-19.
The news was confirmed by composer Salim Merchant to the Press Trust of India news agency. Merchant said, "He had multiple issues. He had a kidney issue and had undergone 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. The kidney infection was the beginning and then his condition became critical."
Wajid Ali Khan, son of famed tabla player Ustad Sharafat Ali Khan, made his debut as a music composer in cinema alongside his brother Sajid Ali Khan, with Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998), starring Salman Khan and Kajol. The film proved to be a musical success and led to their collaboration with singer Sonu Nigam on the very popular album Deewana in 1999.
Arbaaz Khan, Salman Khan's brother and co-star in Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, shared his condolences on the sudden death of the composer.
RIP Wajid bhai ☹️ you will be deeply missed. The music industry has lost a gem. Gone to soon. My heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and friends. Allah jannat naseeb kare 🙏 pic.twitter.com/UfD9yVj829
— Arbaaz Khan (@arbaazSkhan) June 1, 2020
Sajid and Wajid shared a close relationship with Salman Khan, collaborating with him on Partner (2008), Hello (2008), God Tussi Great Ho! (2008), Wanted (2009) and Dabangg (2010), among other films. They won the Filmfare award for Best Music for Dabangg (2010).
Wajid also lent his voice to some of the duo's biggest hits, including 'Mera Hi Jalwa' from Wanted, 'Fevicol Se' from Dabangg and 'Chinta Ta Chita Chita' from Rowdy Rathore (2012).
His death was mourned by several of those who worked with him, from Amitabh Bachchan and Sonu Nigam to Priyanka Chopra, Salim Merchant and singer Babul Supriyo, now a minister in the Narendra Modi government.
T 3548 - Shocked at the passing of Wajid Khan .. a bright smiling talent passes away .. duas , prayers and in condolence 🙏🙏🙏
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) June 1, 2020
shocked hearing this news @wajidkhan7 bhai was extremely close to me and my family. He was one of the most positive people to be around. We will miss u Wajid bhai thank u for the music 🎵 pic.twitter.com/jW2C2ooZ3P
— Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) May 31, 2020
Terrible news. 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.@wajidkhan7
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) May 31, 2020
Devastated with the news of the passing away of my brother Wajid of Sajid -Wajid fame. May Allah give strength to the family 🙏
— salim merchant (@salim_merchant) May 31, 2020
Safe travels bro @wajidkhan7 you’ve gone too soon. It’s a huge loss to our fraternity. I’m shocked & broken .
Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un
Heartbroken. Both @SajidMusicKhan and @wajidkhan7 have been close & true friends. The kind who might see the light on and show up at our studio in the middle of the night just to meet and talk and share a laugh. Can't believe Wajid and I will never speak again.
— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) May 31, 2020
Wajid Bhai you were the nicest, nicest nicest man! Always smiling. Always singing. All heart. Every music session with him was memorable. You will truly be missed wajid bhai. 🧡🧡 #WajidKhan
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) May 31, 2020
Shocked to hear about the cruelly untimely demise of Wajid of the renowned Composer duo of SajidWajid•Incredible loss of a very very dear friend & a very very talented musical mind - a Gr8 sport....
— Babul Supriyo (@SuPriyoBabul) May 31, 2020
@BeingSalmanKhan @singer_shaan @RameshTaurani