Wajid Khan, a renowned Bollywood composer-singer from the famous Sajid-Wajid duo, passed away on Monday morning in a Mumbai hospital. He was well-known in Bollywood.
Reports indicate that Wajid, who had undergone a kidney transplant previously, developed an infection and had been on a ventilator for four days. He was 42 years old.
During the lockdown, Sajid-Wajid composed songs for Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, including “Pyaar Karona,” a pop anthem encouraging the fight against coronavirus. Released in April, the song was sung by Salman, who also appeared in the video.
The duo also composed Salman’s Eid special song, “Bhai Bhai,” promoting communal harmony.
As news of Wajid’s passing spread, Bollywood celebrities expressed their grief on social media.
Priyanka Chopra tweeted, “Terrible news. I will always remember 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.”
Composer Salim Merchant of the Salim-Suleiman duo was among the first to confirm the news with a tweet, “Devastated with the news of the passing away of my brother Wajid of Sajid-Wajid fame. May Allah give strength to the family. Safe travels, bro. @wajidkhan7, you’ve gone too soon. It’s a huge loss to our fraternity. I’m shocked & broken,” wrote Salim.
Actor Varun Dhawan also expressed his shock, “Shocked hearing this news. Wajid Khan bhai was extremely close to me and my family. He was one of the most positive people to be around. We will miss you, Wajid bhai. Thank you for the music.”
Vishal Dadlani shared, “Wajid Khan is gone far too soon. His talent and heart were never appreciated enough. All the times we planned to meet & never did because we were busy, those will always rankle. Sajid Khan, mere bhai. You will never be alone & our brother will forever be remembered.”
Singer Sona Mohapatra tweeted, “Heartbreaking news. Wajid no more. Spent time on the SRGMP show with him as a co-judge and he was so kind and generous. I know he was ailing for a while, regret not picking up the phone on him in this lockdown. Stunned and sad.”
Singer Harshdeep Kaur shared, “My deep condolences to #WajidKhan Ji’s family. Still can’t believe that he is no more. Have always seen him smiling and spreading joy around him. Huge loss to the music industry.”
Tulsi Kumar tweeted, “This cannot be true! I can’t believe that Wajid bhai has left us. In a state of complete shock! Worked with you on so many songs and just met you a while ago @wajidkhan7. May your soul Rest In Peace. May God give strength to the family to bear this huge loss.”
Singer-Politician Babul Supriyo expressed on Twitter, “Shocked to hear about the cruelly untimely demise of Wajid of the renowned Composer duo of Sajid Wajid. Incredible loss of a very dear friend & a very talented musical mind — a great sport.”
Actor Riteish Deshmukh posted on Twitter with a picture, “Deeply saddened & shocked by the passing away of a wonderful musical maestro @wajidkhan7 – rest in glory my friend. I will miss your smile, your humour.. countless late nights made melodious with your impromptu singing. Condolences to #Sajid bhai and the entire family.”
Akshay Kumar also mourned, “Shocked and saddened to hear about the untimely demise of #WajidKhan, talented and ever-smiling…gone too soon. May God give strength to his family in this difficult time.”
Film director Karan Johar tweeted, “#RIPWajidKhan your music will always live on…deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. Gone too soon.”
Kangana Ranaut’s team tweeted, “Gone too soon, but his music will live on forever. Prayers for #WajidKhan and strength to ace composer’s family to bear the loss. RIP #WajidBhai.”
Rekha Bhardwaj reminisced about her encounters with Wajid, “Have woken up to this terrible news of @wajidkhan7Wajid’s passing away.. Whenever we met we talked about music and things in general.”
“He had this childlike innocent mischievous smile that I can never forget. Sang a beautiful song #Kanha for #SajidWajid sad day,” she added.
Actor Abhishek Bachchan extended condolences, “Rest in harmony my friend. Had the pleasure of working with both Sajid-Wajid, most loving and brilliant. My condolences to his family and especially Sajid. #RIPWajidKhan,” tweeted Bachchan.
Actor Sonam Kapoor shared a picture from the promotions of her film Dolly Ki Doli with Khan, captioning it, “Rest in peace #wajidkhan.”
Actor Parineeti Chopra remembered him, “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,” Chopra tweeted.
Mohit Chauhan and Amit Trivedi also expressed their sorrow.
Mohit tweeted, “Shocked and totally heartbroken to hear about Wajid bhai’s passing away. This was not his time to go. May Allah bless his soul and give the family strength to bear this huge loss. My heart goes out to Sajid bhai. Stay strong. RIP #WajidKhan.”
Amit Trivedi wrote, “Wonderful composer, wonderful human being Wajid bhai gone too soon. Deeply saddened to hear this. May God give strength to his family and friends.”
With inputs from IANS
