Mumbai: Vocalist and composer Wajid Khan from music director duo Sajid-Wajid, best known for his work on films by superstar Salman Khan like Wanted, Dabangg and Ek Tha Tiger, died of coronavirus in an urban hospital early in the morning on Monday. The 42-year-old singer had kidney problems.
“He died of a cardiac arrest,” Wajid’s brother Sajid told PTI, 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 recently hospitalized at Surana Hospital in Chembur, where his condition worsened.
“He had several problems. He had a kidney problem and had a transplant some time ago. But he recently learned of a kidney infection … He was on the ventilator for the last four days after his situation worsened. Kidney infection was the beginning and then he became critical, “Salim told PTI.
A family-related source also confirmed the coronavirus diagnosis. “He had coronavirus. If you already have heart and kidney problems, your immunity is low. His situation has worsened in the past few days,” added the source.
The composer duo made their Bollywood debut in 1998 with Salman’s film “Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya” and worked on various films by the actor, including Garv, Tere Naam, Tumko Na Bhool Payenge, Partner and the popular Dabangg franchise.
Wajid played for Salman in chartbusters such as “Mera He Jalwa”, “Fevicol Se” and for Akshay Kumar in “Chinta Ta Chita Chita” from the film “Rowdy Rathore”. He recently composed Salman’s songs “Pyaar Karona” and Bhai Bhai, which the actor released on his YouTube channel.
Wajid and his brother Sajid served as mentors for the reality shows “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012” and “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar”.
The composer duo also achieved the IPL 4 theme song “Dhoom Dhoom Dhoom Dhadaka”, which was sung by Wajid.
Shortly after the news of the composer’s death became known, many members of the film brotherhood went to Twitter to pay tribute.
Actress Priyanka Chopra said she will always remember Wajid’s smile. “The only thing I will ever remember is Wajid Bhai’s laugh. Always smiling. Going too early. My condolences to his family and all mourners. Peace and quiet, my friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers,” she wrote on twitter.
Actor Parineeti Chopra said Wajid was one of the “nicest” men in the business. “Always sing. All hearts. Always positive. You will really miss Wajid bhai,” she tweeted
The actor Varun Dhawan shared a picture of his filmmaker father David Dhawan with Wajid and remembered the musician as one of the most positive people in Bollywood.
“Shocked to hear this message @ wajidkhan7 bhai was very close to me and my family. He was one of the most positive people there was. We will miss you. Wajid bhai, thanks for the music,” he wrote.
Music composer and singer Vishal Dadlani said he was “broken” after hearing the news. Both @SajidMusicKhan and @ wajidkhan7 were close and true friends. The kind that could turn on the light in the middle of the night and show up in our studio to meet, talk and laugh. I can’t believe Wajid and I will never speak again, “he wrote.
Singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan said he still could not accept the news of Wajid’s death.
“Shocking! Goodbye, dear brother … love you … until we meet on the other side! Prayers for your peaceful journey Wajid bhai,” he tweeted.
Singer Javed Ali wrote: “I am deeply sad after hearing shocking news about the sudden death of Wajid Khan. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family. May Allah give strength to the family.”