Wajid Khan was a celebrated Bollywood music composer and singer whose name resonates deeply with every Bollywood music enthusiast. Throughout his career, he delivered numerous unforgettable songs, yet behind his success lies a story of struggle and resilience.
Wajid Khan’s personal journey is nothing short of cinematic. An incident in his early days inspired him and his brother Sajid Khan to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination. His musical journey stands not only as an inspiration but also as a testament to his dedication and hard work.
Start Of A Musical Journey
Born on October 7, 1977, Wajid Khan hailed from a musical family. His father, Sharafat Ali Khan, was a renowned tabla player, and his maternal uncle, Ustad Faiz Ahmed Khan, was a respected classical
singer.
From a young age, Wajid Khan had a deep connection with music. He was fond of playing the guitar and was known for being a man of few words, yet his emotions spoke volumes through his melodies.
Salman Khan’s Support
Wajid Khan’s Bollywood career began in 1998 with Salman Khan’s film Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya. The song Teri Jawani Badi Mast Mast Hai became a massive hit, firmly establishing Wajid Khan’s name in the music industry.
However, behind this success was a painful experience. Early on, while playing guitar for a prominent music composer, a wrong note was played and blamed on Wajid Khan. Though innocent, he endured the criticism silently, deeply wounded by the incident. His father was present and was moved to tears.
This moment proved to be a crucial lesson for Wajid Khan and his brother Sajid Khan, who vowed that day to forge their own musical path and identity.
The Iconic Sajid-Wajid Duo
From that point, the Sajid-Wajid duo carved a distinctive niche in Bollywood. They composed music for numerous films, creating songs that remain etched in the hearts of many.
Their work featured prominently in several Salman Khan films including Garv, Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge, Partner, and the Dabangg franchise.
Wajid Khan not only composed but also lent his voice to several tracks for Salman Khan, such as Mera Hi Jalwa and Humka Peeni Hai.
Awards And Legacy
The duo’s hard work was rewarded when they received the Filmfare Award in 2011 for the music of Dabangg.
Their songs were instant favourites at parties and weddings alike, known for their unique blend of fun, romance, and energy that distinguished them from their peers.
A Life Of Struggle And Enduring Music
Despite his success, Wajid Khan’s life was marked by health challenges. He battled kidney disease for years but never ceased to create music. He tragically passed away on June 1, 2020, at the age of 42 due to cardiac arrest, leaving Bollywood and fans devastated.
In the wake of his death, his brother Sajid Khan often spoke of how difficult it was to carry on without him, emphasising that no one could replicate the magic Wajid Khan brought to their music. His melodies and memories continue to live on in the hearts of many.