Singer Wajid Khan is no more, yet, he has left behind a legacy worth cherishing

Mona

Starting with Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, for decades music duo Sajid-Wajid has given hit tracks for Salman Khan films as also for others. Call it a coincidence, for Wajid Khan, his last turned out to be for Salman too – the song Bhai Bhai.

Tere Naam, Partner, Dabangg series, Rowdy Rathore, Ek Tha Tiger, Jai Ho to Judwaa 2, Sajid-Wajid has given peppy scores throughout their journey. Hud Hud Dabangg, Chinta Ta Ta Chita Chita, Baaki Sab First Class Hai and Soni De Nakhre, Wajid Khan won immense love as a singer too. His untimely demise on Monday morning came as a shock to the film fraternity.

Great persona

Singer Salman Ali considers himself to be fortunate to have known Wajid Khan, “The world knows him as a music composer par excellence; those of us who had a chance to know him can vouch that he was even far better a person.” Salman Ali, who sang Awara for Dabangg 3, adds, “I was so scared when I was to record Awara. Wajid sir was with me that day. He was so empathetic towards a newcomer in the industry like me. He guided me through the whole process, sharing each and every step. If I could record that song in flat15 minutes, it was all due to his gentle guidance.”

Lovely memories

Renu Nagar, who is in her hometown Alwar, Rajasthan, under the lockdown, was shocked to hear about Wajid Khan’s demise. “I was in Wajid sir’s team in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa; I have so many memories, it’s hard to believe that he has left us.” Nagar recalls how Wajid mentored her. “I am fond of ghazals and wanted to sing one on the show. Wajid sir took up my request and ensured that I get to sing Ghulam Ali’s Apni Tasveer Ko Aankhon Se Lagata Kya Hai.”

Not just as a hit musician, Nagar remembers him as a fine human being too, “During the show, he took all team members to his home for a meal. The evening was full of love and blessings. His mother heard me sing. I treasure the earrings that his wife lovingly gifted me.”

Excellent composer

Another singer, Masha Ali recalls meeting Wajid Khan in 2013 at a studio in Mumbai. “He was a fine lyricist, composer, director, singer and also a great human being.” Remembering Wajid as an excellent composer- director, he adds “Unko singers ki bahut parakh thi. He could very well see how well a singer could do in a particular genre.”

Iconic repertoire

Singer Jasleen Royal says, “I was devastated this morning.” Jasleen, who would often go to their studio for her recording sessions, adds, “Both Sajid and Wajid have always been very loving and encouraging. Their repertoire is iconic. I do very different music than theirs, but their music is unparalleled.”

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