Bollywood music composer Wajid Khan of the duo Sajid-Wajid dies at 42; celebs pay tributes

In a heartbreaking news from the Bollywood circles, singer-composer Wajid Khan of music director duo Sajid-Wajid is no more. He died at the age of 42 in a Mumbai city hospital of complications arising from a kidney infection for which he was being treated since a couple of days. 

The duo is best known for their work with Salman Khan in his films like ‘Wanted’, ‘Dabangg’ and ‘Ek Tha Tiger’. 

Wajid Khan’s death was confirmed by music composer Salim Merchant who said that Wajid had been admitted at Surana hospital, Chembur where his condition deteriorated. Salim Merchant told PTI, "He had multiple issues. He had a kidney issue and had 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. Kidney infection was the beginning and then he got critical.”

As soon as the news came out, Bollywood celebs took to social media to pay their tributes. Priyanka Chopra wrote, "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.”

Akshay Kumar wrote, "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 🙏🏻"

Varun Dhawan shared a picture of his father David Dhawan with Wajid and wrote, "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 you Wajid bhai thank you for the music.”

Music composer-singer Vishal Dadlani said he was "heartbroken" after hearing the news. "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," he wrote.

Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan said he was still unable to come to terms with the news of Wajid's demise. "Shocking ! Good bye dear brother.. love you .. till we meet on the other side ! Prayers for your peaceful journey Wajid bhai," he tweeted.

Preity Zinta wrote, "I used to call him my brother from another mother. Besides being unbelievably talented he was so gentle & sweet. I’m so heartbroken that I did not get to say Goodbye my sweet 
@wajidkhan7 I will miss you & our jam sessions forever. Till we meet again #RIP #WajidKhan #Gonetoosoon"

The music composer duo made their Bollywood debut with Salman's 1998 movie ‘Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya’ and went on to work on actor's various films including ‘Garv’, ‘Tere Naam’, ‘Tumko Na Bhool Payenge’, ‘Partner’ and the others. 

Wajid also did playback for Salman in chartbusters like ‘Mera He Jalwa’, ‘Fevicol Se’ and for Akshay Kumar in ‘Chinta Ta Chita Chita’ from the film ‘Rowdy Rathore’, among others. He recently co-composed Salman's songs ‘Pyaar Karona’ and 'Bhai Bhai'.