Artist Detailed Info: Wajid

Wajid Ali Khan (July 10, 1977 – June 1, 2020) was an Indian music director, composer and singer, best known as the younger half of the acclaimed Bollywood composer duo Sajid–Wajid. Born in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, into a family with deep musical roots—his father Ustad Sharafat Ali Khan was a respected tabla player and his grandfather Ustad Abdul Latif Khan was a Padma Shri–winning musician—Wajid began his musical journey early and was trained under seasoned mentors from a young age.

Wajid collaborated professionally with his elder brother Sajid Khan, and together they carved out a distinct niche in Bollywood music by blending traditional melodies with contemporary mass-appeal arrangements. Their breakthrough came with Salman Khan’s Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998), and they followed this with the Sonu Nigam album Deewaana (1999). The duo subsequently scored music for numerous films, becoming especially associated with Salman Khan’s filmography. Their notable works include soundtracks and songs for Hello Brother, Wanted, Partner, Dabangg series, Ek Tha Tiger, Rowdy Rathore, Main Tera Hero and many others. Wajid also performed vocals on tracks such as “Do You Wanna Partner” and “Soni De Nakhre” from Partner (2008).

Sajid–Wajid’s music earned both commercial success and critical recognition. Their soundtrack for Dabangg (2010) won several major awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Music Direction. The duo’s style was characterized by energetic rhythms, memorable hooks and a fusion of Bollywood and Sufi influences. They also mentored contestants on reality shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012, and composed theme tracks for television programs such as Bigg Boss 4 and Bigg Boss 6. Wajid, in addition, co-composed the IPL Season 4 theme song “Dhoom Dhoom Dhoom Dhadaka”, for which he provided lead vocals.

On June 1, 2020, Wajid Khan passed away in Mumbai at the age of 42 due to complications related to a kidney infection; some reports also mention concurrent COVID-19 infection during his final illness. His passing elicited an outpouring of grief from the Bollywood fraternity and fans worldwide.

Wajid’s legacy endures through a body of popular and influential music that helped define mainstream Bollywood soundtracks in the 2000s and 2010s.

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