Wajid Khan was an Indian playback singer, music composer, and music director who became widely known as one half of the popular Bollywood music duo Sajid–Wajid, alongside his elder brother Sajid Khan. Born into a musical family, Wajid was the son of renowned tabla player Ustad Sharafat Ali Khan and grew up surrounded by Indian classical and film music. He was born in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on 10 July 1977.
Wajid and Sajid made their Bollywood debut as music composers with Salman Khan's Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya in 1998. The brothers went on to create music for numerous successful Hindi films, particularly several Salman Khan movies, and became associated with energetic, catchy and commercially successful Bollywood soundtracks.
As a singer, Wajid lent his voice to popular songs including “Soni De Nakhre,” “Do You Wanna Partner,” “Hud Hud Dabangg,” and “Chinta Ta Chita Chita.” He also contributed vocals and composition to several other Bollywood projects.Wajid Khan developed his musical abilities from a young age and received training within a family with strong musical traditions. His father, Ustad Sharafat Ali Khan, was a respected tabla player, and Wajid later worked closely with his elder brother Sajid to establish the Sajid–Wajid music-composer duo.
The duo's first major Bollywood project was Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998). Their work subsequently included films such as Tere Naam, Wanted, Dabangg, Partner, Main Tera Hero, Ek Tha Tiger and other Hindi productions. Their association with Salman Khan became particularly prominent, with the brothers composing several popular songs for his films.
Wajid was also active as a singer and lyricist in addition to his work as a composer. He and Sajid served as mentors on singing reality programs, including Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, further connecting them with India's emerging musical talent.
Wajid Khan died in Mumbai on 1 June 2020, at the age of 42 according to the most widely reported birth year. His family later stated that he died due to cardiac arrest. Earlier reports had also highlighted his kidney-related health problems, a previous kidney transplant, and treatment for an infection; reports at the time additionally said he had tested positive for COVID-19.
His musical partnership with Sajid and his contribution as a singer and composer remain an important part of modern Bollywood music, particularly through the memorable soundtracks associated with Salman Khan's films. Birth Date: 10 July 1977 Birth Place: Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India Profession: Playback Singer, Music Composer, Music Director, Lyricist Genres: Bollywood, Sufi, Indian Film Music Years Active: 1998–2020 Death Date: 1 June 2020 Place of Death: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India