Singer and musician
Adnan Sami, who knew music composer Wajid Khan for several years, almost dismissed the news of Khan’s death as untrue when he first heard it. Adnan said, “I have known Sajid-Wajid and their family for over 20 years. Last night, I was told that he was not well and today morning, when I heard the news, I could not believe it. The entire family has music in their genes, their father Ustad Sharafat Ali Khan was a renowned
tabla
player.
Wajid was always up for doing different things in life. Whenever he met me, he used to say, ‘
Bhaijaan yeh karte hai, woh karte hai.’
The irony is that he was taken away when he was so much in love with life. That’s what hurts the most. We were in shock when Irrfan and Chintu
ji
passed away, but we were aware that they were unwell since a long time. In Wajid’s case, I knew that he had undergone surgery for a kidney transplant, but thought he was recovering well. In Wajid's case, I never knew that he was suffering from Corona. I knew that he had undergone a surgery for kidney transplant but that was done and he was better."
Adnan also recalled how Wajid had met him last at his home for dinner. He said, “I had invited many of my industry friends for dinner several months ago. Wajid had also come and I had posted a picture with him from that dinner party. We were colleagues, friends and brothers, who spent many beautiful moments together. I had recorded my first song with him in 2007 – a
qawwali
for the film ‘Chori Chori’ – ‘Ruthe Yaar Nu Mana Le’. My first meeting with him set the tone for the relationship we shared over the years. There was so much love in the room.”
Adnan also called Wajid as a guy, who was filled with
josh.
“I am a big lover of rhythm and melody, and my music has always laid emphasis on rhythm. What I found most endearing about Wajid was the
josh
he had for melody. He would start talking about the song like
dhin da, dhin tak dha
and when we would ask him about the lyrics and melody, he would passionately go on with those words and explain the melody in it. He had a flair for life. And when a man with such
josh
for life disappears, it is difficult to digest. I will miss him dearly and wish him a heavenly abode,” ended Adnan.