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Remembering Wajid Khan's Top 15 Songs

June 02, 2020 10:01 IST

For over two decades, Wajid Khan, one half of the composer duo Sajid-Wajid and tabla artiste Ustad Sharafat Ali Khan's son, regaled listeners with infectious compositions and eclectic range.

Known for his wholehearted passion and gentle demeanour, the 42-year-old musician's untimely demise is heartbreaking for the Hindi film and music industry as well as his fans everywhere.

Though a significant chunk of his music, alongside big brother Sajid, was designed around Salman Khan's brand of entertainment -- they began their career with the superstar's 1998 rom-com Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya -- his creativity seldom rung hollow.

Sukanya Verma remembers the late talent's 15 most popular songs.

 

Teri Jawani, Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya

IMAGE: Arbaaz Khan and Anjala Zaveri in the song Teri Jawani from Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya.

Despite presences like Jatin-Lalit and Himesh Reshammiya hogging most of the album, Sajid-Wajid made a lasting impression in their only song, the energetic qawaali style Teri Jawani Badi Mast picturised on Arbaaz Khan and Anjala Zaveri.

 

Hata Sawan Ki Ghata, Hello Brother

IMAGE: Salman Khan in the song Hata Sawan Ki Ghata from Hello Brother.

Hello Brother wasn't a success, but Salman Khan's tapori touch, bolstered by its catchy pedestrian numbers like Hata Sawan Ki Ghata, instantly caught the fancy of Bhai fans.

 

Lal Dupatta, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi

IMAGE: Priyanka Chopra in the song Lal Dupatta from Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.

Sajid-Wajid's superhit soundtrack for David Dhawan's comedy blends nicely into Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar's cat and mouse game over Priyanka Chopra.

The romantic vibes of both these lads over the same lady is charmingly conveyed in Lal Dupatta's rhapsody.

 

Dupatta Tera Nau Rang, Partner

IMAGE: Katrina Kaif, Govinda, Lara Dutta and Salman Khan in the song Dupatta Tera Nau Rang from Partner.

The Punjabi pop energy of this vibrant dance number is tailor made for the peppy, playful camaraderie between Salman Khan and Govinda.

 

Lagan Lagi, Tere Naam

IMAGE: Salman Khan in the song Lagan Lagi from Tere Naam.

A good deal of credit for Tera Naam's enormous success goes to its hummable soundtrack. Even though Lagan Lagi is just a one song contribution, it's a significant one.

 

Tujhe Aksa Beach, God Tussi Great Ho

IMAGE: Sohail Khan and Priyanka Chopra in the song Tujhe Aksa Beach from God Tussi Great Ho.

In the same space as Ghulam's Aati Kya Khandala and Judwaa's Nau Se Baarah, occasional singer Wajid wields the microphone to deliver a street style serenade, also the only memorable thing about this wishy-washy Bruce Almighty rip-off.

 

Jalwa, Wanted

IMAGE: Salman Khan in the song Jalwa from Wanted.

Wajid's singer skills come into play once again for the high-octane drama of signature Salman spectacle in Jalwa as amply highlighted in Prabhudeva's blockbuster remake of Pokiri.

 

Hud Hud Dabangg, Dabangg

IMAGE: Salman Khan in the song Hud Hud Dabangg from Dabangg.

Wajid and Sukhwinder Singh collaborate on the composer duo's titular chartbuster track underscoring his multitasking abilities to the hilt.

 

Tere Mast Mast Do Nain, Dabangg

IMAGE: Salman Khan in the song Tere Mast Mast Do Nain from Dabangg.

Another winner from Salman Khan's big hit. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's silky rendition and Tere Mast Mast Do Nain's affectionate rhythm is the A to Z of pleasant.

 

Surili Ankhiyon Wale, Veer

IMAGE: Zarine Khan and Salman Khan in the song Surili Ankhiyon Wale from Veer.

Even the crashing failure of Salman Khan's ambitious costume drama couldn't come in the way of the lovely, lilting romance of this under-rated Sajid-Wajid-Gulzar gem.

 

Mukhtasar, Teri Meri Kahani

IMAGE: Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra in the song Mukhtasar from Teri Meri Kahani.

Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra's timeline shifting romance didn't set the box office registers ringing but the songs are a delight. Especially the easy, breezy Mukhtasar.

 

Mashallah, Ek Tha Tiger

IMAGE: Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in the song Mashallah from Ek Tha Tiger.

Doused in Arabic exotica and Wajid-Shreya Ghosal's vocal prowess, Ek Tha Tiger's Mashallah comes alive in a pulsating score befitting of Salman-Katrina's on screen fire.

 

Fevicol Se, Dabangg 2

IMAGE: Kareena Kapoor in the song Fevicol Se from Dabangg 2.

If Lalit Pandit's scorching item number Munni Badnaam won the frontbenchers in Dabangg, Sajid-Wajid's Fevicol Se in its sequel goes all out to raise the mercury with its no-holds-barred raunchiness.

 

Raat Bhar, Heropanti

IMAGE: Tiger Shroff and Kriti Sanon in the song Raat Bhar from Heropanti.

A rare young, mellow, romantic, pop-meets-dance concoction from the duo showcases their versatility and ability to connect with all age groups.

 

Palat, Main Tera Hero

IMAGE: Ileana D'Cruz and Varun Dhawan in the song Palat from Main Tera Hero.

Few did post-millennium dhinchak like Sajid-Wajid. Main Tera Hero's frolicking Palat is a shining example of the same where even the usually serene Arijit Singh lets his hair down and how.

SUKANYA VERMA