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| Wajid (right) of the Sajid-Wajid duo |
The other half of the popular Hindi film music composing pair Sajid-Wajid is no more. Wajid Khan passed away today morning. He was only 42.
The brothers had been composing Hindi film music for over two decades now, their popularity peaking with songs for blockbuster Salman Khan movies, notably Partner (2007), Wanted (2009), Dabangg (2010) and Dabangg 2 (2012).
But Sajid-Wajid may ultimately be remembered for the melodious Sonu Nigam pop album Deewana (1999). At its time, Sonu Nigam finally broke through the Mohd. Rafi clone tag, with chartbuster songs in Hindi movie soundtracks like Pardes (1997), Border (1997), Aur Pyar Ho Gaya (1997) and Sangharsh (1999). The non-film success of Deewana established Sonu Nigam as a youth icon, the voice of young romance.
Though Sajid-Wajid made their name with largely catchy formula-ridden songs, they also made a bunch of memorable songs that still resonate. Here are some 9 PM Movies favourites:
This soulful Sufi-like ballet was among our select picks for the best Hindi film songs of 2012. The song showcased what forced-into-formula composers are capable of, if given a free hand. If you are giving the soundtrack a listen, do also sample Jab Se Mere Dil Ko Uff, a classic retro-sixties revisit, with Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan going great guns.Allah Jaane is an absolute favourite, my most revisited Sajid-Wajid song. The interlude flute and harmonium sections are a beauty and then Khan goes into trance mode, tracing the Prasoon Joshi lyrics like a painting:
The song video is best remembered for the fabulous Govinda dancing moves, and musically for the superb Punjabi party vibes.
Now there are a zillion Punjabi dance songs in Hindi movies, so to stand out and get noticed is a mean achievement. Great beats, infectious medium pace, despite the quaint vocals that don’t always fit, the song feature the best moments in an otherwise average David Dhawan movie.
