When composer Wajid (of the Sajid-Wajid duo fame) passed away following Coronavirus complications last year, it was more than a devastating personal loss for his brother, Sajid. Wajid’s sudden demise also cast a shadow of uncertainty over Sajid’s musical career in the industry. But the belief that his late brother is by his side, as a guiding star, gave him the strength to move forward. Today, that faith has borne fruit — Sajid has composed two songs as well as sung one of them in Salman Khan’s film, Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai.

He shares, “Many people doubted my ability to carry the legacy forward after Wajid’s death. There was a phase when even I felt that it was all over. I was confused and scared about the future. However, I realised that I can’t afford to slip as we had achieved success after a lot of hard work. The first step was to regain Salman bhai’s confidence, as we have had a long association with him.”

Sajid says, “Yes, I was apprehensive about my capabilities, but I feel Wajid’s presence all the time. He has made me more powerful than I ever was. Now, I am alone and lethal. I have become more passionate about my work.”

Radhe... is his first film as a solo composer. “I have composed two songs, out of which I’ve sung and penned one — the title track in this movie. Writing has come to me as a gift from God after he took Wajid away. Now, I am looking forward to composing an entire album. Wajid was more into melody, while my USP has been the rhythm and arrangement of a song. Lekin aaj mujhse kuchh aisa kaam nikal jaata hain, which surprises me as well,” Sajid shares, adding, “Salman bhai was so impressed with my singing that he has given me a song in his other film, Antim (being directed by Mahesh Manjrekar). I never thought that I could sing as I never liked my voice (laughs!). I was always a standby, but my brother has given me the power to take the legacy ahead.”

Sajid is also part of the Indian Pro Music League 2021 (IPML). Now that the shoot of the reality show has come to a halt due to the Coronavirus crisis in Maharashtra, does he miss it? “Of course, I do. Uss show ki energy hi alag hai. IPML has also given me a chance to restore people’s faith in me that I can make good music,” he replies.