Film composer and music director Wajid Khan, who was one half of the renowned Sajid-Wajid duo, has died aged 42.
The musician, who created soundtracks for dozens of Bollywood blockbusters with his brother Sajid, died in Mumbai following complications from a kidney infection.
The veteran composer is believed to have had coronavirus, according to entertainment journalist Faridoon Shahryar.
“Sad news: noted singer Sonu Nigam just confirmed to me that music composer Wajid Khan of Sajid-Wajid passed away a short while back," Shahryar said on Twitter. "He was suffering from Covid-19."
Khan, who worked on the score for films including Wanted and Dabangg, underwent a kidney transplant recently, according to composer Salim Merchant.
He confirmed Khan's death on Twitter, saying he was "shocked and broken" by the news.
“He had multiple issues. He had a kidney issue and had a transplant a while ago. But recently he got to know about a kidney infection," Salim told news agency PTI.
"He was on the ventilator for the last four days, after his situation started getting worse. Kidney infection was the beginning and then he got critical."
Playback singer Sonu Nigam was among the first to confirm the news, posting an image of Khan on Instagram with the caption: "My brother Wajid left us."
Khan's story
Khan, son of tabla player Ustad Sharafat Ali Khan, made his Bollywood debut with Sajid for the soundtrack of 1998 film Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, which stars Salman Khan.
The duo went on to work on several of the actor's films, including Tumko Na Bhool Payenge, Veer and Partner.
Wajid also showed off his vocals on a number of tracks, including Chal Maar from 2016's Tutak Tutak Tutiya and Bullett Raja from the 2013 film of the same name.
The Khan brothers acted as mentors on talent reality shows Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012 and scored music for singers Nigam and Rahul Vaidya on non-film-related albums.
After news of Khan's death was announced, a number of Bollywood celebrities paid tribute to the composer.
Quantico star Priyanka Chopra said she was shocked by the "terrible news", saying she would always remember the musician's laugh.
Singer Javed Ali shared his sadness over Khan's death, saying "may his soul rest in peace".
Actor Varun Dhawan revealed the composer had been very close to his family, as he shared a picture of his father with Khan.
"Shocked hearing this news. Wajid Khan was extremely close to me and my family," he said. "He was one of the most positive people to be around. We will miss you Wajid bhai, thank you for the music.”
Sajid-Wajid most recently composed a song for Ali to mark Eid Al Fitr, with the track released last week.
They also crafted Salman Khan's recent track Pyaar Karona, an anthem to encourage listeners to do their part to fight the pandemic.
World Cricket League Division 2
In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.
UAE fixtures
Thursday, February 8 v Kenya; Friday, February 9 v Canada; Sunday, February 11 v Nepal; Monday, February 12 v Oman; Wednesday, February 14 v Namibia; Thursday, February 15 final
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
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UAE Premiership
Results
Dubai Exiles 24-28 Jebel Ali Dragons
Abu Dhabi Harlequins 43-27 Dubai Hurricanes
Fixture
Friday, March 29, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Jebel Ali Dragons, The Sevens, Dubai
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War on waste
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
Looking for a new family pet? Here are the links to visit when it comes to adopting...
Arabian Saluki Center of Dubai (Ascod)
Emirates Animal Welfare Society
Rescue Animals in Need United Arab Emirates
Sniff - Strays Needing Interim of Furever Friends
PARA UAE - Protection of Animal Rights Association
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Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
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Transmission: 8-speed auto
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On sale: Now
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- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
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Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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1. |
United States |
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2. |
China |
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3. |
UAE |
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4. |
Japan |
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5 |
Norway |
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6. |
Canada |
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7. |
Singapore |
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8. |
Australia |
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9. |
Saudi Arabia |
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South Korea |
A cheaper choice
Vanuatu: $130,000
Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.
Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.
Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.
Benefits: No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.
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Teams
Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.
Squad rules
All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.
Tournament rules
The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.
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Transmission: Automatic
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Torque: 750Nm
Price: Dh535,000
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Transmission: n/a
Power: 402bhp
Torque: 659Nm
Price estimate: Dh200,000
On sale: Q3 2022
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The%20specs
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Libya's Gold
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