Saroj Khan died in Mumbai today. (Express archive photo)
National Award winning choreographer Saroj Khan passed away in Mumbai today. Saroj’s daughter Sukaina Khan confirmed the news to indianexpress.com.
In a career spanning forty years, she choreographed nearly 2000 songs. Her most successful collaborations were with actors Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit.
Born as Nirmala Nagpal, Saroj Khan began her career by playing the young Shyama onscreen in Nazarana. She soon became a background dancer under the mentorship of dance director B. Sohanlal. After assisting as a dance choreographer for a few years, her first independent work came in Geeta Mera Naam (1974). Saroj got noticed after she choreographed for Sridevi in Mr. India’s song “Hawa Hawai” (1987). She worked with Sridevi in films like Nagina and Chandni. This was followed by her long-term partnership with Madhuri Dixit in the 1990s in songs like “Ek Do Teen”, “Hum Ko Aaj Kal Hai Intezaar”, “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga”, “Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai”, and “Tamma Tamma”.
Saroj’s other popular films include Baazigar, Mohra, Darr, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Taal, Veer-Zaara, Pardes, Soldier, Don, Saawariya, Lagaan, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Manikarnika among more. She has won awards for Devdas, Jab We Met, Guru, Khalnayak, Chaalbaaz and others. The choreographer has also judged dance reality shows like Nach Baliye, Ustaadon Ka Ustaad, Boogie Woogie and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Her last work was the song “Tabaah Ho Gaye” from Kalank (2019) which was filmed on Madhuri Dixit.
Actor Kunal Kemmu shared, "Another legend leaves us. I never had the pleasure of seeing the magician at work but her work mesmerised and made so many look so graceful on screen. #SarojKhan masterji you will be missed. Prayers and Strength to the family ❤️🙏"
Madhuri Dixit credited Saroj Khan for helping her polish her dancing skills. She tweeted, "I'm devastated by the loss of my friend and guru, Saroj Khan. Will always be grateful for her work in helping me reach my full potential in dance. The world has lost an amazingly talented person. I will miss youBroken heart My sincere condolences to the family. #RIPSarojji"
Actor Shriya Pilgaonkar remembered times spent with Saroj Khan on the sets of Nach Baliye. "I have so many memories of Saroj ji when I visited the sets of the 1st season of Nach Baliye which my parents won. She always said - “Dance chehre pe dikhna chahiye“ . RIP Saroj ji 🙏🏼" she tweeted.
Actor Sonu Sood tweeted, "Saroji you will be missed🙏 #RIPSarojKhan"
Actor Shruti Seth tweeted, "RIP #SarojKhan. Another inimitable talent gone. The film industry is poorer without you. Like so many others I have watched songs you choreographed & tried my best to match steps on numerous occasions. I’m grateful I was able to finally dance to your tune in #Fanaa RIP Masterji❤️"
Music composer-singer Shankar Mahadevan remembered Saraj Khan too. He wrote, "Really heartbreaking news .. Saroj khan ji has given us so many gems which will be remembered forever .. May her soul rest in peace 🙏 #SarojKhan"
Actor Sayani Gupta tweeted, "You will live on Saroj Khan. Only a regret will remain.. for not having had a chance to dance with you. Thank you for the adaah #SarojKhan ❤️"
Actor Amrita Rao wrote, "My first choreographer in Bollywood our "Master Ji". I was lucky to begin with the best dance Guru!! As petrified I was of Her strictness for perfection, Her golden compliments stay with me forever. May She find greater happiness in the Higher World #SarojKhan"
Actor Tamannaah Bhatia wrote on Twitter, "Woke up to the heartbreaking news of the legendary choreographer #SarojKhan’s demise. Her iconic dance moves inspired me at a very young age. Rest in peace Saroj Ji 🙏🏼 You are truly irreplaceable."
Actor Raadhika Sarathkumar wrote, "Very saddened to hear the passing of #SarojKhan or masterji as we call her fondly. A talented creator made dancing so effortless ,worked with her in Mera Pati Sirf Mera Hai, in an iconic song, was amazed at how she worked on transforming the actors to her visuals RIP"
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai wteeted, "AN ERA HAS GONE absolutely my personal loss. an integral part of our Mukta arts family-my strong partner in grooming stars like Madhuri Meenaxi Manisha n ashwarya 🙏🏽 Master of masters. Saroj Khan will live in history of choreography of Indian cinema indeed. Bye JAAN. RIP"
Actor-comedian Kiku Sharda tweeted, "Rest in peace Saroj ji 🙏🏻🙏🏻"
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted, "Woke up to the news that Saroj Khan is no more with us, Most talented trend setter choreographer of Film industry, My condolences to her family members & admirers. We will miss you. #RIP 🙏"
Actor Rakul Preet wrote on Twitter, "2020 please don’t give any more bad news . So sad to hear about #SarojKhan ma’am . Always dreamt of doing atleast one song Choreographed by her. Your grace and contribution to indian cinema shall always be remembered. May your soul RIP. Strength to the family ❤️"
Actor Hansika Motwani tweeted, "#RestInPeaceSarojKhan ji . I still remember your words of wisdom to me , when you told me “beta be focused and give it your all and you will achieve whatever you want “. Grew up watching your choreography . This year has taken away way to much💔 May your her soul rest in peace."
Actor-comedian Ali Asgar wrote on Instagram "Another Shock..saddened..RIP Sarojji -Masterji 🙏"