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 Shilpa Shetty credited Saroj Khan for teaching her how to express. She wrote in an Instagram post, "A LEGEND has left us😔 Can’t forget the moment I first met you when you came to choreograph ‘Kitaabe’ ( Baazigar) and I burst out crying (I was a huge fan of your work) I couldn’t believe you were actually standing in front of me. Then came ‘Churake dil’, which was a milestone in my career... and many more. You set the benchmark so high, taught me ‘how’ to express... a technician par excellence... No one shot women like you, you were the best! Will miss you. Churake dil mera #Saroj ji chale💔 May you rest in peace, Masterji 🙏 Strength and love to the family to cope with this irreparable loss❤️"
Music composer Shekhar Ravjiani tweeted, "Another legend has left us, but her legacy will live on for eternity. God bless her soul 🙏 #SarojKhanJi"
Filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh wrote on Twitter, "So much fun she was. The gods must be lining up to learn ek do teen. Thank you saroj ji for all the happiness."
Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar wrote, "Saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary Saroj Khan ji. RIP. Have wonderful memories of time spent with her re-imagining ‘Khaike Paan Banaraswala’ on Don. Condolences to her family."
Actor-producer Anushka Sharma wrote on Twitter, "Saroj ji was an institution in herself. She has inspired so many choreographers, dancers, actors and directors to reach excellence in their work with her own gift of genius. Her art and legacy will live on forever. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and fans 🙏"
Veteran actor Dharmendra wrote, "Tere aane se ronaq aa jaati thi .....Saroj...... affsos .....tum bhi chali gaien.....skoon naseeb ho rooh ko teri.....🙏. Friends, she was an assistant dance director in my first film Dil bhi tera.....a jolly good friend."
Actor Tusshar Kapoor wrote on Twitter, "There never was, isn’t and never will be another Saroj Khan! Thank you for the gorgeous moments on celluloid! Blessed to have learnt dance from your assistants and then to have worked with you, your style, an institution in itself! A legacy that lives on! RIP"
Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu tweeted, "Saddened to hear about the demise of ace choreographer #SarojKhan... Her timeless classics will continue to inspire generations to come. The end of an era... Heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. RIP Saroj Khan."
Madhuri Dixit remembered Saroj Khan in an Instagram post too. Sharing clicks with her 'guruji', Madhuri wrote, 'I'm devastated & at an utter loss of words today! Saroj ji was part of my journey since the beginning. She taught me a lot, not just about dance but so much more. There's a rush of memories in my head thinking of this big personal loss. My heartfelt condolences to the family 💔'
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Sonam Kapoor wrote on Instagram, "Rest in peace guruji"
Producer-host Naved Jafri tweeted, "Alas we have lost another rare gem. I have had the opportunity to work and learn so much from this legend,from bol baby bol to Boogie Woogie. Artists like her will never be seen again at least in our lifetime. Deepest condolences to the family 🙏 #SarojKhan #RIPSarojji"
Screenwriter Kanika Dhillon tweeted, "Master ji... you made Bollywood dance to your tunes! Your iconic steps inspired us when given a choice to sit it out or dance... we all danced! That’s priceless.. Rest in peace! Condolences to the family ... 🙏🙏"
Actor-politician Nagma Morarji wrote on Twitter, "#SarojKhan RIP pray to the almighty that he gives strength to her family and dear ones to bear this grave loss."
Actor Bhumi Pednekar tweeted, "R.I.P Saroj Khan Ma'am🙏 Your legacy lives on ❤️ Condolences to the family."
Actor-model Sophie Choudry shared several clips from Saroj Khan's blockbuster songs on Twitter.
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.