Legendary choreographer Saroj Khan died in Mumbai on Friday. (Express archive photo)
Saroj Khan, the National Award winning choreographer, passed away in Mumbai on Friday. 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 Madhuri Dixit on Saturday shared a video on her social media accounts. She dedicated it to late Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan.
Saroj Khan's daughter Sukaina in an interview with ETimes shared how the late choreographer was still getting offers to work. She said, "She was getting offers to work, but at the same time, because of her age and health she wanted to take a back seat. But still she was doing a couple of jobs. She had actresses learning with her, including Alizeh Agnihotri, Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, Saiee Manjrekar – all these girls were training under her. So she considered herself very lucky and connected to Bollywood equally,"
She also shared that many Bollywood actors were in her contact and kept checking up on her. "Everybody was in touch. Madhuri ma’am, Subhash ji, Jackie ji, Govinda sir, everybody kept calling her up and called me too. They would ask me about her health and how she was doing. When they heard the news, they were all shell shocked like we were. We didn’t expect something like this coming our way," Sukaina said.
Saif Ali Khan remembered Saroj Khan as someone who taught him to work hard. Sharing his experience of working with her on the chartbuster "Ole Ole", Saif said, "She made me rehearse for a week for a song I was to do with her and when I got to the set she made me perform it in one go in front of the unit. When I finished panting, she said, 'ok, now forget all that, now that you’re easy with the song, let’s try something better!' That song was 'ole ole' in Yeh Dillagi and she took a hit song to another level. I must have performed this song a few hundred times on stage on international tours, often three times in a row to “encores"! I will always owe her (and Jojo and Ahmed khan who at the time were her young assistants) for this song and making me into a dancing star - an incredible feat as I have two left feet."
Anubhav Sinha shared a photo with late choreographer Saroj Khan and wrote on Twitter, "I knew she was in the hospital and I didn’t go see her once. I feel so terrible about this. Just keeping track of her health made me feel I cared. May be not enough... Sorry Master Ji. #SarojKhan"
Sunny Leone shared her "brief encounter" with Saroj Khan. In a post, she mentioned, "My very brief encounter by a beautiful patient guru who was trying to teach some basics of Indian folk dancing. Even though our encounter was short I always go back to these videos to learn from her over and over. God Bless your soul and may you rest in peace. My heart goes out to the family, close friends and to all those out there who have lost this beautiful person from your life. RIP Mam!"
Mouni Roy shared an adorable picture on Instagram with a caption, "Lucky were the ones who got to learn adayaki ; a few steps from you, a beautiful teacher, creator, human, You ll live in our hearts forever. You’ll be missed forever.."
Kriti Kharbanda recalled how Saroj Khan was an inspiration for her. In a post, she mentioned, "I never got the opportunity to work with you. It is every newbie's dream and it was mine too. However, it was not in my fate. But I know, no one will ever forget you." She continued, "If not here then somewhwere else. Rest in peace, Master Ji."
"If you don’t get a Bakshish from her as a performer/ choreographer then you have not made it ?????? And when she post it , it sealed that you are worth her praise . Love you masterji . Will miss the count 5-6-7-8," choreographer-filmmaker Bosco Martis shared on Instagram.
Terence Lewis paid tribute to legendary choreographer Saroj Khan, who passed away on Friday. The choreographer referred to her as "an iron lady who was not afraid to call a spade a spade!"
Hina Khan took to Instagram and shared her fond memories with Saroj Khan. "You will be missed Saroj ma'am. Rest in peace. We met in so many award functions, clicked so many selfies, cannot forget how much you adored me and complemented me. I shall cherish those memories forever," the actor wrote.
Remembering Saroj Khan, Alia Bhatt wrote an emotional post that read, "Saroj ji was magic. She created magic. I will never forget our interaction on the sets of Kalank. "You dance very well," she said to me, "but come spend time with me and I will teach you how to dance with your eyes." Thank you Saroj ji for giving so much to the world of dance, movies and memories that we, your fans, will cherish forever."
Divya Khosla Kumar tweeted, "The always so vibrant, smiling, jovial and an inspiration to us all..Our Pride #SarojKhan Mam ..Will miss you."
Sharing a video on Instagram, Divyanka Tripathi wrote, "Saroj ji, It's painful to say goodbye. I was lucky to have learnt a few pieces under you. An honor too became way bigger for me when Saroj Khan ji was the presenter! Always told you, yet reiterating- I am your big fan and the status remains so forever!"
In a tweet, Arshad Warsi remembered Saroj Khan. He wrote, "During a song sequence in Goal, I wasn’t suppose to dance because my leg is broken in the scene. Sarojji said “ek achcha dancer tha uski bhi tang todh di, koi baath nahi, ye ek tang pe bhi bakiyon se achcha nachega” .... I am really going to miss her.."
Filmmaker Nandita Das tweeted, "Such sad news. Her contribution to Hindi films has been enormous. I had the pleasure of working with Sarojji just once, for a Spanish film. She showered me with so much love that I can never forget her warmth and grace. And what a teacher she was! Folded handsFolded hands #SarojKhan."
Sanjay Dutt tweeted, "This news has left me heartbroken. Saroj ji was not just a legend but also a humble person. We shared a beautiful relationship & worked in many films together. Her contribution to the industry is irreplaceable as there was no one who could dance like her. Om Shanti."
Kapil Sharma tweeted, "May your soul Rest In Peace Saroj ji Smiling face with haloFolded hands #RIPSarojKhan."
Music composer Devi Sri Prasad shared on Twitter, "SAROJ KHAN JI.. the LEGENDARY CHOREOGRAPHER who redefined GRACE with her Magical Choreo..????? Ek..Do..Teen Choreo stands 2 be a reference even Now.. Always loved every SONG choreographed by her ?? ThankU Mam ?? U wil be remembered n Cherished forever??????."
Ayushmann Khurrana tweeted, "I never met her personally but this feels like a personal loss. #RIPSarojKhan"
Telugu actor Manchu Manoj tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the news of the demise of #SarojKhan. She is a great inspiration to many choreographers across India. May her soul rest in peace ???. More strength to her family."
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal tweeted, "Saroj KhanJi was a true legend and I consider myself blessed to work with her for the song “Vennila Vennila ...” from the Movie ‘Iruvar’."
Kajal Aggarwal tweeted, "Every actors dream is to dance under your tutelage. RIP #SarojKhan ma’am you will be thoroughly missed."
Actor John Abraham tweeted, 'Heart broken ... Rest In Peace #SarojKhan.'
Singer Mika Singh tweeted, "So sad to hear about the passing of #SarojKhan ji .. The lady who made so many big stars, like Ek Do Teen on @MadhuriDixit ji no one can repeat. She was so humble and down to earth too. I was given a chance to work with her & she made me so comfortable."
Actor-politician Raj Babbar tweeted, "#SarojKhan ji was a Legend - somebody who gave a separate identity to the art of film Choreography. Can recall her from days when we both started work. Was always proud of her ability to weave magic into performances. Her demise is like the end of an era. Deepest condolences."
Pooja Batra Shah posted, "It was an honor to work with you in so many movies of mine. You were a Mastro who made many career’s and there will be no one like you. My Condolences to Raju Khan and your loved ones. This ia how I will always remember you Raising hands May your Soul R. I. P Folded hands #sarojkhan."
Kannada actor and producer Shiva Rajkumar wrote on Twitter, "Saroj Khan.Such grace and poise. Great loss to Indian cinema."
Singer Armaan Malik tweeted, "Really sad to hear about Saroj Ji’s demise. A wonderful soul who was always so passionate about her craft. She always said that anybody can dance, but very few can express correctly. A legend has departed. May her soul rest in peace ??."
Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh tweeted, "This year is bringing one bad news after another. Sad to hear about the demise of Saroj Khan ji. She was an ace choreographer who created benchmark performances through her craft. A great loss to the industry. May her soul rest in peace, strength to her family ?? #RIPSarojKhan."
Actor Nidhhi Agerwal tweeted, "RIP #SarojKhan ji.. the person behind many many iconic songs.. the one who showcased a heroine beautifully ? my prayers with the family ??."
Hrithik Roshan wrote on Twitter, "Thank you Saroj ji for nurturing my passion in so many ways. Your legend will remain. Thank you for the love and the magic. R.I.P. There will never be another like you."
Ace music composer AR Rahman tweeted, "You were like the fireworks in all our celebrations. Thank you for all the joy you brought us through your work. #RIPSarojKhan ?#SarojKhan"
Boney Kapoor wrote on Twitter, '#SarojKhan – an inspiration for all Actors and choreographers .She would put great emphasis on expressions than just movements. Cherish the work we did together for the songs of my films. Condolences to the Family. #RIPSarojKhan #TrueLegend #Guru.'
Actor Kiara Advani wrote on Twitter, "A true Legend. Thankyou for all the iconic dances and expressions. My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. We will miss Saroj Khan Ji ??."
TV actor Rashmi Desai tweeted, "She was the “Mother of choreography in india". Our Guru ji! Red heart. Sad sad May her soul rest in peace. #SarojKhan #OmShanti ??."
Playback singer Shreya Ghoshal tweeted, "Rest in peace #SarojKhan ji Dola Re Dola, Yeh Ishq Haye, Tabaah Ho Gaye, innumerable iconic hits..
Every time I got to know you would be choreographing the song I stepped up an extra notch. You brought nuances, expressions, grace on screen with your heroines. The end of an era."
Actor Shraddha Kapoor tweeted, "Sarojji was the first woman to become a chief choreographer in the Indian film industry! I used to dance to so many of her choreographed songs while growing up; trying to match and mimic her choreography that was simply iconic and amazing!" She added, "Sarojjis master craft and magic will live on in our hearts always. Wishing love and strength to her loved ones and fans. ?"
Actor Janhvi Kapoor wrote on Instagram, "Can’t thank my stars enough for getting the chance to learn from you. I always cherished every moment I spent in the class room with you but now even more. You are truly special, truly a legend for what you’ve given our cinema through your dance. We’ll miss you Sarojji ?"
Sonakshi SInha shared a making video of song "Chamak Challo" from Rowdy Rathore which was choreographed by Saroj Khan.
Actor Kriti Sanon wrote in her Instagram stories, "There was no one else like you Masterji and there never will be... I wish I had the good firtune of working with you and learning from you.. Your work will be ever inspiring... #RIPSarojJi"
Actor Sushmita Sen posted on Twitter, ""When life gives you the chance to sit it out or dance...you dance" Rest in Peace Saroj ji #EndOfAnEra #Guru #Pronam #DuggaDugga I love you!!!"
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur wrote, "She defined a generation of heroines. Certainly #MrIndia would not have been same film without #SarojKhan. You had to see her dance as she rehearsed with SriDevi. She was messmerizing. And what energy! You could shoot all night, yet she smiled and danced constantly fresh. ????"
Veteran actor Hema Malini remembered Saroj Khan on Twitter. "Ace choreographer & unique personality Saroj Khan is no more. A personal loss to all artistes who have worked with her & to the entire film industry. I have myself danced to her vibrant choreography in many films like Mrig Trishna which is an all time favourite with me," she wrote.
Actor Preity Zinta tweeted, "So sad to hear that Saroj Ji is no more?Masterji taught me how to lip sync a song, dance gracefully & become a hindi film Heroine. Her priceless expressions & her quest for perfection was a master class for me when I started out #RIP #Sarojkhan? I will miss you. #legend ??"
Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra wrote on Twitter, "Saroj Khan was d last connection 2that era of Indian Cinema where when emotions rose to a pitch,d characters burst into song and heroine escaped from the clutches of bad writing and came into her sensuous own . Where would d Indian Film heroine have been without talents like her!"
He added in amother tweet, "In fact people like Saroj Khan went out of favour when western realism ( should I say naturalism ) came to the fore . Actually it was pretence . The characters started doing elementary easy western moves which were easier to do and a kind of stylisation went out of the window!"
Telugu star Allu Arjun tweeted, "I bow down my respects for her and my deepest condolences to all the near and dear ones . RIP #Sarojkhan ji ??"
Filmmaker Aanand L Rai tweeted, "This is the end of an era. RIP Saroj ji. ???We will miss you. #SarojKhan"
Bigg Boss fame Sidharth Shukla tweeted, "You were truly one of the reasons dance became an integral part of every household.. your legacy will continue to live on forever.. rest in peace #SarojKhan
Shah Rukh Khan remembered Saroj Khan as his first teacher in Bollywood. He tweeted, "My first genuine teacher in the film industry. She taught me for hours how to do the ‘dip’ for film dancing. One of the most caring, loving & inspiring persona i have ever met. Will miss you Sarojji. May Allah bless her soul. Thank u for looking after me.