Saroj Khan recalls training a broke Govinda for free during struggling days; he later repaid her by quietly giving Rs 4 lakh for her treatment: ‘Doctors declared I can’t be saved’

Saroj Khan recalled training Govinda during his struggling days in the industry without charging him a fee, and how he later repaid her kindness multiple times over the years.

By: Entertainment Desk
Chennai | February 24, 2025 13:50 IST

Saroj Khan had lauded Govinda for helping her when she needed financial assistance. (Pic: Express Archive, Govinda/Instagram)

Saroj Khan trained many Bollywood actors, but one of her most cherished students was Govinda, who remains known for his impeccable dance moves. Their bond extended beyond the professional sphere, as Govinda considered her his Guru. In an earlier interaction, Saroj Khan recalled training Govinda during his struggling days in the industry without charging him a fee, and how he later repaid her kindness multiple times over the years—including offering her financial assistance when she was hospitalized and fighting for her life.

In an old interview, Saroj Khan reminisced about her first meeting with Govinda. “Govinda ji told me from the beginning, ‘Master ji, I come without a ticket from Virar, I don’t have money to give you.’ I told him, ‘Did I ask you for money? I will ask when you become a star.’ He agreed, and later he got a break.”

Saroj Khan also recalled how Govinda never forgot his promise and eventually paid his Gurudakshina when he started earning money. She shared, “One day a 10-year-old kid came to me and handed me an envelope. I was sitting in a studio. He asked me if I am Saroj Khan, and when I confirmed, he handed me the envelope, saying, ‘Ye Chi Chi bhaiya ne diya (Chi Chi bhaiya has given this).’ The word ‘Gurudakshina’ was written on the envelope. It had Rs 24,000 in it and the paper read, ‘Now I can give Gurudakshina.’”

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This was not the only time Govinda expressed his love and respect for his mentor. He also extended financial help when Saroj Khan was battling a serious health crisis. Recalling the moment, she said, “Time passed. I was doing Devdas’ ‘Dola Re Dola’ and I fell very sick. I landed in the hospital, and doctors declared that, ‘She can’t be saved.’ That is when Govinda came at night and gave my elder daughter a parcel and told her, ‘Tell Saroji ji her son had come.’ That parcel had Rs 4 lakh for my treatment. This is his upbringing. My academy also started because of Govinda.”

Saroj Khan passed away in 2020 at the age of 71.

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