Three-time National Award winner, veteran Bollywood choreographer, Saroj Khan, passed away in Mumbai on Friday following a cardiac arrest. She was 71. She was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital in Bandra last Saturday after she complained of breathing issues. The mandatory Covid-19 test done at the hospital showed a negative result.
Saroj Khan was born as Nirmala Nagpal. She started her career as an independent choreographer with Geeta Mera Naam (1974). She rose to fame with the song ‘Hawa Hawai’ from Mr. India (1987). In a career spanning over four decades, she choreographed more than 2000 songs. She choreographed dances for many big celebrities over the decades. From Sridevi to Madhuri Dixit, she had choreographed songs for mostly all the big names in the industry.
Saroj Khan and Madhuri Dixit made for a great duo in the 90’s. Her collaboration with Madhuri Dixit transformed the careers of both the artists, beginning with Ek Do Teen(Tezaab), and following it up with dance numbers like Tamma Tamma Loge (Thanedaar) and Hum Ko Aaj Kal Hai Intezaar (Sailaab). Actress Madhuri Dixit has often credited Khan for catapulting her to fame by choreographing several of her dance numbers. The song ‘Dhak Dhak’ starring Dixit from 1992 film ‘Beta’, was choreographed by Khan and went on to become a national rage.
Some of her famous work includes Darr, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Veer-Zara, Lagaan, Taal, Pardes, Tanu Weds Manu, Jab We Met among many more.
Many celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Shilpa Shetty, and Taapsee Pannu shared their condolences on social media. Madhuri Dixit, who has always had a special bond with Saroj Khan, took to twitter to express her grief. Farah Khan, who was trained by Saroj Khan before she rose to fame, also paid her condolences.
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 you💔 My sincere condolences to the family. #RIPSarojji
— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) July 3, 2020
Rest in peace Sarojji.. u were an inspiration to many, myself included. Thank you for the songs🙏🏻 #SarojKhan
— Farah Khan (@TheFarahKhan) July 3, 2020
Woke up to the sad news that legendary choreographer #SarojKhan ji is no more. She made dance look easy almost like anybody can dance, a huge loss for the industry. May her soul rest in peace 🙏🏻
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) July 3, 2020
Atleast I had a chance to dance in your company. I am going to hold on to those memories tight…. real tight.
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) July 3, 2020
❤️ we lose another star to the sky. Your songs will make every girl remember you for ever n ever. https://t.co/QWiG0FaP6j
A LEGEND has left us😔 Can’t forget the moment I first met you when you came to choreograph”Kitaabe” and I burst out crying when I met you first (I was a huge fan of your work)I couldn’t believe you were actually… https://t.co/d3CeDkk7Lx
— SHILPA SHETTY KUNDRA (@TheShilpaShetty) July 3, 2020
I never met her personally but this feels like a personal loss. #RIPSarojKhan
— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) July 3, 2020
