Saroj Khan, the National Award winning choreographer, passed away in Mumbai today. 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. Saroj Khan is survived by three children namely – Hamid Khan, Hina Khan and Sukanya Khan. 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. She married film choreographer B Sohanlal in 1962 at the age of 13 while he was 41, already a married man with four children. At the age of 14, Saroj had her first child with Sohanlal.
The three-time National Award winner had choreographed for some of the most memorable tracks, including ‘Dola Re Dol’ from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Devdas’, ‘Ek Do Teen’ from Madhuri Dixit-starrer ‘Tezaab’ and ‘Ye Ishq Haaye’ from ‘Jab We Met’ in 2007.
Saroj Khan shot to fame in the late eighties, choreographing Sridevi superhits such as ‘Main naagin tu sapera’ (‘Nagina’) and ‘Hawaa hawaai’ (‘Mr India’). Lately, she had been selective with signing new projects. Her recent works include choreographing Kangana Ranaut in ‘Manikarnika’ last year and ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’ in 2015. Her last major assignment had been directing Madhuri’s movies in last year’s release, ‘Kalank’. The choreographer has also judged dance reality shows like Nach Baliye, Ustaadon Ka Ustaad, Boogie Woogie and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.
On June 20, the veteran choreographer was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital in Mumbai. She was also tested for coronavirus, the reports of which turned out to be negative.
Bollywood celebrities took to Twitter and paid their last respects to the late choreographer on social media.
Amitabh Bachchan wrote on Twitter, “Prayers. Haath jude hain, man ashaant.”
Akshay Kumar wrote, “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.”
The last rites of Saroj Khan will be performed at Malvani in Malad, Mumbai today.
Surjitt sahani
