Saroj Khan, legendary choreographer passes away at 71

Shikha Chaurasia

Pune, July 3, 2020 : A woman who rose to the challenge in Bollywood and became the first prominent female dance choreographer, Saroj Khan passed away early on Friday morning due to a cardiac arrest. She was 71 year old and was severely diabetic. She had complained of breathing issues last Saturday and was immediately admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital in Bandra. As a precaution, the mandatory Covid-19 test had been carried out and she tested negative for the virus.

Khan was a flawless dancer. Her moves and expressions were an epitome of grace and charm. She started out as a background dancer and rose to prominence from Mr India (1987) where she choreographed the hit song ‘Hawa Hawai’ for Sridevi.

Her major lifework was with Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi. She choreographed hit songs like ‘Ek Do Teen’, ‘Dhak Dhak’ and ‘Choli ke peeche kya hai’ for Madhuri Dixit. She made Dixit a legend on screen and made her realise her true potential. She also choreographed blockbuster songs like ‘Mere Haathon Mein’ for Sridevi which is still famous and is often played at wedding and Sangeet ceremonies.

There are many other evergreen hits to her legacy like ‘Mehendi lagake rakhna’ for Kajol in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, ‘Nimbooda’ for Aishwarya Rai in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, ‘Dola re’ for Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai in Devdas, ‘Yeh Ishq Hai’ for Kareena Kapoor in Jab We Met.

Many B-town celebs, directors and choreographers mourned the loss of the legendary ‘Masterji’, as she was called in Bollywood and her students. Sujoy Ghosh, a filmmaker tweeted, “So much fun she was. The gods must be lining up to learn ek do teen. Thank you Saroj ji for all the happiness.” Kareena Kapoor mourned the loss of the choreographer and expressed grief over her Instagram handle. She wrote, “Master ji always told me…perr nahin chala sakti toh kam se kam face toh chalaaaa. That’s what she taught me…to enjoy dancing, smile and smile through the eyes. There can never be another…Dance and expressions can never be the same for us actors and for everyone who loved her…Love you Master ji. Till we dance again…RIP.”

Her legacy will always be remembered and she will keep on inspiring people to dance for years to come.