3 years ago
Legendary choreographer Saroj Khan died at a Mumbai hospital on Friday after suffering a cardiac arrest. Bollywood fraternity mourned her demise, calling her ‘the genius who immortalised stars’.
Amitabh Bachchn, Akshay Kumar, Kajol, Sibhash Ghai, Kareena Kapoor and frequent collaborator Madhuri Dixit were among those who paid tributes to Saroj Khan on social media.
Saroj was admitted to Mumbai’s Guru Nanak Hospital last month after she complained of trouble in breathing. “She passed away due to cardiac arrest at around 2:30 am at the hospital,” her nephew Manish Jagwani said.
Fondly called ‘Masterji’ by stars whom she choreographed, Saroj directed over 2000 songs in her long and storied career. Her most famous collaborations were with actors Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi. Tributes poured in for the ace choreographer.
Born in 1948, Saroj Khan started her career as a child artiste at the age of 3. Graduating as a back-up dancer in the 1950s, she worked with choreographer B Sohanlal.
She started working as a choreographer with Geeta Mera Naam (1974), but it was while working with Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit in the 80s and 90s that her career touched new heights. Mr India (1987), Nagina (1986), Chandni (1989), Tezaab (1988), and Thanedaar (1990) had some of the memorable songs choreographed by her. She collaborated with Madhuri again in Kalank (2018).
She won three National Awards for Best Choreography for her work in Devdas, Jab We Met and the 2007 Tamil film Shringaram. Her signature moves in Hawa Hawai, Chandni, Tama Tamma, Ye Ishq Haaye, Ek Do Teen, Dola Re Dola and Dhak Dhak Karne Laga are remembered to this day. She also worked on TV as a reality show judge between 2005-2010.
Saroj Khan is survived by her husband, son and two daughters.
