2020 has been a tough year for Bollywood. After the demise of legendary actors like Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput’s death shocked everyone in the industry. Sadly, there’s more tragic news in store– Saroj Khan, the iconic Bollywood choreographer, has passed away at the age of 71 due to a massive cardiac arrest. Fondly called Masterji in B-town, Saroj Khan breathed her last with family by her side on July 3 at Guru Nanak Hospital in Mumbai.
The ace choreographer was admitted to the hospital on June 17 after she complained of breathing difficulties. Her family recently released a statement, saying that she had tested negative for coronavirus and will be discharged soon, but she succumbed to her illness early this morning. The tragic news was confirmed by her daughter Sukaina Khan. The dance icon was laid to rest at Malad Cemetery and the last rites were performed by her son Raju Khan.
Bollywood Mourns The Loss Of Their Masterji
The news of Saroj Khan’s demise came as a shock to many. Several B-town stars took to Twitter to pay their condolences to the family, calling her an ‘inspiration’.
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
Heart broken … Rest In Peace #SarojKhan pic.twitter.com/PYkG5Tjpp6
— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) July 3, 2020
RIP Saroji … I thank God I got a chance to be choreographed by you.. Prayers and Strength to the Family..#SarojKhan
— Genelia Deshmukh (@geneliad) July 3, 2020
Born in 1948, her introduction to the film industry was as a child artist and soon she became a back-up dancer. She got a break as an assistant choreographer in 1974 in Geeta Mera Naam. In the 1980s, the ace choreographer became a recognisable name after she started working with stars like Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit. Her career as a dance director kicked off with the iconic song Hawa Hawai from the 1987 blockbuster Mr India. Her choreography was a blend of classical, folk and modern. In a career spanning over 40 years, Saroj Khan has worked for blockbuster films like Mr India, Taal, Baazigar, Tezaab, Jab We Met, to name a few and choreographed more than 2000 songs.
Remembering Her Best Choreographies
Hawa Hawai, Mr India
Featuring the legendary actress Sridevi, Hawa Hawai was one of the biggest chartbusters of the 1980s.
Dhak Dhak Karne Laga, Beta
Saroj Khan and Madhuri Dixit came together for many songs and this is one of the most popular and iconic ones. Even now, Madhuri is known as the Dhak Dhak girl.
Ek Do Teen, Tezaab
This is yet another memorable song choreographed by the dance maestro. Thanks to Saroj Khan’s graceful moves and Madhuri’s million-dollar smile, this song went on to become one of the most popular songs of the 1980s.
Tamma Tamma Loge, Thanedaar
Featuring Madhuri and Sanjay Dutt, Tamma Tamma Loge is another one of the great songs that the late artist choreographed.
Nimbooda Nimbooda, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
This song featured Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and she danced to the iconic dance moves of Saroj Khan with utmost grace and perfection.
Kaali Kaali Aankhen, Baazigar
Not only was Baazigar one of the biggest hits of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the songs were well received as well, especially this one.
Yeh Ishq Haaye, Jab We Met
Three National Awards to her credit, Saroj Khan received one of it for this song.
Barso Re, Guru
This amazing song from the 2007 film Guru was composed by AR Rahman and went on to become one of the most popular songs of the movie. Thanks to Saroj Khan’s stunning dance moves and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s grace.
Dola Re, Devdas
With the grand sets, singer Shreya Ghoshal’s melodious voice and Saroj Khan’s graceful dance moves, Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made this song stand out as an iconic one.
Tabahh Ho Gaye, Kalank
This was the last song choreographed by the dance icon and while she has worked with Madhuri Dixit and gave us many iconic songs, this one will be the one to remember.
Saroj Khan was undoubtedly one of the most celebrated choreographers of Bollywood and her demise has left a void in the industry. RIP, legend!
Featured Image: Instagram/Saroj Khan
