Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan passes away

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Saroj Khan
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Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan passed away in Mumbai on Friday following a cardiac arrest. She was 71. Saroj Khan was three time National Award winner and had choreographed nearly 2000 songs. 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.

The Journey

The acclaimed choreographer joined the Indian film industry as a child artiste, playing the younger Shyama in Nazarana. She eventually became a background dancer in 1950s films like Bimal Roy’s Madhumati under the guidance of dance director B. Sohanlal.

Fame

Khan later catapulted to fame with the song Hawa Hawai from Mr. India (1987). Her collaboration with Sridevi on other projects like Chandni and Nagina further boosted her profile. However, it was her collaboration with Madhuri Dixit that transformed the careers of both the artistes, beginning with Ek Do Teen (Tezaab), and following it up with dance numbers Tamma Tamma Loge (Thanedaar), Hum Ko Aaj Kal Hai Intezaar (Sailaab) and Dhak Dhak Karne Laga (Beta).

Saroj Khan
Instagram

Saroj Khan’s other popular films include Darr, Baazigar, Mohra, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Pardes, Soldier, Taal, Veer-Zaara, Don, Saawariya, Lagaan, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Manikarnika among more. She got to reunite with Madhuri in Gulaab Gang (2014).

Acclaim

The legendary artiste was a recipient of three National Awards for films Devdas, Jab We Met and Sringaram. She won Filmfare Awards for movies like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Guru, Khalnayak and Chaalbaaz. Her last film was Kalank (2019), where she choreographed Tabaah Ho Gaye, picturised on Madhuri.

Most of the songs choreographed by Khan had big names as lead actors. Khan has also trained a slew of choreographers who went on to make a big name for themselves in the ’90s, including Farah Khan. As a result, Khan was known for blending Indian classical dance with modern beats. Khan is survived by her husband, son and two daughters. Wedding Affair sends its hearfelt condolences to the choreographer’s loved ones.

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