National Award winning choreographer Saroj Khan passes away at 71
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Mumbai, July 03: Veteran choreographer Saroj Khan who was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai on June 20 after complaining about breathing issues passed away following a cardiac arrest on Friday morning. She was 71.
Born as Nirmala Nagpal, she joined the Indian film industry as a child artiste, playing the younger Shyama in Nazarana, however became a background dancer in 1950s films under the guidance of dance director B. Sohanlal.
Further on she went on to become an assistant choreographer and her first break as an independent choreographer came with Geeta Mera Naam (1974). Meanwhile, she shot to fame when he choreographed the song “Hawa Hawai” from Mr. India (1987). Her collaboration with Sridevi on other projects like Chandni and Nagina further boosted her profile.
On the other hand, she had also choreographed many hits for Madhuri Dixit like 'Ek Do Teen' (Tezaab), 'Tamma Tamma Loge' (Thanedaar), 'Hum Ko Aaj Kal Hai Intezaar' (Sailaab) and 'Dhak Dhak Karne Laga' (Beta). In a career spanning four decades, Khan choreographed nearly 2000 songs.
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
The three-time National Award winner had choreographed for some of the most memorable tracks, including 'Dola Re Dola' 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 started her career as a background dancer at the age of three, she got her first break as a choreographer with Geeta Mera Naam in 1974. Saroj came in the spotlight after she choreographed for Sridevi in Mr. India’s song “Hawa Hawai” (1987). She has worked with are Mani Ratnam, Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas) Subhash Ghai, Indra Kumar, Pankaj Parashar, and of course, N Chandra. She was famous for songs such as Ek Do Teen from Tezaab (1988), Dhak Dhak Karne Laga from Beta (1992), and Dola Re Dola from Devdas (2002), among others.
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'. She last choreographed for 'Tabaah Hogaye', featuring Madhuri for the movie "Kalank" in 2019.