Veteran Bollywood Choreographer Saroj Khan Passes Away At 71

Known for the signature moves in iconic songs like Dola re Dola and Dhak Dhak Karne Laga, the veteran Bollywood choreographer, Saroj Khan passes away at the age of 71.  She suffered a cardiac arrest and breathed her last in Mumbai's Guru Nanak Hospital on Friday, July 3, 2020. Her nephew Manish Jagwani told PTI agency, "She passed away due to cardiac arrest at around 2.30 am at the hospital."

Reportedly, Khan was admitted to the Guru Nanak Hospital in Bandra due to breathing problems on June 20. She was also tested for COVID-19  but the reports were negative. On June 24, a source close to her family informed PTI agency that Khan’s health was better and was expected to be discharged soon. However, on Thursday night, her health deteriorated leading to her demise. She was suffering from severe diabetes and related issues.

Also Read: Saroj Khan Hospitalised For Breathing Problem, Tests Negative For COVID-19

Her Career At A Glance

Born on 22nd November 1948 in Bombay State (present-day Maharashtra), Saroj Khan began her dancing career as a background dancer at the age of three. She went on to choreograph more than 2,000 songs and worked in 200 movies. In a career expanding over four decades, Khan is credited for choreographing memorable tracks like 'Hawa Hawai' from Mr India, 'Main Naagin Tu Sapera' from Nagina, 'Dola Re Dola from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas, 'Ek Do Teen' from Tezaab, 'Dhak Dhak Karne Laga' from Beta and 'Ye Ishq Haaye' from Jab We Met. The last song she choreographed was Madhuri Dixit’s 'Tabah Ho gye' from movie Kalank which was released in 2019. She also appeared as jury in popular dance reality shows like Nach Baliye and Jhalak Dikhlaja among others.

Lovingly addressed as ‘Masterji and the ‘Mother of Dance/Choreography in India’, Saroj Khan was three-times National Award winner for her excellence as a choreographer. She was honoured with National Film Awards for Best Choreography for the songs 'Dola Re Dola' (Devdas) in 2003, 'Yeh IshqHaaye' (Jab We Met) in 2006 and all the songs of the movie Sringaram in 2008. She is survived by her husband B Sohanlal, and two daughters,  Hina Khan and Sukyna Khan and a son Raju Khan. She has been buried around 7 am at Malvani in Malad, Mumbai, as per her nephew's statement to PTI agency. The prayer meeting will be held after three days.

Mourning the demise of her "guru" actor Madhuri Dixit tweeted, "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."

Choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan too took to Twitter to pay her condolences, "Rest in peace Sarojji.. u were an inspiration to many, myself included. Thank you for the songs🙏🏻 #SarojKhan."

Picture Credit:  NDTV

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