An illustrious and legendary career that has spanned over four decades in the Bollywood industry, it was on the 3rd of July when our Bollywood’s Masterji – Saroj Khan passed away. She has choreographed over 2000 songs in the industry, her most successful collaborations are with the late actor Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit. One of her most notable choreographies that marked the onset of her legacy is Mr. India’s ‘Hawa Hawai’ (1987) with Sridevi.
1. Madhuri Dixit
She had last worked with her protégé Madhuri Dixit, for the song ‘Tabah Ho Gaye’ – Kalank. It was in the 1990s, they’ve worked together on numerous hit songs such as ‘Ek Do Teen’,’ Hum Ko Aaj Kal Hai Intezaar’,’Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai’,’Dhak Dhak Karne Laga.’ Remembering the legend, Madhuri Dixit shares:
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
2. Juhi Chawla
Juhi Chawla has ruled the Bollywood just as much as Madhuri Dixit, and has also been blessed to have worked under Saroj Khan. She shares her farewell note:
Very very sorry to hear about Sarrojji demise 🙏… thinking back to the many times we worked together..the first time being the song for Chandni .. Lagi Aaj Sawan Ki …….OMG!
Yashji ,Vinodji , Rishiji , Srideviji, Pandharidada and now Sarrojji 😢🙏….— Juhi Chawla (@iam_juhi) July 3, 2020
3. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan relives her memories with the “dance guru”, and shares her eulogy with a picture of the two, working on ‘Rafta Jogi’ from Taal. They’ve worked on a number of iconic tracks such as ‘Dola Re Dola’, ‘Barso Re’,’Nimbooda.’
4. Kareena Kapoor Khan
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s name is synonymous to ‘Jab We Met’, and it’s not just her dialogues and acting that branded our hearts but also her dance in ‘Yeh Ishq Hai’, that was choreographed by Masterji – Saroj Khan.
5. Kajol
Kajol pays a heartful tribute to the “coolest choreographer” and shares the “coolest” monochromatic picture of the two.
RIP to the most talented coolest choreographer ever! She taught me sooooo much that I always used everywhere in so many other ways. When she danced it was like watching a whole book ! Everything that she wanted to say was there so clearly on her face and in her body language . pic.twitter.com/2whxDwnIid
— Kajol (@itsKajolD) July 3, 2020
6. Preity Zinta
Preity Zinta pens a note about all that she has learned from the legend.
So sad to hear that Saroj Ji is no more💔Masterji taught me how to lip sync a song, dance gracefully & become a hindi film Heroine. Her priceless expressions & her quest for perfection was a master class for me when I started out #RIP #Sarojkhan🙏 I will miss you. #legend 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/OBRZY6aNXt
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) July 3, 2020
7. Shreya Ghoshal
Shreya Ghoshal pays her tribute by recalling how she’d always put in extra efforts while singing songs that would be choreographed by the dance legend.
Rest in peace #SarojKhan ji Dola Re Dola, Yeh Ishq Haye, Tabaah Ho Gaye, innumerable iconic hits..
Every time I got to know you would be choreographing the song I stepped up an extra notch. You brought nuances, expressions, grace on screen with your heroines. The end of an era. pic.twitter.com/wn6H5aXWw8— Shreya Ghoshal (@shreyaghoshal) July 3, 2020
8. Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Priyanka Chopra Jonas shares how her “teenage dream came true” when her song ‘Gun Gun Guna Re’ from Agneepath was going to be choreographed by the iconic choreographer.
Many of my teenage dreams came true when she choreographed me in Agneepath. Taskmaster, perfectionist, innovator, trendsetter, genius… Saroj ji was many things to many people.
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/lGo3CHWp8l
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) July 3, 2020
Masterji, Saroj Khan, has been the recipient of 3 National Awards and 8 Filmfare Awards, for Best Choreography. Truly, her contribution to the Dance Industry of Bollywood is commendable, and her sudden demise at the age of 71 does feel like the end of an era, the end of a legacy.
