Remembering Saroj Khan: The Iconic Choreographer Behind “Hawa Hawai”, “Dola Re” And Many More Hits
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Saroj Khan was a name that was synonymous with complex and elaborate dance routines. Not only was she an insanely well known and beloved choreographer, but she was responsible for thousands of desi girls around the globe following Bollywood’s well-known dance moves at weddings! Fans and loved ones were shocked to find out that the legendary choregrapher had suffered a cardiac arrest at her home in Mumbai and passed away at the age of 71. The spectacularly talented choreographer was a National Award winner and some of Bollywood’s most memorable classics had been composed by her! She has choreographed for more than 2000 songs. From the first film that she independently choreographed to the last film she choreographed, here is a look at Saroj Khan’s glorious 60 decade-plus career:
Early Beginnings
Before she became known as “The Mother of Dance/Choreography in India” she started out as a child artiste at the age of three. The young superstar started her career in the movie, Nazarana where she played the child version of a lead actress. She went on to work as a background dancer in the 1950s. She learned how to dance from a man who would go on to become her first husband, B. Sohanlal. However, she later found out that he was already married and had another family with four children. She then started working as an assistant choreographer before eventually deciding to go independent and choreographing by herself.
In 1974, she first choreographed for Geeta Mera Naam. While she stayed under the radar for a few years, her big break came with the iconic song “Hawa Hawai”. The song featured the legendary Sridevi and was in the film Mr. India. In the 80s she choreographer for hit films like Chandni, Tezaab, and Nagina. Madhuri Dixit, who worked with Saroj on Tezaab referred to Saroj as her guru. The pair shared a bond and Saroj and Madhuri worked together extensively over the years. Saroj Khan even helped choreograph for Madhuri’s 2014 film, Gulaab Gang.
Further Success
After establishing herself as an insanely talented and exuberant choreographer, she decided to make her appearance on television! Saroj signed on to be a judge of the show Nach Baliye in 2005. This is how she became a household TV name. She appeared in the second season of the show as well. In the year 2008, she made her first appearance on NDTV as a host on the show, Nachle Ve with Saroj Khan. Later that year she appeared in Sony’s humourous dance show, Boogie Woogie along with Ravi Behl, Naved Jaffrey, and Javed Jaffrey.
In 2009 she made an appearance on the show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa which gained immense popularity and love from audience members. She was co-hosting with Juhi Chawla and former Nach Baliye judge, Vaibhavi Merchant. The choreographer even made a special TV appearance with popular show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.
Cultural Impact
Many of us 90s kids will remember grooving to “Dola Re Dola” as children. The song featured everyone’s favorite actresses, Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai. It reached such heights of popularity that it was once voted as the greatest Bollywood dance number of all time by a newspaper based in the UK.
Saroj choreographed incredible numbers such as Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen for the movie, Baazigar. Despite her busy schedule she managed to wrap up shooting for this song’s video in a splendid amount of time. In just 15 days, Saroj Khan had completed the filming and choreography of this song. This just went to show how hardworking and talented she was!
Admiration From Madhuri Dixit
On hearing of the loss of her dear friend, Madhuri extended her support for Saroj’s grieving family and fans on Twitter. The actress wrote, “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.”
The pair had even made appearances on stage together and had worked on some of Madhuri’s greatest hit songs. She helped Madhuri evolve from the beautiful young doe-eyed “Ek Do Teen” girl to her final form that everyone remembers, “Dhak Dhak” girl. Their friendship spanned decades and she helped Madhuri grow into the dance icon that she is today.
Her incredible dance moves and choreography will be ingrained in our hearts forever. Saroj Khan truly left a dance legacy in her wake and she will be fondly remembered by many of her fans across the globe. She is survived by her husband, Sardar Roshan Khan, daughters, Sukaina and Hina Khan and her son Hamid Khan. Let us all remember her for the dance legend that she was. Do tell us your favorite Saroj Khan-choreographed song.
