Masterji Saroj Khan passed away due to cardiac arrest at Guru Nanak Hospital in Mumbai on Friday morning. She was 71. The tragic and upsetting news of Saroj Khan’s demise was confirmed by her daughter. Veteran Choreographer was also tested for Covid-19 but the reports turned out to be negative.
Entire B-town mourns and pays tribute to their Masterji.
Such a privilege to have had so many memorable experiences dancing under your guidance: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Kajol, wrote, “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. Even later when she grew older whenever we met I could see that mischief and affection and sheer love for her work. Love u Sarojji and be at peace knowing that u are loved and will always be remembered ❤️
She taught me for hours how to do the ‘dip’ for film dancing: Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan reminisces Saroj Khan as his first teacher in this industry. He tweeted, “My first genuine teacher in the film industry. She taught me for hours how to do the ‘dip’ for film dancing. One of the most caring, loving & inspiring persons I have ever met. Will miss you Sarojji. May Allah bless her soul. Thank u for looking after me.
Choreographer-dancer Ganesh Hegde wrote on Instagram, “End of an era. The word choreographer got new prominence and emphasis in the film industry thanks to Saroj ji. Actresses had a different dominance over songs when they were choreographed by saroji..The ease, experience and aura reflecting on the face of an actress was all due to the magic of Saroj khan. The use of various Indian classical dance forms fused with modern styles with such effectiveness makes her truly a unique Dance director. The humour in her choreography was superlative and it was amazing to see how she pulled a comic expression while maintaining the narrative all just in a split second. Technically her songs were a master class in choreography and have inspired many including myself. The gravitas and impact of her choreography for an Indian song will never be the same again. She truly was “THE QUEEN” of Choreography..God bless your soul..RIP”
Actor Mallika Sherawat wrote on her Instagram handle, “Waking up to the news of Saroj Khan ji passing away is heartbreaking 💔. She choreographed me in the iconic song Mehbooba Mehbooba & a few others. There will be no one like her. It’s a huge loss for Bollywood film industry #rip #ripsarojkhan 🙏”
Pooja Batra Shah shares, “It was an honour to work with you in so many movies of mine. You were a Mastro who made many career’s and there will be no one like you. My Condolences to Raju Khan and your loved ones. This is how I will always remember you Raising hands May your Soul R. I. P Folded hands #sarojkhan.”
Hrithik Roshan tweeted, “Thank you Saroj ji for nurturing my passion in so many ways. Your legend will remain. Thank you for the love and the magic. R.I.P. There will never be another like you.”
She brought out the dancer in me that I didn’t even know was there!: Anil Kapoor
Anil Kapoor posted a video of Saroj Khan in his Instagram handle and shares, “With her grace & artistry, Saroj ji found a place in all our hearts that no one has ever been able to take… she made the most beautiful dance compositions and turned many non-dancers into dancers. I was fortunate enough to work with her in many films and got to learn a lot from her. She brought out the dancer in me that I didn’t even know was there! Her movements were magic & her face could express so many beautiful emotions… there’s no one like her… Saroj ji has left her mark and will be remembered forever…
I will miss her a lot…Love You Saroj ji…Thank You for everything
TV actor Rashmi Desai tweeted, “She was the “Mother of choreography in India”. Our Guru ji! Red heart. Sad sad May her soul rest in peace. #SarojKhan #OmShanti 🙏🏻.”
Playback singer Shreya Ghoshal tweeted, “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.”
Shraddha Kapoor tweeted, “Sarojji was the first woman to become a chief choreographer in the Indian film industry! I used to dance to so many of her choreographed songs while growing up; trying to match and mimic her choreography that was simply iconic and amazing!” She further added, “Sarojjis master craft and magic will live on in our hearts always. Wishing love and strength to her loved ones and fans. 💜”
We’ll miss you Sarojji 💓: Janhvi Kapoor
Janhvi Kapoor took to her social media handle and shares an adorable picture with Masterji and wrote: Can’t thank my stars enough for getting the chance to learn from you. I always cherished every moment I spent in the classroom with you but now even more. You are truly special, truly a legend for what you’ve given our cinema through your dance. We’ll miss you Sarojji 💓
“yeh ladki mera naam roshan karegi”
Sonakshi Sinha shares a video of the song “Chamak Challo” from Rowdy Rathore and says, “23 years old, so new, Just into my second film, working with you, a taskmaster, a perfectionist, a LEGEND… was the last time i was ever nervous working with anyone. That 101 rupiye ki kharchi you gave me, and the words you told my mother “yeh ladki mera naam roshan karegi” gave me enough confidence to last a lifetime. Hope you are smiling wherever you are, and i hope i continue to make you proud! Rest in peace.”
Actor Sushmita Sen tweeted, “When life gives you the chance to sit it out or dance…you dance” Rest in Peace Saroj ji #EndOfAnEra #Guru #Pronam #DuggaDugga I love you!!!”
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur wrote, “She defined a generation of heroines. Certainly, #MrIndia would not have been the same film without #SarojKhan. You had to see her dance as she rehearsed with Sridevi. She was mesmerising. And what energy! You could shoot all night, yet she smiled and danced constantly fresh. 🙏🏽🙏🏽”
Ashutosh Gowariker took to his twitter and shared BTS clicks from the Lagaan sets
SADDENED to hear about the passing of #SarojKhan ji!
Learnt a lot by watching all your CHOREOGRAPHY and then it was a privilege to have worked with you.
Thank you Saroj ji, for making 2 of my songs unforgettable!
Your STUDENT for LIFE!!🙇♂️
Condolences to #RajuKhan & family!🙏 pic.twitter.com/2MrWX4mSjX
Hema Malini recalled Saroj Khan on Twitter. She says, “Ace choreographer & unique personality Saroj Khan is no more. A personal loss to all artistes who have worked with her & to the entire film industry. I have myself danced to her vibrant choreography in many films like Mrig Trishna which is an all-time favourite with me,” she wrote.
Preity Zinta tweeted, “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 💔💔”
Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra tweeted, “Saroj Khan was d last connection 2that era of Indian Cinema where when emotions rose to a pitch,d characters burst into song and heroine escaped from the clutches of bad writing and came into her sensuous own. Where would d Indian Film heroine have been without talents like her!”
He further added, “In fact, people like Saroj Khan went out of favour when western realism ( should I say naturalism ) came to the fore. Actually it was a pretence . The characters started doing elementary easy western moves which were easier to do and a kind of stylisation went out of the window!”
Your teachings took me a long way : Karishma Kapoor
Karishma Kapoor shared a picture with Saroj Khan and remembered the dance lesson which she had taken from Masterji. She wrote in her instagram, “Saroj ji cannot forget the endless hours learning dance and expression from you at Satyam hall.. ur teachings took me a long way.. Rip 🙏🏼💔
#master #teacher #danceguru #legend #sarojkhan
Shilpa Shetty always thinks that Masterji for teaching her how to express. She wrote in an Instagram post, “A LEGEND has left us😔 Can’t forget the moment I first met you when you came to choreograph ‘Kitaabe’ ( Baazigar) and I burst out crying (I was a huge fan of your work) I couldn’t believe you were actually standing in front of me. Then came ‘Churake dil’, which was a milestone in my career… and many more. You set the benchmark so high, taught me ‘how’ to express… a technician par excellence… No one shot women like you, you were the best! Will miss you. Churake dil mera #Saroj ji chale💔 May you rest in peace, Masterji 🙏 Strength and love to the family to cope with this irreparable loss❤️”