Saroj Khan

Saroj Khan was a prominent Indian Dance choreographer who made an indelible mark with her choreography in Indian Cinema. Originally, her name was Nirmala Nagpal, born on November 22, 1948, and departed on July 3, 2020. Her illustrious career spans more than 4 decades, and she has worked with multiple renowned Bollywood celebrities such as Madhuri Dixit, Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, etc. She was also noted for her brilliance in the dance form mujra and was the first woman choreographer in Bollywood.

Her demise was sudden, and she passed due to cardiac arrest. She had established a good rapport with Madhuri Dixit, Shahrukh Khan, and among others. She was also instrumental in the creation of some of the most iconic dance scenes in Bollywood cinema in the 1980s and 1990s. She was among the few who were working behind the scenes when nearly all staff were men. She has brought some remnants of Indian Classical and folk into the choreography.

Background

She was born as Nirmala Nagpal on November 22, 1948, in Mumbai. Her father was a wealthy businessman, but all her wealth was lost in the horrible and violent partition. Her father had a prosperous business based in Karachi, now falls in the State of Pakistan. Her father, whose name was Kishanchand Sadhu Singh, and mother, Noni, had migrated (partition reason) to Mumbai, where they lived in a small room located in the slum. To support the family's income and needs, her father managed to get work for her in the booming Hindi film industry in Mumbai. At that time, she was at the age of 3 and got the work under the name Saroj. She played a minor role in numerous films before turning into a remarkable background dancer at the age of 10. She also features in the iconic "Howrah Bridge" with the actress Madhubala. The sudden demise of her father caused lots of hardship and tremendous pain to the family. The documentary "The Saroj Khan Story" illustrates that her mother had to face lots of hardships to feed her and their siblings, and often, they had to return to bed hungry.

Khan had not received training as a dancer. Usually, most of the dancers get trained under a particular teacher before performing them in public. She was devoid of this option due to her family condition. She was an assistant as a young girl to the choreographer B. Sohanlal and was provided with the opportunity to work on some of the biggest hits. She also learned the Indian Classical dance Kathak from him.

According to her, Mr. Sohanlal and she got married and became a couple. However, at that time, Sohanlal was 43 years old, and Khan was 13 years old. She has termed this relationship as marriage, but it is unclear whether it was legally acceptable. They were blessed with 2 children, but Sohanlal did not want to give her surname and went to the first family who was living in Chennai city. Ms. Khan was unaware that Sohanlal was already married and had 4 children from his first wife.

Later, Saroj got married to a businessman, Sardar Roshan Khan, and took his surname after being converted to Islam. But Sardar Khan was already married and had kids. He deeply loved Mr. Khan and was eager to accept her children. Mr. Khan adopted the two children, borne out of the relationship with Sohanlal. Sardar Khan and Saroj Khan were blessed with a daughter who was born out of their relationship. Her daughter's name is Sukaina, and she administers a dance institute in Dubai. Ms. Khan follows the Islam religion and does Namaz every morning and thanks the almighty for giving him everything. Ms. Khan had to face a lot of struggles, setbacks, and hardships before getting a big break in the film industry.

Career

She received her independent big break with the film Geeta Mera Naam, but still, she had to maintain a lot of patience to gain acclaim in the industry. She rose to fame by working with brilliant actor Sridevi. Some of the choreography produced while working with Sridevi was able to capture the imagination of the people. Some of the iconic Bollywood dance members that are widely appreciated are Hawa Hawai in Mr. India, Mere Hathon Mein in Chandni, Main Teri Dushman, Dushman Tu Mera in Nagina, and later, she also worked with outstanding actress Madhuri Dixit, who is known for her captivating and powerful dance performances and remarkable acting. Along with Madhuri Dixit, she gave phenomenal Bollywood dance numbers such as Tamma Tamma Loge in Thanedaar and Ek Do Teen in Tezzab. These dance numbers choreographed by her were extremely successful and became popular. It set her apart in the entire Bollywood, and became highly successful in Hindi Cinema.

During the time of struggle, she also had good relations with many female leading icons at the start of that era, such as Sharmila Tagore, Kum Kum, Sadhana, Waheeda Rehman, Zeenat Aman, Helen, and Sharmila. She was also appointed as an Advisor at Rishihood University.

Television Participation

She has also been part of Television reality as a member of the jury in the Nach Baliye (First Season of the Nach Baliye). The television reality show used to come up on Star One with more than 2 judges. Ms. Khan also participated in the second season of Nach Baliye. Ms. Khan was the judge of the Ustaadon Ke Ustaad, a television reality that is broadcast by Sony Entertainment Television (India).

National Film Awards for Best Choreography

Filmfare Awards

IIFA Awards

Zee Cine Awards

Other Awards and Achievements

Public Service Broadcasting Trust has produced a documentary on Ms. Khan under the title The Saroj Khan Story, directed by Nidhi Tuli. The documentary makes a genuine effort to highlight the different phases of the life of Ms. Khan.

Film Choreography

Some of the films in which she has worked as a choreographer are:

• Hero (1983)
• Nagina (1986)
• Mr. India (1987)
• Tezaab (1988)
• Nigahen: Nagina Part II (1989)
• Chandni (1989)
• Sailab (1990)
• Awargi (1990)
• Beta (1992)
• Darr (1993)
• Aaina (1993)
• Baazigar (1993)
• Anjaam (1994)
• Mohra (1994)
• Yarana (1995)
• Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
• Pardes (1997)
• Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya (1997)
• Choodalani Vundi (1998)
• Soldier (1998)
• Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
• Taal (1999)
• Fiza (2000)
• Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)
• Devdas (2002) (Filmfare Award for Best Choreography, National Film Award)
• Saathiya (2002)
• Kuch Na Kaho (2004)
• Swades (2004)
• Veer-Zara (2004)
• Sringaram (2005) (Tamil) (National Film Award for Best Choreography)
• Fanaa (2006)
• Don: The Chase Begins Again (2006)
• Sanwaria (2007)
• Guru (2007) (Filmfare Award for Best Choreography)

Death of Mr. Saroj

She was hospitalized on June 17, 2020, in the Guru Nanak Hospital due to breathing difficulties, died due to cardiac arrest, and departed to heavenly abode on July 3, 2020, leaving a big void in the industry that is very hard to fill. She died at the age of 71. Her demise sent shockwaves to among the Bollywood celebrities. Many celebrities paid their heartfelt condolences to the departed and stood for the family in these hard times.

Conclusion

Saroj Khan was a legendary choreographer who worked with multiple noted celebrities. She had been one of the victims of a horrible partition in which her family lost all her wealth. She is a source of inspiration and a guiding light for future choreographers. She has choreographed some of the amazing and captivating dance performances that are still enjoyed today. However, on the personal life front, she had seen most of the upheavals. She remains one of the most respected choreographers in Bollywood and continues to motivate and inspire.