Saroj Khan was one of the few choreographers in Indian cinema who carved a unique identity in Bollywood. Her life was filled with struggles, yet she never gave up. Starting at a young age, she began her career as a dancer in films and gradually made her way into the world of choreography, where every major star danced to her tunes.
Born on November 22, 1948, Saroj Khan came from a humble background. Life was not easy from the start. Economic hardships and early responsibilities weighed heavily on her family. At just three years old, she began working as a child artist in films. While other children played, Saroj stood in front of the camera to support her family.
However, her true passion was dance. Over time, she realized that her heart belonged to this art form. Yet, life did not allow her to walk a straight path. After her stint as a child artist ended, she was suddenly pushed out of the industry. She then began working as a background dancer. During this phase, she remained unrecognized, but she felt every step while standing behind the camera. Her first significant opportunity came in the film “Howrah Bridge,” where she worked as a background dancer.
In 1974, she made her debut as a choreographer with the film “Geeta Mera Naam.” This was the moment when Saroj Khan transformed from a dancer into a creator. She viewed dance not merely as steps but as a story in each song. Following this, her magic captivated Bollywood. Iconic numbers like “Hawa Hawai” from Mr. India, “Ek Do Teen” from Tezaab, “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga” from Beta, and “Dola Re Dola” from Devdas were not just songs; they became an era.
Saroj Khan had a unique ability to tailor each actress’s dance style to her identity. Whether it was Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, Rekha, or Aishwarya Rai, her influence was evident in their performances. She infused dance with not just glamour but also emotion and storytelling. Her career spanned over 40 years, during which she choreographed hundreds of films and received numerous National Awards and Filmfare Awards.
Later, she also ventured into television, appearing as a judge on shows like “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa” and “Nach Baliye.”
Saroj Khan’s personal life was as tumultuous as her career. At the age of 13, she married Sohanlal, who was nearly 30 years her senior and already married with four children. They had three children together, but the marriage did not last long, leading to their separation. She later married Sardar Roshan Khan.
When news of her passing on July 3, 2020, broke, the entire film industry mourned. Yet, even today, when discussing Bollywood’s most memorable dance numbers, Saroj Khan’s name is mentioned first. The songs she choreographed continue to resonate in people’s hearts.