Top choreographer Saroj Khan dies
■ Bollywood in shock, top filmstars pay tribute to ‘Masterji’
Veteran Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan, 71, passed away on Friday morning due to a cardiac arrest in Mumbai. The three-time National Award winner was not keeping well for some time. She was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital in Bandra on June 20 after she complained of breathing issues. Khan is survived by her son Raju Khan and daughter Sukaina Khan. Her funeral was held Friday morning at a cemetery in suburban Malad. “We buried her at around 7 am. The prayer meeting will be held after three days,” said Sukaina.
In a career spanning over four decades, Khan, known as “Masterji”, had choreographed over 2,000 songs. She started her career in the industry as a child artiste, aged three, and later worked as a background dancer.
Madhuri Dixit, who did some of her best work with the choreographer, said she was devastated by the loss of her guru.
“Will always be grateful for her work in helping me reach my full potential in dance. The world lost an amazingly talented person. I will miss you,” Madhuri tweeted. Amitabh Bachchan said she gave the industry “rhythm, style and grace of movement”. Shah Rukh Khan said she was his “first genuine teacher” in Bollywood. “She taught me for hours how to do the ‘dip’ for film dancing… Will miss you Sarojji… Thank you for looking after me,” he tweeted.
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She taught me for hours how to do the ‘dip’ for film dancing. Will miss you Sarojji... Thank you for looking after me — Shah Rukh Khan