Bollywood recalls Saroj as ‘genius’
BOLLYWOOD woke up to the shock news of their beloved ‘masterji’ Saroj Khan’s death on Friday, with many celebrities remembering the veteran choreographer as a ‘genius’ and an ‘inspiration’ to others.
Khan, the name behind some of the most famous songs in Bollywood such as Dhak Dhak and Ek Do Teen, died of cardiac arrest early on Friday morning. She was 71.
Superstar Akshay Kumar termed Khan’s demise as a ‘huge loss’ to the industry. ‘Woke up to the sad news that legendary choreographer #SarojKhan ji is no more. She made dance look easy almost like anybody can dance, a huge loss for the industry. May her soul rest in peace,’ he tweeted. Choreographer Farah Khan said she was among the countless artistes who were inspired by Khan’s work.
‘Rest in peace Sarojji... You were an inspiration to many, myself included. Thank you for the songs,’ she wrote on Twitter.
Choreographer-turned-filmmaker Remo D’Souza said, ‘#RIP Saroji, you will be missed... Big loss to dance fraternity.’ Actor Taapsee Pannu said she will forever cherish the memories of working with the veteran choreographer.
‘At least I had a chance to dance in your company. I am going to hold on to those memories tight... real tight. We lose another star to the sky. Your songs will make every girl remember you for ever and ever,’ the actor tweeted. Nimrat Kaur said there will be no one in the industry who could do what Khan did in her lifetime.
The three-time National Award winner had been admitted to the Guru Nanak Hospital in Bandra on June 20 after she complained of breathing issues. She tested negative for Covid-19.
Khan, who helped remould the coy Bollywood
heroine into the bold, unapologetically sensual one and made the career of many a star in the 1980s and 1990s, is survived by her son Raju and daughter Sukaina.
‘She passed away after a cardiac arrest at around 2.30 am at the hospital,’ Khan’s nephew Manish Jagwani told.
Khan, who was only three when she first entered the film industry as a child artiste, was buried at a cemetery in suburban Malad.
‘We buried her at around 7 am. The prayer meeting will be held after three days,’ Sukaina told. Madhuri, who did some of her best work with the choreographer, said she was devastated by the loss of her friend and guru.
‘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. #RIPSarojji,’ Madhuri tweeted.