It again strikes Bollywood. This time, choreographer Saroj khan passed away, she was 71 when she took her last breath in Mumbai on Friday. (Hindustan Times, Indian Express, NDTV) She had been suffering from ill-health for the past two weeks, and finally lost her breath due to a cardiac arrest. Saroj Khan’s daughter Sukaina Khan confirmed the news to the reporters herself.
Saroj Khan’s childhood name was Nirmala Nagpal when she joined the Indian film industry. Her first film as a child artist was Nazrana where she played the role of young Shyama. Thereafter she never had to look back, when she started her career path as a background dancer in 1950s Bollywood movies. She was fondly known as masterji in the Film industry. She was one of the most celebrated artists and had choreographed at least 2000 songs. She has been a part of the Bollywood industry for the last 50 years.
The legendary choreographer has worked with many famous and popular celebrities like Madhuri Dixit, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Aditi Rao Haideri, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and several others. She was a legend and only Indian choreographer who won three National awards too. She also did screenwriting and turned writer for movies like Hum hai Bemisaal, Khiladi, Dil Tera Deewana, and more and also was the judge of TV shows like Nach Baliye, Ustaadon Ka Ustaad, Boogie-Woogie, and Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. She was a part of the films like Dilwale Dulhaniya le Jayenge, Mohra, Baazigar, Tanu weds Manu returns, and also Gulabi gang and more. She also won Filmfare awards for her excellent work. She tasted fame with the song Hawa Hawai from Mr.India back in 1987.
The veteran choreographer was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital in Bandra on June 20 as she was experiencing breathing issues. Seeing the symptoms, people suspected she might have got infected with the COVID-19. But, the coronavirus test was found negative. Then there were other diagnoses going on till she lost her life due to a cardiac arrest today at 2:30 AM. Her burial took place in Mumbai and the last rites were performed by her son Raju khan who was also a known Choreographer and a prayer meeting is to be held next week informing her daughter Sukaina. As she passed away she did not only leave a big void in the Bollywood industry but also in the hearts of her students and fans.
Since the past few months, Bollywood has been experiencing losses of legendary artists, Saroj Khan was one of them. May her soul rest in peace, she will always be remembered by her fans through her incomparable contributions to the Indian Film Industry.