National Award-winning choreographer Saroj Khan passed away in Mumbai on Friday morning. Khan, who has nearly 2000 songs in her 40-year-long career, is often referred to as the ‘mother of choreography’ in India. Khan, who was known as Masterji, worked with actors Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit, the prominent dancing stars of the 80s and 90s.
Khan’s last rites will be performed at Malwani in Malad on Friday. She is survived by her husband, son and two daughters.
Celebrities took to social media to mourn Khan’s death and tributes are pouring in.
Thanking Khan for helping her reach her best potential in dance, Madhuri Dixit tweeted: "I'm devastated by the loss of my friend and guru, Saroj Khan. 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 youBroken heart My sincere condolences to the family. #RIPSarojji"
I'm devastated by the loss of my friend and guru, Saroj Khan. 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 Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) July 3, 2020
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai said Saroj Khan will live in history of choreography of Indian cinema. He tweeted: "AN ERA HAS GONE absolutely my personal loss. an integral part of our Mukta arts family-my strong partner in grooming stars like Madhuri Meenaxi Manisha n ashwarya. Master of masters. Saroj Khan will live in history of choreography of Indian cinema indeed. Bye JAAN. RIP"
Kangana Ranaut’s team thanked Khan who had worked with actress in films like Manikarnika. “A rare artist & an exceptional Guru, #SarojKhan ji has played crucial roles in many superstars journeys, giving memorable choreographies in Jugni from TWM, Ghani Bawari from TWMR & very recent lullaby Taktaki from Manikarnika, Kangana will always be indebted to her contribution,” Team Kangana Ranaut tweeted. 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 actress tweeted.
A rare artist & an exceptional Guru, #SarojKhan ji has played crucial roles in many superstars journeys, giving memorable choreographies in Jugni from TWM, Ghani Bawari from TWMR & very recent lullaby Taktaki from Manikarnika, Kangana will always be indebted to her contribution🙏 pic.twitter.com/kI8iXCpp5A
— Team Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) July 3, 2020
Actor Amitabh Bachchan also mourned Khan’s death in a rather cryptic Instagram post.
Alas we have lost another rare gem. I have had the opportunity to work and learn so much from this legend,from bol baby bol to Boogie Woogie. Artists like her will never be seen again at least in our lifetime. Deepest condolences to the family 🙏#SarojKhan #RIPSarojji pic.twitter.com/VLIgzhQpcI
— Naved Jafri (@NavedJafri_BOO) July 3, 2020
Rest in peace Sarojji.. u were an inspiration to many, myself included. Thank you for the songs🙏🏻 #SarojKhan
— Farah Khan (@TheFarahKhan) July 3, 2020
