RIP Saroj Khan: Amitabh Bachchan mourns shocking demise of legendary choreographer
In a shocking turn of events, Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan passed away on Thursday night after a cardiac arrest on Thursday night. The 71-year-old had complained of breathing last month, following which she was admitted to Mumbai's Guru Nanak Hospital. One of the most prolific choreographers of the Hindi film industry, Khan, fondly called Masterji in Bollywood, had called the shots in over 2000 songs spanning over three and a half decades. Her demise has yet again left a void in the hearts of not just her fans but also the whole Bollywood industry who has been again and again getting the shocking news of the passing away of various stars. Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, just like others, also mourned her death but his words are too deep, they will make you emotional.
He shared a throwback photo with the choreographer and wrote an elongated post for her that read, "You rest .. you rest well .. you rise .. you realise the hours .. you seek the elixir .. you devour .. you get to connect ..… and .... you be informed in this communicative world ..Saroj Khan has died .... and an entire history of time races before you in the cerebrum ..She was a sprightly young enthusiastic dance assistant to one of the major dance directors of the time .. of the time when I was just beginning .. of the film ‘Bandhe Haath’ with the heart throb of millions Mumtaz .. with the director OP Ralhan .. Mumtaz’s grace and acceptance to agree to work with this newbe .. she a stratospheric Star , me a nobody .... and Saroj ji in the crowd of dancers in a song .. her subtle grace when she moved .. at one point I saw her , quite alarmingly , finding the foetus had shifted in her stomach and she simply unabashedly pushed it into place , and carried on .. dancing .... and then over the years ..she excelled and attained the podium title of Dance Director .. or as the language changed , the Choreographer of film .. her moves becoming famous for each artist she worked with .. and when she would see an artist give a good shot under her care .."
Further, he recalled, "She would call her or him aside .. and .... give a rupee coin .. as a gesture .. as a pat on the back .. a ‘shagun’ .... many many years later .. during the song sequence of a film I was doing .. I became the recipient of that coin .. an immense achievement ..Saroj ji .. you gave us and the industry , rhythm, style, grace of movement and the art of converting the lyrics in a song to a meaning in dance .... on a chance meeting many many years ago she paid me my best compliment ..she was living in Dubai then from marriage and when DON was released she said “ I saw the film and then after, I would go to the theatre where it was released, at the time when your song ‘khaike paan.. was on , see it and come out .. I used to do it regularly every day .. I would tell the usher to let me in just to see the song and leave .. that is how much I enjoyed your dance moves ..” !!coming from her was the ultimate .... a legacy has passed away .."
Taking to Instagram, the 'Don' actor shared an image and wrote, "Prayers .. हाथ जुड़े हैं , मन अशांत." This roughly translates to "Prayers... Hands folded..but mind is disturbed." Have a look:
It definitely is shocking for everyone to hear about her death. Bollywood has already faced the loss of many celebrities like Irrfan Khan, Rishi Kapoor, Wajid Khan, Sushant Singh Rajput amongst others.
Khan, born in 1948, started out in films at the age of three as a child actor before a stint as a back-up dancer in the fifties. Khan started out choreographing with the 1974 film, "Geeta Mera Naam ". She directed songs for the Tamil film "Thai Veedu" in 1983, and also worked in Subhash Ghai's superhit "Hero" the same year.
It was the 1986 film, "Nagina" that made her a household name. Sridevi's iconic dance "Main naagin tu sapera" in that film continues to be a popular number even today. Lately, Khan has been selective with signing new projects. Her recent works include choreographing Kangana Ranaut in "Manikarnika" last year and "Tanu Weds Manu Returns" in 2015. Her last major assignment has been directing Madhuri's moves in last year's release, "Kalank".
-With IANS inputs
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