Saroj Khan's life reads like a script straight out of a film. A girl who faced the camera at just three years old went on to become Hindi cinema's most celebrated choreographer. She overcame poverty, an early setback in her career and marriage at a very young age to reach a stature that is still talked about today.
A childhood spent in hardship
Her family's financial situation was so difficult that Saroj Khan had to start working as a child artist at the age of just 3. As she grew a little older, work dried up and she had to look for a way out of the industry. She did not give up. She restarted as a background dancer in films and, working behind the camera, learned every step of the craft in minute detail. That hard work laid the foundation for the career that followed.
Married at 13, a relationship that did not last
Her personal life too was full of ups and downs. At just 13 years old, she married Master Sohanlal, who was 30 years older than her and already married at the time. The marriage did not last long. She later married Sardar Roshan Khan.
Starting out as a choreographer and redefining dance
Saroj Khan began her journey as a choreographer with the 1974 film Geeta Mera Naam. She changed the way dance was seen and understood in Bollywood. For her, dance was never just about moving hands and feet, it was about expressing emotion through the face and telling a story. She choreographed one iconic song after another that are still remembered today: Hawa Hawaii from Mr. India, Ek Do Teen from Tezaab, Dhak Dhak Karne Laga from Beta, and Dola Re Dola from Devdas turned her into one of the industry's biggest names. She had a knack for identifying each actress's unique strengths and translating them into on-screen magic. Saroj Khan played a huge role in shaping the careers of superstars like Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit.
A 40-year career, awards and a strict TV judge
Across a glittering career spanning more than 40 years, Saroj Khan choreographed songs for hundreds of films and won several National and Filmfare Awards. She also made headlines as a judge on TV reality shows like Nach Baliye and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, where fans loved her blunt, no-nonsense style.
The journey ended on July 3, 2020
On July 3, 2020, this legendary artist passed away. Saroj Khan may no longer be with us, but her work and her legacy will always remain a source of pride for Bollywood.
