The Mother of Choreography in India and a three-time National Award winner, Saroj Khan passed away today. However, the ace choreographer has left behind a legacy of iconic dance numbers to remember her by. Fondly called ‘SarojJi’ and ‘Masterji’ in Bollywood, here’s looking at 10 of her best numbers:
- Ek Do Teen (Tezaab, 1988)
Madhuri Dixit in the iconic dance number Ek Do Teen.
It has been 32 years since this song came out and none seem to have forgotten Madhuri Dixit dancing to this track in her dazzling pink attire. Filmfare instituted the Best Choreography Award after watching the audience reaction to this amazing choreography. Saroj Khan went on to win the Filmfare for the next three years as well.
- Dola re Dola (Devdas, 2002)
Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai in the iconic song Dola Re.
It is impossible to forget the stunning Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit Nene, clad in red and white sarees, dancing to Dola Re in the critically-acclaimed film Devdas. The song was choreographed, shot and performed with great finesse, and added much to the magnificence of the film. Saroj Khan subsequently won the National award for the same.
- Yeh Ishq Haye (Jab We Met, 2007)
Kareena Kapoor dancing on Yeh Ishq Haye.
As good as Saroj Khan was at bringing richness and grandeur to her choreography, she was equally brilliant at pulling off a casual performance with equal grace. Khan beautifully choreographed ‘Yeh Ishq Haye’ in Jab We Met which was a dance performed in the streets that Shahid Kapoor and Kareen Kapoor travel through in the film. Saroj Khan won yet another National Award for this number.
- Dhak Dhak (Beta, 1992)
Anil Kapoor and Dhak Dhak girl Madhuri Dixit in Beta.
Madhuri Dixit’s name was christened as the Dhak Dhak girl post the graceful and sensuous dance on Dhak Dhak Karne Laga. The choreographer just knew how to bring about the right amount of oomph and beauty in her choreography.
- Hawa Hawai (Mr. India, 1987)
Sridevi, in Mr. India, dancing to Hawa Hawai.
Sridevi, in her breathtaking shimmery golden gown along with Saroj Khan’s stunning choreography, created magic in the film, although these two elements put together could hardly go wrong.
- Baazigar O Baazigar (Baazigar, 1993)
Shah Rukh Khan with Kajol in Baazigar.
Shah Rukh Khan’s most iconic pose where he opens his arms for his lady-love was almost a gift from Saroj Khan who had choreographed him in Baazigar. The song that was shot in Mauritius had SRK point to the land and sky and then turn to open his arms. The song and the pose have gone on to become icons in the history of Bollywood since. Another song choreographed by Saroj Khan in the film – Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein – shot on Kajol and SRK is yet another memorable number by the ace choreographer.
- Main Teri Dushman, Dushman Tu Mara (Nagina, 1986)
Sridevi in Nagina dancing to Main Teri Dushman.
The Nagin tune still reminds us of the splendid dance by Sridevi on ‘Main Tera Dushman, Dushman Tu Mera’. Saroj Khan brings out the serpent through her choreography, which is further enhanced by Sridevi’s blue lenses and bright white dress.
- Tamma Tamma Loge (Thanedaar, 1990)
Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit dancing to the beats of Tamma Tamma.
The 90s famous disco number ‘Tamma Tamma Loge’ featuring Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit created a storm when it came out and the fame hasn’t faded yet. Bappi Lahiri’s beats and Saroj Khan’s choreography played a substantial role in the success of this song.
- Radha Kaise Na Jale (Lagaan, 2001)
Gracy Singh and Aamir Khan in Lagaan.
Saroj Khan’s choreography creates a conversation between Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh in ‘Radha Kaise Na Jale’. The love and jealousy is manifested beautifully through their expressions and graceful moves.
- Bhumro Bhumro (Mission Kashmir, 2000)
Preity Zinta and Hritik Roshan dancing to Bhumro Bhumro in Mission Kashmir.
When Hrithik Roshan’s dance meets Saroj Khan’s choreography, it’s all fireworks. Preity Zinta who is the primary dancer along with Hrithik Roshan also does a splendid job. Bhumro Bhumro is an energetic number and Khan does complete justice to it.
Known for her commitment to her work and attention to detail, Saroj Khan will forever be remembered fondly. We pray that her soul rests in peace.