Veteran Bollywood choreographer, Saroj Khan passed away. She was popularly known as Saroj Khan but her real name is Nirmala Nagpal. She joined the Indian film industry as a child artiste, playing the younger Shyama in Nazarana. She eventually became a background dancer in 1950s films like Bimal Roy’s “Madhumati” under the guidance of dance director B. Sohanlal.
Career:
Saroj Khan first break as an independent choreographer came with Geeta Mera Naam (1974). She tasted fame with the song “Hawa Hawai” from Mr India (1987). Her collaboration with Sridevi on other projects like Chandni and Nagina further boosted her profile. Saroj Khan’s other popular films include Darr, Baazigar, Mohra, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Pardes, Soldier, Taal, Veer-Zaara, Don, Saawariya, Lagaan, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Manikarnika among more. Her last film was Kalank (2019), where she choreographed “Tabaah Ho Gaye”, picturised on Madhuri.
Awards:
In a career spanning four decades, Khan choreographed nearly 2000 songs. The legendary artiste was a recipient of three National Awards for films Devdas, Jab We Met and Sringaram (Tamil). She won Filmfare Awards for movies like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Guru, Khalnayak and Chaalbaaz.