National Award-winning veteran choreographer Saroj Khan died in Mumbai today. She was 71.

Over the course of 40 years, Khan choreographed around 2000 songs and worked extensively with actresses like Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit.

Her first big break came when she choreographed the iconic 1987 number Hawa Hawai with Sridevi and then went on to work with her in Nagina and Chandni. She and Dixit had a fruitful partnership and worked together in songs like Ek Do Teen, Tamma Tamma, Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai, and Hum Ko Aaj Kal Hai Intezaar.

Khan has worked on popular films like Baazigar, Mohra, Darr, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Taal, Veer-Zaara, Pardes, Soldier, Don, Saawariya, Lagaan, and Tanu Weds Manu Returns and went on to judge dance reality shows like Nach Baliye, Ustaadon Ka Ustaad, Boogie Woogie and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.

“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. Broken heart. My sincere condolences to the family,” tweeted Dixit.

Khan’s last work was on the song Tabaah Ho Gaye from the 2019 film, Kalank.

(Header image: https://asridevi.blogspot.com/)