Saroj Khan
{{Short description|Indian dancer and choreographer (1948–2020)}}
{{Fan POV|date=July 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Saroj Khan
| image = Saroj Khan in March 2020 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Khan in 2020
| image_size =
| birth_name = Nirmala Nagpal
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1948|11|22}}
| birth_place = Bombay, Bombay State, India
| death_date = {{death date and age|2020|7|03|1948|11|22|df=y}}{{cite web | url=https://www.mumbailive.com/en/bollywood/bollywood-famous-choreographer-saroj-khan-passes-away-52236/ | title=Renowned Choreographer Saroj Khan Passes Away Due To Cardiac Arrest | publisher=Mumbai Live | date=3 July 2020 | access-date=3 July 2020}}
| death_place = Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| occupation = Choreographer
| years_active = 1958–2020
| spouse = {{plainlist|
- {{marriage|B. Sohanlal|1961|1965|end=separated}}
- {{marriage|Sardar Roshan Khan|1975}}
}}
| children = 3 {{small|(2 with Sohanlal, 1 with Khan)}}
| website =
}}
Saroj Khan (born Nirmala Nagpal; 22 November 1948 – 3 July 2020){{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/saroj-khan-dead-6473463/ | title=Choreographer Saroj Khan passes away | work=The Indian Express| date=3 July 2020 | access-date=3 July 2020}} was an Indian dance choreographer in Hindi cinema.{{cite web | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/saroj-khan-passes-away/articleshow/76761141.cms | title=Ace choreographer Saroj Khan passes away due to cardiac arrest in Mumbai | work=The Times of India | date=3 July 2020 | access-date=3 July 2020}} She was born in Bombay State (present day Maharashtra), India. She was best known for the dance form mujra{{Cite web|title=Madhuri to break into mujra only once when Varun enters kotha in Kalank, Saroj Khan gives spoilers|url=https://english.newsnationtv.com/entertainment/bollywood/madhuri-to-break-into-mujra-only-once-when-varun-enters-kotha-in-kalank-saroj-khan-gives-spoilers-218542.html|access-date=2020-07-21|website=News Nation English|date=24 August 2018 |language=en}}{{Cite web|author=Natasha Coutinho|date=Aug 24, 2018|title=Madhuri Dixit, Saroj Khan reunite for a mujra|url=https://punemirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/madhuri-dixit-saroj-khan-reunite-for-a-mujra/articleshow/65523544.cms|access-date=2020-07-21|website=Pune Mirror|language=en|archive-date=21 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721055652/https://punemirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/madhuri-dixit-saroj-khan-reunite-for-a-mujra/articleshow/65523544.cms|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|date=2018-08-24|title=Kalank: Madhuri Dixit's mujra song to be choreographed by Remo and Saroj Khan|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/240818/kalank-madhuri-dixit-mujra-song-choreographed-by-remo-and-saroj-khan.html|access-date=2020-07-21|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Desk|first=India com Viral News|date=2020-07-03|title='Mother of Dance': Netizens Mourn the Demise of Choreographer Saroj Khan, Say 'Another Legend Gone'|url=https://www.india.com/viral/mother-of-dance-netizens-mourn-the-demise-of-bollywood-choreographer-saroj-khan-say-another-legend-gone-4074112/|access-date=2020-07-05|website=India News, Breaking News, Entertainment News {{!}} India.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Desk|first=India com Viral News|date=2020-07-05|title=Amul India Pays Doodle Tribute to 'Mother of Dance/Choreography in India' Saroj Khan|url=https://www.india.com/viral/amul-india-pays-doodle-tribute-to-mother-of-dance-choreography-in-india-saroj-khan-4076092/|access-date=2020-07-05|website=India News, Breaking News, Entertainment News {{!}} India.com|language=en}} and the first woman choreographer in Bollywood.{{Cite news|last=Bhagat|first=Shalini Venugopal|date=2020-07-03|title=Saroj Khan, Choreographer Who Made Bollywood Sparkle, Dies at 71|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/03/world/asia/saroj-khan-dead.html|access-date=2020-07-07|issn=0362-4331}} With a career spanning over forty years, she choreographed more than 3000 songs. She died on 3 July 2020 of a sudden cardiac arrest.{{Cite news|date=2020-07-03|title=Woman behind Bollywood's biggest dance numbers dies|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53274298|access-date=2020-07-03}}{{Cite web|last=Shekhar|first=Himanshu|date=2020-07-03|title=Saroj Khan dead at 71, saroj khan Dies of cardiac arrest in Bandra Guru Nanak Hospital updates {{!}} Celebrities News – India TV|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/celebrities/breaking-saroj-khan-is-dead-at-72-mumbai-hospital-cardiac-arrest-631177|access-date=2020-07-03|website=www.indiatvnews.com}}{{Cite web|date=2020-07-03|title=Saroj Khan passes away at 71: Madhuri Dixit, Akshay Kumar, Shabana Azmi, mourn choreographer's demise |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/saroj-khan-passes-away-at-71-madhuri-dixit-akshay-kumar-shabana-azmi-mourn-choreographers-demise-8552991.html|access-date=2020-07-03|website=Firstpost}}
Early life and career
She was born Nirmala Nagpal. Her parents, Kishanchand Sadhu Singh and Noni Singh, migrated to India after partition of India. She started her career as a child artist at the age of three with the film Nazarana as baby Shyama,{{cite book|author1=Gulzar|author2=Govind Nihalani |author3=Saibal Chatterjee |title=Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8y8vN9A14nkC&pg=PT597|access-date=13 June 2013|year=2003|publisher=Popular Prakashan|isbn=978-81-7991-066-5|pages=573}} and was a background dancer in the late 1950s. She learnt dance while working under film choreographer B. Sohanlal, who she married at the age of 13 while he was 43 years and was already married with 4 children which she did not know at the time of marriage.{{cite web | url=https://www.orissapost.com/birthday-girl-saroj-khan-married-a-43-year-old-man-at-the-age-of-13/ | title=Birthday girl Saroj Khan married a 43-year-old man at the age of 13 | work=Orissa Post| date=22 November 2019 | access-date=3 July 2020}} After having three children (including one that died as an infant),{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/hindi/when-saroj-khan-buried-her-eight-month-old-daughter-and-went-to-shoot-for-dum-maro-dum-song-hours-later/videoshow/76806182.cms|title=When Saroj Khan buried her eight-month-old daughter and went to shoot for 'Dum Maro Dum' song hours later|website=The Times of India|access-date=23 July 2020}} the couple separated; after their separation, she married businessman Sardar Roshan Khan in 1975 and changed her name after converting to Islam. The couple have one child together: a daughter, Sukaina Khan, who is known to run a dance institute in Dubai.{{cite web | url=https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/movies/saroj-khan-death-her-original-name-was-nirmala-nagpal-first-marriage-at-the-age-of-13-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-late-choreographer-1276595| title=Saroj Khan Death: Her Original Name Was Nirmala Nagpal, First Marriage at the Age of 13, Here's All You Need To Know About The Late Choreographer! | publisher=Abp News | date=3 July 2020 | access-date=3 July 2020}} Later, she moved to choreography, first as an assistant choreographer and later getting her break as an independent choreographer, with actress Sadhana'S Geeta Mera Naam (1974). However, she had to wait many years to receive acclaim, which came with her work with Sridevi; their songs together such as Hawa Hawai in Mr India (1987), Main Teri Dushman, Dushman Tu Mera in Nagina (1986) and Mere Haathon Mein in Chandni (1989), and later her collaborations with Madhuri Dixit, starting with the hit "Ek Do Teen" in Tezaab (1988), Tamma Tamma Loge in Thanedaar (1990){{Cite web | title = 'Tamma tamma loge' got okayed in the 48th take: Saroj Khan| url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Tamma-tamma-loge-got-okayed-in-the-48th-take-Saroj-Khan/articleshow/20221574.cms | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130923072259/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-23/news-interviews/39474489_1_saroj-khan-sanjay-dutt-madhuri-dixit-nene | url-status = live | archive-date = 23 September 2013 | date =23 May 2013 | work = The Times of India| access-date = 13 June 2013 }} and Dhak Dhak Karne Laga in Beta (1992) are hailed as iconic Bollywood dance numbers. Thereafter, she went on to become one of the most successful Bollywood choreographers.{{Cite web |author = Shoma A. Chatterji | title =Diva of Dance| url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20121028/spectrum/main2.htm | work =The Tribune | date =28 October 2012 | access-date = 13 June 2013 }}
In 2014, Khan worked with Madhuri Dixit again in Gulaab Gang.{{Cite web | title = Madhuri is still superb: Saroj Khan | url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Madhuri-is-still-superb-Saroj-Khan/articleshow/20198605.cms | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130611032630/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-22/news-interviews/39444524_1_indian-dance-saroj-khan-choreographer | url-status = live | archive-date = 11 June 2013 | date =22 May 2013 | work = The Times of India | access-date = 13 June 2013 }} She was on the advisory board of Rishihood University.{{Cite web|url=https://rishihood.edu.in/board-of-advisors/|title=Board of Advisors|publisher=Rishihood University|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-19|archive-date=25 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525165339/https://rishihood.edu.in/board-of-advisors/|url-status=dead}}
=Television appearances=
Saroj Khan appeared on a reality dance show as a member of the jury in the first season of Nach Baliye, which aired on STAR One along with two other judges. She also appeared in the second season of the same show. She has recently been a judge for the show Ustaadon Ka Ustaad, which is aired on Sony Entertainment Television (India). She appeared on the 2008 show Nachle Ve with Saroj Khan, which was aired on NDTV Imagine. She choreographed for this show. She appeared on Sony's Boogie Woogie from December 2008 as one of the judges, along with Javed Jaffrey, Naved Jaffrey and Ravi Behl. She was a judge on the third season of a popular show – Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, which began on 27 February 2009 and was aired on Sony Entertainment Television (India) alongside former Nach Baliye judge Vaibhavi Merchant and actress Juhi Chawla.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} She also judged the dance reality show Nachle Ve with Saroj Khan.
In 2012, The Saroj Khan Story, a documentary produced by PSBT and Films Division of India and directed by Nidhi Tuli was released.{{Cite news | title = She's the Dancing Queen | url = http://www.indianexpress.com/news/she-s-the-dancing-queen/931031/0 | work =The Indian Express| date = 1 April 2012 | access-date = 13 June 2013 }}{{Cite news |title = The real 'Dhak Dhak' girl | url = http://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/2012/jun/150612-Mumbai-Guide-The-real-Dhak-Dhak-girl.htm | publisher = MiD DAY | date = 15 June 2012 | access-date = 13 June 2013 }}
She appeared in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah as a judge in a dance competition.{{Cite web|url=https://www.movietalkies.com/news/saroj-khan-to-appear-in-taarak-mehta-ka-ooltah-chasmah/|title=Saroj Khan To Appear In 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasmah'|website=Movie Talkies|date=2 April 2012 |language=en|access-date=2020-01-28}}
She won three National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards, the most recognition of any choreographer.
Death
Khan was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital at Bandra, Mumbai on 17 June 2020, because of breathing difficulties, and died of cardiac arrest on 3 July 2020 at the age of 71.{{cite news |title=Choreographer Saroj Khan passes away |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/saroj-khan-dead-6473463/ |place=New Delhi |date=3 July 2020 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=3 July 2020 }}
Selected filmography
| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year !Film !Notes !Ref. |
| rowspan="2" |2019
| | |
| Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
| | |
| 2016
|Bengali | |
| 2015
| | |
| rowspan="2" |2014
| | |
| Kochadaiiyaan
|Tamil | |
| 2013
| | |
| rowspan="2" |2012
| | |
| Agent Vinod
| | |
| 2010
| | |
| rowspan="3" |2009
| | |
| Love Aaj Kal
| | |
| Delhi-6
| | |
| rowspan="6" |2007
|Won the National Film Award for Best Choreography | |
| Namastey London
| | |
| Guru
|Won the Filmfare Award for Best Choreography | |
| Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal
| | |
| Saawariya
| | |
| Sringaram
|Won the National Film Award for Best Choreography | |
| rowspan="2" |2006
| | |
| Fanaa
| | |
| 2005
| | |
| rowspan="3" |2004
| | |
| Swades
| | |
| Kuch Naa Kaho
| | |
| 2003
| | |
| rowspan="2" |2002
| | |
| Devdas
|Won the Filmfare Award for Best Choreography & National Film Award | |
| rowspan="2" |2001
|Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India |Won the Filmfare Award for Best Choreography | |
| Hum Ho Gaye Aapke
| | |
| 2000
|Fiza | | |
| rowspan="2" |1999
|Taal | | |
| Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
|Won the Filmfare Award for Best Choreography & American Choreography Award | |
| rowspan="3" |1998
| | |
| Vinashak - Destroyer
| | |
| Choodalani Vundi
|Telugu | |
| rowspan="3" |1997
| | |
| Pardes
| | |
| Iruvar
|Tamil | |
| 1996
| | |
| rowspan="3" |1995
| | |
| Raja
| | |
| Yaraana
| | |
| rowspan="3" |1994
| | |
| Mohra
| | |
| Anjaam
| | |
| rowspan="6" |1993
| | |
| Anmol
| | |
| Tholi Muddhu
|Telugu | |
| Aaina
| | |
| Khalnayak
| | |
| Darr
| | |
| rowspan="2" |1992
|Beta | | |
| Vishwatma
| | |
| rowspan="3" |1990
| | |
| Thanedaar
| | |
| Sailaab
| | |
| rowspan="3" |1989
| | |
| Chaalbaaz
| | |
| Nigahen: Nagina Part II
| | |
| 1988
| | |
| rowspan="3" |1987
|Tamil | |
| Mr. India
| | |
| Hifazat
| | |
| 1986
| | |
| rowspan="2" |1983
|Hero | | |
| Thai Veedu
|Tamil | |
| 1974
| | |
| 1970
|as stage dancer (Punjabi Movie) | |
;As writer
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
- Veeru Dada (1990)
- Khiladi (1992)
- Hum Hain Bemisaal (1994)
- Nazar Ke Samne (1995)
- Chhote Sarkar (1996)
- Dil Tera Diwana (1996)
- Daava (1997)
- Judge Mujrim (1997)
- Bhai Bhai (1997)
- Hote Hote Pyar Ho Gaya (1999)
- Benaam (1999)
- Khanjar (2003)
{{div col end}}
Awards and recognitions
File:The President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presenting the Best Choreography Award for the year 2002 to SAROJ KHAN for the number 'Dola re Dola' in 'Devdas' for her creation of captivating dance movements to reflect the spirit of the.jpg for Dola Re Dola by President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in December 2003.]]
Khan was the recipient of the most National Film Awards for Best Choreography with three wins.{{Cite web|last=Desk|first=India com Entertainment|date=2020-07-03|title=Saroj Khan Passes Away at 71: Here's a List of Her Best-Choreographed Songs of The Dance Maestro|url=https://www.india.com/entertainment/saroj-khan-passes-away-at-71-heres-a-list-of-her-best-choreographed-songs-of-the-dance-maestro-4074024/|access-date=2020-07-03|website=India News, Breaking News, Entertainment News {{!}} India.com|language=en}}
Khan was the first recipient of the Filmfare Award for Best Choreography. Filmfare instituted this award after watching the excellent choreography and audience response in Khan's song "Ek Do Teen" from Tezaab. Khan went on to have a hattrick at the Filmfare Awards winning consistently for 3 years from 1989 to 1991. She also held the record for winning the most Filmfare Awards for Best Choreography, winning 8.{{Cite web |date=2020-07-03 |title=A look at veteran choreographer Saroj Khan's list of awards and honours |url=https://zeenews.india.com/people/a-look-at-veteran-choreographer-saroj-khans-list-of-awards-and-honours-2293285.html |access-date=2020-07-03 |website=Zee News |language=en}}
The Saroj Khan Story is a 2012 Indian documentary film on Khan's life directed by Nidhi Tuli and produced by Public Service Broadcasting Trust.{{Cite web |title=Movie review |url=http://www.psbt.org/screening/movie_review/427 |website=psbt.org}}
= [[National Film Awards]] =
| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year !Film !Nominated work !Category !Result !Ref. |
| 2003
|"Dola Re Dola" | rowspan="3" |Best Choreography |{{Won}} |
| 2006
|All songs |{{Won}} |
| 2008
|"Yeh Ishq Haaye" |{{Won}} |
| class="wikitable"
|+ !Year !Film !Nominated work !Category !Result !Ref. |
| 1989
|"Ek Do Teen" | rowspan="8" |Best Choreography |{{Won}} | |
| 1990
|"Na Jaane Kahan Se" |{{Won}} | |
| 1991
|{{Won}} | |
| 1993
|Beta |"Dhak Dhak Karne Laga" |{{Won}} | |
| 1994
|"Choli Ke Peeche" |{{Won}} | |
| 2000
|"Nimbooda Nimbooda" |{{Won}} | |
| 2003
|"Dola Re Dola" |{{Won}} | |
| 2008
|Guru |"Barso Re" |{{Won}} |
- 2000 – Best Choreography: Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam for the song "Nimbooda Nimbooda"
- 2003 – Best Choreography: Devdas for the song "Dola Re Dola"
- 2019 – Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2003 – Best Choreography: Devdas for the song "Dola Re Dola"
- 2002 – Outstanding Achievement in Feature Film: Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)
- 1998 – Nandi Award for Best Choreographer: Choodalani Vundi
Kalakar Awards
- 2011 – 19th Annual Kalakar Achiever Award for Outstanding Contribution in Dance Choreography
Controversies
In October 2014, Khan reportedly got upset after being parodied in Happy New Year.Subhash K Jha (28 October 2014) [http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-saroj-khan-angry-after-being-spoofed-in-happy-new-year-2029629 Saroj Khan angry after being spoofed in Happy New Year]. DNA India The spoof character was played by Kiku Sharda. Farah Khan denied having spoofed Saroj. Farah had earlier allegedly spoofed Manoj Kumar in her 2007 film Om Shanti Om.[http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/i-have-not-spoofed-saroj-khan-in-happy-new-year-farah-khan/ I have not spoofed Saroj Khan in ‘Happy New Year': Farah Khan]. The Indian Express[http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/farah-khan-we-have-not-shown-saroj-khan-in-happy-new-year/1/398242.html Farah Khan: We haven't shown Saroj Khan in Happy New Year]. India Today
In April 2018, Khan made statements defending the practice of casting couch,{{Cite web|date=2018-04-24|title=Saroj Khan defends casting couch in Bollywood, says it at least provides livelihood|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/saroj-khan-casting-couch-5149516/|access-date=2020-07-21|website=The Indian Express|language=en}} stating that the film industry provides people employment and "doesn't rape and abandon" them. Following an online backlash, she apologised for her comments.{{Cite web|last=Goyal|first=Divya|date=24 April 2018|title=Saroj Khan's Shocker on Casting Couch: At Least Film Industry Gives Work, Doesn't Rape And Abandon|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/saroj-khans-shocker-on-casting-couch-its-age-old-at-least-film-industry-gives-work-1841832|access-date=3 July 2020|publisher=NDTV}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Bollywood Hungama person|saroj-khan}}
- {{IMDb name|0451314}}
{{National Film Award Best Choreography}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestChoreographer}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Khan, Saroj}}
Category:20th-century Indian dancers
Category:20th-century Indian women artists
Category:21st-century Indian dancers
Category:21st-century Indian women artists
Category:Best Choreography National Film Award winners
Category:Dancers from Maharashtra
Category:Filmfare Awards winners
Category:Indian choreographers
Category:Indian female dancers
Category:Indian film choreographers