Veteran Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan, who mentored generations of actors and was fondly known as “Masterji”, died early this morning due to cardiac arrest. She was admitted to Mumbai’s Guru Nanak Hospital on June 20 after complaining of difficulty in breathing. The mandatory COVID-19 test was done at the hospital showed a negative result. She was 71.
The three-time National Award winner had choreographed some of the most memorable songs in Hindi cinema such as Ek Do Teen from Tezaab, Dhak Dhak Karne Laga from Beta, Maar Dala from Devdas , Hawa Hawai and Kate Nahin Kat Te from Mr. India, Mere Hathon Me Nau Nau Chudiyan and Chandni O Meri Chandni from Chandni. Her recent work includes “Tabaah ho gaye” in last year’s “Kalank”, picturised on Madhuri.
Her demise was mourned by Bollywood celebrities such as Aamitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Farah Khan, Genelia Deshmukh, Nimrat Kaur, filmmaker Kunal Kohli, Sayani Gupta and Sunil Grover among others. They tweeted their condolences and remembered Saroj Khan for her iconic work. Take a look: Here’s what the celebrities have written:
Amitabh Bachchan: T 3582 – Prayers .. haath jude hai, mann ashant.
T 3582 – Prayers .. 🙏 ..
हाथ जुड़े हैं , मन अशांत— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) July 3, 2020
Akshay Kumar: Woke up to the sad news that legendary choreographer #SarojKhan ji is no more. She made dance look easy almost like anybody can dance, a huge loss for the industry. May her soul rest in peace
Woke up to the sad news that legendary choreographer #SarojKhan ji is no more. She made dance look easy almost like anybody can dance, a huge loss for the industry. May her soul rest in peace 🙏🏻
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) July 3, 2020
Saroj ji’s name introduced the word ‘choreographer’ to my life. A genius who immortalised stars and the music that defined an era with her iconic work. May her loved ones find strength and courage at this terrible hour. There’ll never be another…#RIPSarojKhan #Legend #Masterji pic.twitter.com/EffYUvX7Ca
— Nimrat Kaur (@NimratOfficial) July 3, 2020
Kunal Kohli: Hindi cinema has lost its adaa #Saroj Khan.
#SarojKhan my beloved Masterji. #RIPSarojKhan From Music Videos to films we had a long journey together. Now you’ve left me & gone. I will do & make what we spoke about one day, my promise to you.
— kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) July 3, 2020
Farah Khan: Rest in peace Sarojji.. u were an inspiration to many, myself included. Thank you for the songs #SarojKhan
Rest in peace Sarojji.. u were an inspiration to many, myself included. Thank you for the songs🙏🏻 #SarojKhan
— TheFarahKhan (@TheFarahKhan) July 3, 2020
Genelia Deshmukh: RIP Saroji … I thank God I got a chance to be choreographed by you.. Prayers and Strength to the Family. #SarojKhan
RIP Saroji … I thank God I got a chance to be choreographed by you.. Prayers and Strength to the Family..#SarojKhan
— Genelia Deshmukh (@geneliad) July 3, 2020
Sayani Gupta: You will live on Saroj Khan. Only a regret will remain.. for not having had a chance to dance with you. Thank you for the adaah #SarojKhan.
You will live on Saroj Khan
Only a regret will remain.. for not having had a chance to dance with you.
Thank you for the adaah#SarojKhan ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UXwLNIYBkm— Sayani Gupta (@sayanigupta) July 3, 2020
Shocked to know the sad demise of Saroj khan ji. An era comes to an end with her. Rest in peace. 🙏
— Sunil Grover (@WhoSunilGrover) July 3, 2020