Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan no more

Legendary Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan died in Mumbai on Friday following a cardiac arrest.

The three time national award winner choreographed nearly 2000 songs.

She was 71.

She was admitted to Mumbai’s Guru Nanak Hospital last month after she complained of trouble in breathing. “She passed away due to cardiac arrest at around 2:30 am at the hospital”, Saroj’s daughter Sukaina Khan said.

Saroj Khan was born as 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.

Khan later became an assistant choreographer and her 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.

 

Dhaka/Mukul