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Veteran Choreographer ‘Saroj Khan’ passes away at 71; tribute pours from all spectrum

Bollywood: Veteran Choreographer Saroj Khan, popularly known as ‘MasterJi’ in Bollywood, dies this morning in Mumbai at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest.

The three-time National Award winner was being treated in the Guru Nanak Hospital since June 20 after she complained of breathing issues. he mandatory COVID-19 test done at the hospital showed a negative result.

According to the reports in media, The last rites of Saroj Khan will be peformed at Malvani in Malad, Mumbai.

In a career spanning over four decades, Khan is credited with choreographing more than 2,000 songs, including “Dola Re Dola” from Sanjay Leela Bhansali”s “Devdas”, “Ek Do Teen” from Madhuri Dixit-starrer “Tezaab” and “Ye Ishq Haaye” from “Jab We Met” in 2007.

She last choreographed for “Tabaah Hogaye”, featuring Madhuri from filmmaker Karan Johar”s production “Kalank” in 2019.

Tributes for the veteran choreographer poured in from all spectrum, remembering the Ace artist for her work.

“I’m devastated by the loss of my friend and guru, Saroj Khan,” tweeted Madhuri Dixit. Madhuri Dixit and Saroj Khan goes way back and had performed many iconic songs together.

Akshay Kumar was the first actor to condole the loss of the legendary Choreogher.

Amitabh Bachchan posted a long message for Saroj Khan, remembering her for her work, dedication and dance.

View this post on Instagram

You rest .. you rest well .. you rise .. you realise the hours .. you seek the elixir .. you devour .. you get to connect .. … and .. .. you be informed in this communicative world .. Saroj Khan has died .. .. and an entire history of time races before you in the cerebrum .. She was a sprightly young enthusiastic dance assistant to one of the major dance directors of the time .. of the time when I was just beginning .. of the film ‘Bandhe Haath’ with the heart throb of millions Mumtaz .. with the director OP Ralhan .. Mumtaz’s grace and acceptance to agree to work with this newbe .. she a stratospheric Star , me a nobody .. .. and Saroj ji in the crowd of dancers in a song .. her subtle grace when she moved .. at one point I saw her , quite alarmingly , finding the foetus had shifted in her stomach and she simply unabashedly pushed it into place , and carried on .. dancing .. .. and then over the years .. she excelled and attained the podium title of Dance Director .. or as the language changed , the Choreographer of film .. her moves becoming famous for each artist she worked with .. and when she would see an artist give a good shot under her care .. she would call her or him aside .. and .. .. give a rupee coin .. as a gesture .. as a pat on the back .. a ‘shagun’ .. .. many many years later .. during the song sequence of a film I was doing .. I became the recipient of that coin .. an immense achievement .. Saroj ji .. you gave us and the industry , rhythm, style, grace of movement and the art of converting the lyrics in a song to a meaning in dance .. .. on a chance meeting many many years ago she paid me my best compliment .. she was living in Dubai then from marriage and when DON was released she said “ I saw the film and then after, I would go to the theatre where it was released, at the time when your song ‘khaike paan.. was on , see it and come out .. I used to do it regularly every day .. I would tell the usher to let me in just to see the song and leave .. that is how much I enjoyed your dance moves ..” !! coming from her was the ultimate .. .. a legacy has passed away .. 🙏

A post shared by Amitabh Bachchan (@amitabhbachchan) on

Farah Khan also expressed her condolence for the ace choreographer.

Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu tweeted, “Saddened to hear about the demise of ace choreographer #SarojKhan… Her timeless classics will continue to inspire generations to come. The end of an era… Heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. RIP Saroj Khan.”

Actor Kunal Kemmu shared, “Another legend leaves us. I never had the pleasure of seeing the magician at work but her work mesmerised and made so many look so graceful on screen. #SarojKhan masterji you will be missed. Prayers and Strength to the family ❤️🙏”

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh was one of the first politicians to pay condolences to the renowned choreographer.

“My heartfelt tribute to Saroj Khan, the renowned choreographer who part of 2,000+ evergreen songs. I share the grief of his family, colleagues in the film world and all the fans,” he tweeted.

Information & Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar remembered her as a genius choreographer who entertained all with her iconic work.

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