Saroj Khan, the legendary Bollywood choreographer who created some of the industry’s most memorable dance scenes in the 1980s and ’90s, died on Friday morning in Mumbai. She was 71.
Here’s what the celebrities have written:
Amitabh Bachchan: T 3582 – Prayers … haath jude hai, mann ashant.
Hema Malini: Ace choreographer and unique personality Saroj Khan is no more. A personal loss to all artistes who have worked with her & to the entire film industry. I have myself danced to her vibrant choreography in many films like Mrig Trishna which is an alltime favourite with me.
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
Sanjay Dutt: This news has left me heartbroken. Saroj ji was not just a legend but also a humble person. We shared a beautiful relationship & worked in many films together. Her contribution to the industry is irreplaceable as there was no one who could dance like her. Om Shanti.
Ajay Devgn: Being a Technician’s son, I’ve always known that cinema is as much about a behind-the-scenes person as it is about actors. RIP Saroj ji. You were an institution; your craft inimitable. Condolences to your family.
Mahesh Babu: 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.
Shilpa Shetty Kundra: A LEGEND has left us. Can’t forget the moment I first met you when you came to choreograph ‘Kitaabe’ ( Baazigar) and I burst out crying (I was a huge fan of your work) I couldn’t believe you were actually standing in front of me. Then came ‘Churake dil’, which was a milestone in my career… and many more. You set the benchmark so high, taught me ‘how’ to express… a technician par excellence… No one shot women like you, you were the best!
Parineeti Chopra: When you think “choreographyâ€, you think Saroj ji. When you think “heroineâ€, you think Saroj ji. I think she gave the term Bollywood heroine its true meaning. Creator of legends, and a legend herself. RIP Ma’am. We will celebrate you forever.
Sonali Bendre Behl: I’ve lost a guru today. So talented… an amazing woman and a fantastic dancer whom I learnt so much from. I remember coming into films with no dance training and no understanding of how songs were shot. Masterji, who had never worked with such a skinny non-dancer before, took me under her wing and straightened me out for ‘English Babu Desi Mem’ which had all kinds of dances. There are so many more memories which I will carry with me. She will truly be missed. I pray that her family has the courage to deal with this huge loss. RIP #SarojKhan ji
Manoj Bajpayee: Rest In Peace Saroj Ji.
Boney Kapoor: #SarojKhan – an inspiration for all Actors and choreographers .She would put great emphasis on expressions than just movements. Cherish the work we did together for the songs of my films. Condolences to the Family. #RIPSarojKhan #TrueLegend #Guru
Kunal Kohli: Hindi cinema has lost its adaa #Saroj Khan.
