A Legendary Choreographer

SarojKhan (Nirmala Nagpal) -( 1948– 2020)

NirmalaNagpal who is now well-known as Saroj khan is a veteran choreographer in Bollywood who had started her career at the age of 3. Her firm determination and consistent hard work turned a 3 years old child artist into the legendary choreographer. Masterji of the Bollywood Dance Industry is now No More Among Us but her imprints will always sparkle in Bollywood in numerous Bollywood stars.

Childhood and career

Nirmala Kishanchand Sadhu Singh Nagpal (Saroj Khan)’s Parents- father Kishanchand Sadhu Singh and Mother Noni Sadhu Singh moved from Pakistan to India after the partition of India in 1947 with nothing in their hands. After a Year in 22/11/1948, a Seikh family gave birth to Nirmala Nagpal. Nirmala Nagpal started her career at the age of 3 years as a child artist in Nazarana. A toddler, in her Primitive stage became the supporting hand to her family of 7 members. She has 1 brother and 3 sisters.

At the age of 10 years she was chosen in the group dance in the movie Howrah Bridge (1958) of Madhubala “Aaiye Meharbaan, Baithiye Jaane Jah”. She worked as a background dancer for 2 years. Looking at her dancing talent, A Madrasi choreographer B. Sohanlal bewitched from the group and accepted her as his Assistant choreographer.

At the age of 13 years she married to her dance director B Sohanlal. Sohanlal was 43 years old and was already the father of 4 children. However, she was unaware of his marital life till she conceived. That is how she became Khan from Nagpal.

At the age of 14 years she was conceived with Hamid Khan who is now known as Raju Khan, a famous Choreographer based in Mumbai. Her conjugal life with Sohanlal was unsuccessful and she got divorce while her 2nd child Hena khan was 8 months. She worked as Assistant Choreographer for 5 years.

In 1974, Saroj Khan got her 1st break as an Independent Choreographer for a song “Mujhe Maar Daalo '' of movie- Geetaa Mera Naam produced by R.K Nayyar.

In 1975, She again married a Businessman Sardar Roshan Khan and gave birth to Sukaina khan, who is known to run a dance institution in Dubai.

Ever Since, she choreographed for more than 2000 songs and contributed her peculiar dance steps in Bollywood for more than 40 years in the industry, she was finally recognized for her solo choreography with Sridevi for song ‘’Hawa Hawai’’ in Movie Mr. India in 1987.

Saroj Khan’s Sedulous work as a Choreographer for decades is then paid off and became Masterji of many Superstars in Bollywood. Some of the Bollywood stars whom she made to dance on her finger tips are:

Sridevi

Main teri dushman dushman tu mera- Nagina (1986)

Hawa Hawai- Mr. India (1987)

- Chandni (1989)

Madhuri Dixit

v Ek Do Teen- Tezaab (1988)

v Tamma Tamma Loge- Thanedaar (1990)

v Humko Aajkal Hain Intazaar- Sailaab (1990)

v Dhak Dhak Karne Laga- Beta (1992)

v Choli Ke Pichhe Kya Hain- Khalnayak (1993)

Shilpa Shetty

v Kitaabe Bahut Si- Baazigar(1993)

v Churake dil mera- main Khiladi tu Anari (1994)

Aishwarya Rai

v Nimbood Nimbooda- Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)

v Ramta Jogi- Taal (1999)

v Dola Dola Re- Devdas(2002)

v Barso Re megha megha- Guru (2007)

Kareena Kapoor

v Yeh Ishq Haye- Jab We Met (2007)

These are the few examples of her award-winning choreography. Other most popular movies that Saroj Khan had choreographed are:

Ø Darr

Ø Mohra

Ø Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

Ø Pardes Soldier

Ø Taal

Ø Veer-Zaara

Ø Don

Ø Saawariya Lagaan

Ø Tanu Weds Manu Returns

Ø Manikarnika

Ø Gulaab Gang and many more.

Saroj Khan was the 1st lady Choreographer to win 3 National Awards and 8 Filmfare Awards for Best choreography which are listed below:

National Awards

Ø Dola Re Dola- Devdas (2003)

Ø All Songs- Sringaram- Tamil movie (2005)

Ø Yeh Ishq Haaye - Jab We Met (2007)

Filmfare Best choreography Awards

Ø Ek Do Teen- Tezaab (1989)

Ø Na Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hain- ChaalBaaz(1990)

Ø Hum Aaj Kal Hai Intezaar- Sailab(1991)

Ø Dhak Dhak karne Lagaa- Beta (1993)

Ø Choli Ke Pichhe kya Hain- Khalnayak(1994)

Ø Nimbooda- Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam(2000)

Ø Dola Re Dola- Devdas(2003)

Ø Barso Re Megha Magha- Guru (2008)

Judge of Reality Shows

Ø Nach Baliye Season 1 and 2- telecasted on Star One (2005)

Ø Ustaadon Ka Ustaad- telecasted on Sony TV (2008)

Ø Boogie Woogie- telecasted on Sony TV (2008)

Ø Jhalak Dikhla Jaa- telecasted on Sony TV (2009)

Her last film was Kalank produced by Karan Johar in 2019, where she choreographed the song “Tabaah Ho Gaye”, picturized on Madhuri.

Death

Saroj Khan was a Diabetic Patient. She was hospitalized for Breathing difficulty in Guru Nanak Hospital in Mumbai. Unfortunately, the Bollywood dance industry lost one of the priceless gems on 3rd July 2020 due to Cardiac Arrest.

Rest in Peace Masterji

You are one of the epic examples and idols for many people. You taught the world that success demands hard work and sacrifices irrespective of ample obstacles in the entire life. Your remarkable choreography will shine in Bollywood forever.