Rhythm in each step

Mona

Without dance, there is no Saroj Khan,” read Bollywood’s master choreographer’s Twitter bio. While she is no more, Saroj Khan’s dance moves, which sparkled the silver screen, will continue to inspire.

“Saroj ji was much bigger than what my film could capture, so I am glad I had the opportunity to spend precious time with her,” says Nidhi Tuli, who made the documentary The Saroj Khan Story. “She was full of stories; she grew up in films, with films. All her references about her life were with respect to the film she was working on, when something or the other happened in her life,” Tuli adds.

She points out that while Saroj Khan loved the industry, but also knew there are no real friends in there. During the making of the film Tuli really became fond of her. “I wanted her to get the Padma Shri, but unfortunately that didn’t happen,” Tuli regrets. “She was a giant in her field, a true legend. Today marks the end of an era.”

Tweet tributes

As the film industry grapples with yet another loss, the stars took to Twitter to pay glowing tributes. Calling her his first ‘genuine’ teacher in the film industry, Shah Rukh Khan, posted, “She taught me for hours how to do the ‘dip’ for film dancing. One of the most caring, loving and inspiring persona I have ever met. Will miss you Saroj ji. May Allah bless her soul. Thank u for looking after me.”

Saroj Khan’s muse, Madhuri Dixit, wrote, “I’m devastated by the loss of my friend and guru, Saroj Khan. Will always be grateful for her work in helping me reach my full potential in dance. The world has lost an amazingly talented person. I will miss you. My sincere condolences to the family. #RIPSarojji.” “At least I had a chance to dance in your company. I am going to hold on to those memories tight…. real tight. We lose another star to the sky. Your songs will make every girl remember you forever and ever,” wrote Taapsee Pannu.

“Saroj ji .. you gave us and the industry, rhythm, style, grace of movement and the art of converting the lyrics into a song…,” posted Amitabh Bachchan on social media.

He mentioned how a compliment from the ace choreographer meant the world to him. “On a chance meeting many years ago, she paid me the best compliment … she was living in Dubai then and when Don was released, she said, ‘I saw the film and after that 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…!”

mona@tribunemail.com

Top 10 songs

• Ek Do Teen
  Filmed on the fabulous Maduri Dixit, Ek Do Teen became a rage. The song from the film Tezaab that came more than three decades back is still an iconic number.
• Tabaah Ho Gaye
  Again picturised on Madhuri, this number from Kalank was one of the last outings for this dynamic duo. The two had magic going on for all these years!
• Kate Nahin Kat Te
  Her another all time-favourite muse, Sridevi, sizzled on Kate Nahin Kat Te. Sri’s bold outing in a blue saree was a hit number from Mr India.
• Dhak Dhak Karne Laga
  Ace dancer-actor of the industry, Madhuri enjoyed the sobriquet of Dhak Dhak girl with this song choreographed by Saroj Khan.
• Dola Re Dola
  Two very fine actresses and dancers – Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – regaled with their fine moves in this celebratory dance number from Devdas.
• Radha Kaise Na Jale
  Not that Saroj Khan needed only established dancing divas to give a hit. Radha Kaise Na Jale, pictured on debutante Gracy Singh in Lagaan, was a mega-hit too.
• Choli Ke Peeche
  A blast, this one from the film Khalnayak was a crazy hit. Fast beats and double entendre, this one won a Filmfare award for Saroj Khan.
• Mere Hathon Me Nau Nau Chudiyan
  The film Chandni was a super-duper hit, as were its songs. On the song Mere Hathon Me Nau Nau Chudiyan, Sridevi rocked on Saroj Khan-directed moves.
• Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen
  Not only did the actresses enact her steps with aplomb, Shah Rukh Khan’s slick moves wowed the audience equally well in Baazigar.
• Hawa Hawai
  Tough to put all Saroj Khan’s hits in one list! One would be tempted to pick up Aishwaryra’s Nimbooda, but one just can’t overlook Hawa Hawai, filmed on Sridevi, for its amazing steps.