Legendary Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan has died in Mumbai her family said. She was 71.
The three-time National Award winner was hospitalised last Saturday after she complained of breathlessness. She tested negative for COVID-19, the Press Trust of India news agency said.
Khan choreographed more than 2,000 songs in her career spanning more than 40 years.
Leading actresses including Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi danced to some of the most popular songs Khan had produced.
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 youđź’” My sincere condolences to the family. #RIPSarojji
— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) July 3, 2020
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar said she made dance look easy, almost like anybody can do it. "A huge loss for the industry,” Kumar tweeted.
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 🙏🏻
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) July 3, 2020
Khan started her acting career at the age of 3 in a Bollywood film. She later shifted to choreography and got her break in 1974. She never looked back and created some of Bollywood’s most popular film songs.
Rest in peace Sarojji.. u were an inspiration to many, myself included. Thank you for the songs🙏🏻 #SarojKhan
— Farah Khan (@TheFarahKhan) July 3, 2020
She won acclaim for songs in movies “Mr. India,” “Chandni,” “Beta,” “Tezaab’’ and ”Gulab Gang."
Khan was buried in a Mumbai cemetery on Friday, her nephew Manish Jagwani told reporters.
She is survived by her husband and three children. (AP)
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here