The year 2020 has been one of the toughest years for the industry. After the death of Irrfan Khan, Rishi Kapoor, Wajid Khan, the industry lost another gem today, celebrated choreographer Saroj Khan. Khan, 71, died due to cardiac arrest. Fondly called as ‘Masterji’ by the actors and her students, she directed over 2000 in her illustrated career, and worked with many leading actors of the 80s, 90s and the 00s. 

Khan started her career in 1974 with Sadhna Shivdasani’s ‘Geeta Mera Naam’, but the peak of her career arrived with Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi in the late 80s with films like Mr India, Chandani and Tezaab. Here’s some of her best work, where her  moves gave an entire generation reason enough to dance. 

Hawa Hawai (Mr India) 

Khan gave Sridevi one of her career’s best dance numbers in Shekhar Kapoor’s much-loved film ‘Mr India’. Taking inspiration from the comic style of Charlie Chaplin, the song saw Sridevi in  a different avatar and while the moves did become famous, her expressions in the song became iconic. 

Ek Do Teen (Tezaab)

Who can ever forget Madhuri grooving on stage with, waiting for her lover, in N.Chandra’ 1888 hit film ‘Tezaab’. The song became a classic for many reasons, the biggest one being Madhuri’s dance as Mohini. The film not only established her as a star, but as a dancing prodigy who was to create many magical numbers with Khan. Khan went on to win Filmfare in 1989, for her work in the film. 

Mere Haathon Mein (Chandani)

Post ‘Mr India’, Khan again worked with Sridevi in Yash Chopra’s ‘Chandani’. The song ‘Mere Haathon’ went on to become a must-have wedding number for decades to come, with the steps choreographed by Khan. 

Humko Aaj Kal Hai (Sailaab)

Khan again won a Filmfare for Best Choreography, and this time the actor personifying her steps was Madhuri Dixit. The song is still considered one of the best songs done by the duo.  

Dhak Dhak Karne Laga (Beta) 

Another gem by ‘Masterji and Madhuri, the song from ‘Beta’ moved boundaries for sensual dance sequences in Hindi Cinema. She again one a Filmfare for her work in the film. 

Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein (Baazigar)

Khan choreographed the celebrated song from Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer ‘Baazigar’. While it is known for the music anecdote by AnuMalik, no one can ever forget the lyrical choreography done by Khan on them. 

Chane Ke Khet Mein (Anjaam) 

Probably, one of Khan’s most remembered number, the song from Anjaam again saw Madhuri Dixit doing her magic with Khan’s steps. In many interviews, Khan had recalled working on the song with the actor and it remains one of her top choreography for the graceful Madhuri. 

Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai (Khalnayak)

Pushing the boundaries again, this song from ‘Khalnayak’, still gets remembered for its hook step. Featuring Neena Gupta and Madhuri, the song was an amalgamation of folk and Khan’s signature Bollywood style. She won a Filmfare for her work in the film. 

Aaj Main Uper (Khaamoshi: The Musical)

Khan worked with Manisha Koirala in this beautiful number. What was interesting was the way she kept the dance moves subtle enough to enhance the lyrical genius of the song, yet kept her signature lyrical movements. 

Nimbooda Nimbooda ( Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam) 

Aishwarya got a chance to work with the celebrated choreographer in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’. Who can ever forget the classic hook step of the song and the playfulness that Aishwarya brought on screen with her dance moves. 

Dola Re Dola (Devdas)

Khan worked with both Madhuri and Aishwarya together and gave a song that is going to be remembered as one of the best choreography in Hindi Cinema. With the backdrop of a magnificent set and two of the leading actors of their time personifying the steps by Masterji, remain a site to behold. Khan, rightfully, won not only a Filmfare but also a National Award for her work in the film. 

Ye Ishq Haaye (Jab We Met)

Another classic number, this song from Imtiaz Ali’s Jab We Met saw Kareena Kapoor dancing in the the backdrop of Manali. The hook-step, along with the spirit of the song showed the industry that Khan can keep her magic alive, despite her age. The song earned her another Filmfare  and a National Award. 

Tabha Ho Gye (Kalank) 

It has to destiny, the Khan’s last choreographed song in Hindi Cinema was featured on her most favourite pupil. Abhishek Varman’s Kalak saw Madhuri bringing Khan’s cklassical choreography alive with her movements and expressions.

Apart from these iconic songs, Khan also won American Choreography Award for her work in Ashutosh Gowarikar’s ‘Lagaan’. 

While she is no more, the legacy of legendary choreographer Saroj Khan will always remain with us with her many songs and a genre of dance