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From dance to drama, Saroj Khan’s life was filled with twists and turns. But her recent controversy surrounding the casting couch practice in Bollywood definitely left the industry stunned.
In the world of dancing, Saroj Khan was a force to be reckoned with. With more than 2000 songs to her credit, she was one of the most well-known choreographers in Hindi cinema. But her success wasn’t achieved overnight. She had to work hard for over a decade before achieving recognition in the 80s.
Source: Wikipedia
Saroj Khan, known for his mesmerizing dance moves, receives the prestigious National Film Award for Best Choreography from President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in December 2003. Recognized for his exceptional work in the iconic song “Dola Re Dola,” Khan’s talent and creativity are celebrated on a national stage.
Saroj was born into a well-to-do family in Mumbai, but her family lost everything after the India-Pakistan partition. Despite her family’s hardships, Saroj started dancing when she was a child. When her mother noticed her dancing after her shadow, she took her to a doctor, thinking she was mentally ill. But the doctor told her mother that all Saroj wanted to do was dance, and he suggested putting her in the film industry.
And so, at the age of three, Saroj appeared as a child artist in the film ‘Nazarana’. After working as a background dancer in the song ‘Aiye Meheraban’ from the film ‘Howrah Bridge’, she started learning dance from the film choreographer B Sohanlal. While learning dance from Sohanlal, Saroj fell in love with him. At the age of 13, she married him, not realizing that he was already married with four children.
Source: Wikibio
Saroj Khan, the legendary choreographer, began her journey in the film industry as a background dancer in the film “Nazaraana.” With passion, talent, and perseverance, she went on to become an iconic figure, revolutionizing dance in Indian cinema and leaving an indelible mark on Bollywood’s choreography landscape.
Despite the difficult start to her personal life, Saroj worked hard to establish herself as an independent choreographer in 1947 with the film ‘Geeta Mera Naam’. However, it took her ten years of hard work before she tasted success in the 80s. It was the song ‘Mai Naagin tu Sapera’ featuring Sridevi that earned her recognition. She was then praised for her choreography in Mr. India’s song ‘Hawa Hawaai’. And then came the iconic songs for Madhuri Dixit – ‘Dhak Dhak Karne Laga’, ‘Ek Do Teen’, ‘Tamma Tamma Loge’ and ‘Dola re Dola’. These songs became a huge hit and established Saroj as a successful choreographer in Bollywood.
With her success, Saroj had her fair share of controversies. She once accused Bollywood choreographer Ganesh Acharya of sexually harassing struggling dancers and choreographers. However, later Acharya filed a defamation case on Saroj, claiming that she was trying to tarnish his image. Saroj also landed in hot water when she spoke in favor of the casting couch practice in Bollywood. She faced outrage on social media after saying that at least the film industry provided people employment, and it didn’t rape and abandon artists.
Source: A Sridevi blogspot
Renowned writer, producer, and director Sawan Kumar Tak, legendary actress Sridevi, and acclaimed choreographer Saroj Khan collaboratively contributed to the Indian film industry. Their creative prowess and immense talent left an indelible mark, enriching the world of cinema with their unforgettable collaborations and remarkable contributions.
Inspite of the controversies, Saroj continued to work as a choreographer in many films and was also a judge on several dance reality shows. She was the first choreographer to receive the Filmfare Best Choreography Award, and the category was introduced by Filmfare after watching her choreography in the song ‘Ek Do Teen’ from the film ‘Tezaab’. She also held the record for winning the maximum number of Filmfare Awards in the Best Choreographer category and was the recipient of the maximum number of National Film Awards in the Best Choreography category (3 wins).
Source: Image from Madhuri Dixit’s Instagram
Renowned choreographer Saroj Khan shares a beautiful bond with her favorite student, the legendary actress Madhuri Dixit. Together, they have created magical dance performances that have captivated audiences. Their collaboration is a testament to their talent, creativity, and the deep connection they share in the world of dance.
Saroj Khan passed away on 3 July 2020, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. Her last choreographed song was ‘Tabaah Hogaye’ from the film ‘Kalank’ featuring Madhuri Dixit. Despite her controversial statements, Saroj Khan will always be remembered as one of the most successful choreographers in Bollywood, who contributed immensely to the Indian film industry.
Source: Ron Ramtang / Shutterstock.com
Darjeeling tea, celebrated for its exquisite flavor and unique characteristics, holds the distinction of being the first Indian product to receive the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This recognition ensures that only tea produced in the Darjeeling region can be labeled and marketed as authentic Darjeeling tea, preserving its heritage and quality.
Saroj Khan, the renowned Bollywood choreographer, had visited Darjeeling in her lifetime. It was reported that she fell in love with the scenic beauty of the hill station during her visit. In an interview, she shared her experience of sipping Darjeeling tea while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. She even mentioned that the vibrant culture of Darjeeling and the warm hospitality of the locals left a lasting impression on her.
Source: Shoe string Travel
The Darjeeling Toy Train, also known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beloved tourist attraction. Chugging through the picturesque landscapes of Darjeeling, this narrow-gauge steam-powered train offers a nostalgic journey, allowing passengers to soak in the breathtaking views of the mountains, tea gardens, and charming hillside villages.
Darjeeling is a picturesque hill station located in the Sikkim Himalayas, famous for its magnificent view of Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest. It was developed as a sanatorium for British troops and later became a popular tourist destination. Darjeeling’s economy relies heavily on tourism, with the city boasting major road, rail, and air connections with Kolkata. The city is home to numerous attractions, including Observatory Hill, Birch Hill, the Lloyd Botanic Gardens, a zoo, natural history museum, and racecourse. Darjeeling’s rural economy is based on the production of black tea, which is made possible by the region’s favorable climatic conditions.
