Bollywood woke up to the shock news of their beloved ‘masterji’ Saroj Khan’s death on Friday, with many celebrities remembering the veteran choreographer as a “genius” and an “inspiration” to others.
Khan, the name behind some of the most famous songs in Bollywood such as “Dhak Dhak” and “Ek Do Teen”, died of cardiac arrest early on Friday morning. She was 71.
Akshay Kumar termed Khan’s demise as a “huge loss” to the industry.
“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,” he tweeted.
Choreographer Farah Khan said she was among the countless artistes who were inspired by Khan’s work.
“Rest in peace Sarojji... You were an inspiration to many, myself included. Thank you for the songs,” she wrote on Twitter.
Choreographer-turned-filmmaker Remo D’Souza said, “#RIP Saroji, you will be missed... Big loss to dance fraternity.”
Actor Taapsee Pannu said she will forever cherish the memories of working with the veteran choreographer.
“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 for ever and ever,” the actor tweeted.
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Nimrat Kaur said there will be no one in the industry who could do what Khan did in her lifetime.
“Sarojji’s name introduced the word ‘choreographer’ to my life. A genius who immortalised stars and the music that defined an era with her iconic work. May her loved ones find strength and courage at this terrible hour. There’ll never be another...#RIPSarojKhan #Legend #Masterji” she said.
Genelia Deshmukh said she is grateful to have worked with the legendary artiste.
“RIP Saroji ... I thank God I got a chance to be choreographed by you.. Prayers and Strength to the Family... #SarojKhan” she said.
“Woke up to the heartbreaking news of the legendary choreographer #SarojKhan’s demise. Her iconic dance moves inspired me at a very young age. Rest in peace Saroj Ji. You are truly irreplaceable,” tweeted Tamannaah Bhatia.
Rakul Preet Singh mourned that her dream of working with Khan will remain unfulfilled.
“Always dreamt of doing at least one song Choreographed by her. Your grace and contribution to Indian cinema shall always be remembered. May your soul RIP. Strength to the family,” she said.
Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta said he learnt a lot while working with Khan.
“The first song I conceived ‘Tamma Tamma Loge’ to ‘Dil Dil Dil’ the first song of my debut film ‘Aatish’ we’re choreographed by the legendary Saroj Khan. Learnt so much from her. RIP Saroj Ji and keep smiling like you always did,” he wrote on the micro-blogging site.
“Saroj Khan my beloved Masterji. #RIPSarojKhan From Music Videos to films we had a long journey together. Now you’ve left me and gone. I will do and make what we spoke about one day, my promise to you,” tweeted filmmaker Kunal Kohli.
Khan, a three-time National Award winner, was not keeping well for some time. She was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital in Bandra last Saturday after she complained of breathing issues. She had tested negative for Covid-19.
The veteran choreographer is survived by son Raju Khan and daughter Sukaina Khan.
Her funeral was held on Friday morning at a cemetery in suburban Malad.
