Dancing Queen: How Saroj Khan Taught A Nation To Dance
·
·
There was a time when dance routines in Hindi cinema were largely dependent on the actor’s talent - and signature style; aided somewhat by a choreographer. With some exceptions, it wasn’t serious business. And then Saroj Khan walked onto the scene and changed everything.
Born Nirmala Nagpal in 1948, she was just three when she entered the film industry; pushed into it like many post-Partition migrant kids in Bombay, as her family scrambled to make ends meet. She started in the background: small roles, group dances, whatever paid.
By her teens, she was assisting one of the top choreographers of the time, B. Sohanlal. She also married him; unaware at the time that he already had a family. It was messy, but she kept working.
For years, she operated in the margins - stepping in when needed, rarely credited, often underpaid. Her first solo project came in 1974 with Geeta Mera Naam. Bollywood was still hiring men to choreograph and women to perform.
From the late ’80s through the 2000s, Saroj Khan’s work shaped the way mainstream Hindi cinema thought about choreography. She worked closely with Madhuri Dixit, building routines that were both technically sharp and commercially effective. Tamma Tamma, Dhak Dhak, Choli Ke Peeche, Dola Re Dola - each one carried her signature: tight coordination, dramatic pauses, and an emotive performance.
She’d done Western routines early on - rock and roll, jive, acrobatics, and later trained in Kathak. She demanded rehearsals; there was no winging it. Even non-dancers like Jackie Shroff and Sunny Deol were brought up to speed. Natural dancers were pushed further.
She also fought for structure, screen credit, proper pay, and made sure the system didn’t stay closed. Farah Khan, Ahmed Khan, Vaibhavi Merchant - and many others who came after her had either worked under her or were shaped by her influence.
As the vanguard of professionalism; she helped lift “Bollywood Dance” to a recognised form; providing it respectability - and eventually the recognition and popularity it enjoys across the world today.
She passed away in 2020, with over 3,000 songs behind her.
This is our humble tribute to India’s Dancing Queen.
1. Aaiye Meherbaan, Howrah Bridge (1958)
Saroj Khan appears as a background dancer in the song "Aaiye Meherbaan" from the film Howrah Bridge (1958). This is one of the few clips where she's visible and later identified through interviews.
2. Mujhe Maar Daalo, Geeta Mera Naam (1974)
Saroj stepped out of the background with this number. It wasn't a big hit commercially, but it established her as a serious choreographer capable of commanding the camera and shaping performance.
3. Hawa Hawai, Mr. India (1987)
The song's offbeat, exaggerated style proved Saroj could blend comedy, character, and choreography. Sridevi played a buffoon, and Saroj matched her energy beat for beat-bizarre, elastic, unpredictable.
4. Ek Do Teen, Tezaab (1988)
A watershed moment for Bollywood. Saroj's tight choreography and Madhuri's performance created a pop culture storm. Every kid knew the steps. The song made Madhuri a star and gave choreographers screen presence for the first time.
5. Tamma Tamma Loge, Thanedaar (1990)
Inspired by Michael Jackson, Saroj incorporated funk and popping into a Bollywood framework. It introduced young indian audiences to a whole new visual language of movement.
6. Dhak Dhak Karne Laga, Beta (1992)
Saroj pushed the envelope while keeping it tasteful. The choreography made headlines, cemented Madhuri as an icón, and proved that dance could express sexuality without sleaze.
7. Kali Kali Aankhen, Baazigar (1993)
Saroj Khan didn't smooth out SRK's rough edges-she leaned into them. The choreography was sharp, twitchy, a little offbeat. Initially, Shah Rukh was hesitant to rehearse, but upon seeing the choreography on set, he practiced diligently, with Saroj noting he "laboured so hard for the song"
8. Choli Ke Peeche, Khalnayak (1993)
Saroj turned a suggestive folk-style rhythm into something powerful. The choreography rode the line between innuendo and tradition. She let Madhuri own the song, without ever reducing her to the lyric.
9. Main Toh Raste Se Ja Raha Tha, Coolie No. 1 (1995)
A Govinda-Karisma classic, with Saroj leaning into the masala chaos. The choreography was bold, cheeky, and deliberately over the top-built for crowd appeal. Saroj understood the rhythm of '90s comedy-dance better than anyone else.
10. Radha Kaise Na Jale, Lagaan (2001)
Gracy Singh later spoke about how Saroj broke the song down for her beat by beat. Where to look. How long to hold a gesture. How to suggest mischief without letting it tip into mimicry. The control, as always, was invisible unless you knew where to look.
11. Dola Re Dola, Devdas (2002)
Uniting Madhuri and Aishwarya on one frame was historic. Saroj orchestrated perfect symmetry, movement, and grace—on a scale few could manage. She won her second National Award for this.
12. Ye Ishq Haaye, Jab We Met (2007)
At a time when newer choreographers were taking over, Saroj came back strong. This folk-inspired choreography won her a third National Award and showed she could still bring freshness and form.
13. Dil Mera Muft Ka, Agent Vinod (2012)
A mujra-style number with Kareena Kapoor, this was Saroj returning to her roots. She brought back the old-school mujra vibe-expressive, poised, and story-led—at a time when item songs had become loud and forgettable.
14. Tabaah Ho Gaye, Kalank (2019)
A full-circle moment. Over 30 years after Ek Do Teen, Saroj choreographed Madhuri one last time. Every step and pause was infused with her trademark grace and attention to detail, reflecting a lifetime of mastery and the old-school beauty that defined her work.
Comments
Celta Vallecano —
I’m at a loss for how to express this. My sister welcomed twin daughters in July and I found myself in a difficult financial and emotional state. I am known as Celta Vallecano and during my quest to find quick cash, I came across an advertisement claiming that Lord Meduza provides precise numbers to those genuinely selected for freedom from financial struggles through his genuine spell. I felt compelled to take a chance, and ever since reaching out to Lord Meduza, my life has significantly improved. As I write this here, I am now a winner of €221 Million Euros after adhering to all the guidance and utilizing the MEGA MILLIONS numbers provided by Lord Meduza. I want to express my high gratitude for the fact that assistance is indeed possible to get regardless of how difficult your circumstances may seem. I highly recommend him in case you require any assistance, simply Whats—App +18079072687 or Email: lordmeduzatemple@hotmail.com and for more inquiring visit: lordmeduzatemple.com
Margaret Evelyn —
It is a very hard situation when playing the lottery and never won, or keep winning low fund not up to 100 bucks, i have been a victim of such a tough life, the biggest fund i have ever won was 100 bucks, and i have been playing lottery for almost 11 years now, things suddenly change the moment i came across a secret online, a testimony of a spell caster called Dr.Isa who help people win in any type of lottery numbers, i was not easily convinced, but i decided to give a try, now i am a proud to be a lottery winner with the help of Dr.Isa spell, i won 2,000,000 Million dollars and i am making this known to everyone out there who have been trying all day to win the lottery, believe me this is the only way to win the lottery, this is the real secret we all have been searching for.
His WhatsApp: +2347046030096
Email: drisaspellcaster@gmail.com
Website: https://drisaspellcaster.wixsite.com/dr-isa
Margaret Evelyn —
It is a very hard situation when playing the lottery and never won, or keep winning low fund not up to 100 bucks, i have been a victim of such a tough life, the biggest fund i have ever won was 100 bucks, and i have been playing lottery for almost 11 years now, things suddenly change the moment i came across a secret online, a testimony of a spell caster called Dr.Isa who help people win in any type of lottery numbers, i was not easily convinced, but i decided to give a try, now i am a proud to be a lottery winner with the help of Dr.Isa spell, i won 2,000,000 Million dollars and i am making this known to everyone out there who have been trying all day to win the lottery, believe me this is the only way to win the lottery, this is the real secret we all have been searching for.
His WhatsApp: +2347046030096
Email: drisaspellcaster@gmail.com
Website: https://drisaspellcaster.wixsite.com/dr-isa
Margaret Evelyn —
It is a very hard situation when playing the lottery and never won, or keep winning low fund not up to 100 bucks, i have been a victim of such a tough life, the biggest fund i have ever won was 100 bucks, and i have been playing lottery for almost 11 years now, things suddenly change the moment i came across a secret online, a testimony of a spell caster called Dr.Isa who help people win in any type of lottery numbers, i was not easily convinced, but i decided to give a try, now i am a proud to be a lottery winner with the help of Dr.Isa spell, i won 2,000,000 Million dollars and i am making this known to everyone out there who have been trying all day to win the lottery, believe me this is the only way to win the lottery, this is the real secret we all have been searching for.
His WhatsApp: +2347046030096
Email: drisaspellcaster@gmail.com
Website: https://drisaspellcaster.wixsite.com/dr-isa
Maria Schaeffler —
What a wonderful world we are living in, I still doubt this spell caster how he did it!!! I am so happy to let the whole world know how this powerful spell caster saved my marriage.Everything was going down the drain as my husband could not stop cheating on me with other women. It became used to always heating on me. I tried to make him stop, but I couldn’t help the situation, the more I tried, the harder it became. At times we will fight and go apart for some months and we will come back again just because of our kids. One day a friend told me about this spell caster who helped her too, his name is Dr.oku, she said he uses white magic spells to solve spiritual problems. I decided to give it a try, I contacted him and he told me it will take just 2 to 3 days and I will see great changes in my husband. He actually cast a spell, believe me after 2 to 3 days of the spell, my husband was confessing different names of women he has slept with. He begged for forgiveness and never to try it again. From that day till now, my mind is at rest. My husband dislikes every other woman on earth except me. And am so happy to have him for myself alone.The spell caster’s contact is okutemple@gmail.com or whatapp +2347053113465
Richard Liam —
I want to recommend you all to a lottery spell caster called Dr. Isa, who helped me win the sum of $3000,000 millions dollars. After I had spent more than $2000 on a ticket just because I believed that I was going to win, my dreams finally came through, all because of Dr Isa, the spell caster. If you have been searching for ways to win the lottery or any other game. Reach out to Dr Isa, who can help you. I found it so difficult until I met a kind man called Dr. Isa, who did everything perfectly for me. If you come across this review online, please get in touch with him for your lottery spell. His WhatsApp: +2347046030096 Or email: drisaspellcaster@gmail.com WEBSITE: https://drisaspellcaster.wixsite.com/dr-isa
Richard Liam —
I want to recommend you all to a lottery spell caster called Dr. Isa, who helped me win the sum of $3000,000 millions dollars. After I had spent more than $2000 on a ticket just because I believed that I was going to win, my dreams finally came through, all because of Dr Isa, the spell caster. If you have been searching for ways to win the lottery or any other game. Reach out to Dr Isa, who can help you. I found it so difficult until I met a kind man called Dr. Isa, who did everything perfectly for me. If you come across this review online, please get in touch with him for your lottery spell. His WhatsApp: +2347046030096 Or email: drisaspellcaster@gmail.com WEBSITE: https://drisaspellcaster.wixsite.com/dr-isa
Michael Davenport —
I was recently scammed out of $53,000 by a fraudulent Bitcoin investment scheme, which added significant stress to my already difficult health issues, as I was also facing cancer surgery expenses. Desperate to recover my funds, I spent hours researching and consulting other victims, which led me to discover the excellent reputation of Capital Crypto Recover, I came across a Google post It was only after spending many hours researching and asking other victims for advice that I discovered Capital Crypto Recovery’s stellar reputation. I decided to contact them because of their successful recovery record and encouraging client testimonials. I had no idea that this would be the pivotal moment in my fight against cryptocurrency theft. Thanks to their expert team, I was able to recover my lost cryptocurrency back. The process was intricate, but Capital Crypto Recovery’s commitment to utilizing the latest technology ensured a successful outcome. I highly recommend their services to anyone who has fallen victim to cryptocurrency fraud. For assistance contact Recoverycapital@fastservice.com and on Telegram OR Call Number +1 (336)390-6684 via email: Capitalcryptorecover@zohomail.com you can visit his website: https://recovercapital.wixsite.com/capital-crypto-rec-1