From a child artist to winning National Award; here's Saroj Khan's journey of success

Veteran choreographer Saroj Khan passed away on July 3. She was mitted to a hospital in Mumbai on June 20 after she complained of breathing issues. Dhak Dhak, and Ek Do Teen, among many ors, are a few iconic numbers in her repertoire. late choreographer was born on vember 22, 1948, as Nirmala Nagpal. With a career span of over four deces, Saroj Khan bagged three National Awards. Re on to kw her journey from a background dancer to being touted as 'mor of dance' in film industry.

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Saroj Khan's journey and lesser-kwn facts

Saroj Khan started her career as a child artist at of three with film Nazarana as child Shyama and a background dancer in late 1950s. Saroj performed as a background dancer in popular song Aiye Meheraban from 1958's release Howrah Bridge. Although Khan started out in early 70s, she became a household name in mid to late 80s.

It was Sridevi starrer Nagina that me her a household name. Sridevi's iconic dance Main Naagin Tu Sapera was an instant hit.  Her second collaboration with Sridevi, that was Mr India's song Hawaa Hawaai, also bagged immense love and praises from critics. On or side, her choreography for Mhuri Dixit's hit songs Dhak Dhak and Ek Do Teen, among many ors, also received a positive response. Her choreography for songs Dola Re Dola, Yeh Ishq Haaye, and all songs of a south film Sringaram mand to take National Awards. 

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Talking about her personal life, in an old interview with a news portal, Saroj Khan revealed that she was only 13 years old when her guru Sonhanlal, 41, tied a black thre around her neck and declared it as a marri. Within a year, she got pregnant and gave birth to her first child Hamid Khan (Raju Khan). Later y parted ir ways, however, she continued to work for him as his assistant.

Reportedly, y reunited again and gave birth to ir second child Hina Khan. But ir marri did t last long and in 1975 she married a businessman, Sardar Roshan Khan. Saroj Khan gave birth to ir daughter Sukaina, who is kwn to run a dance institute in Delhi. 

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Saroj Khan's death

Saroj Khan was t keeping well for some time. On June 20, she was hospitalised after she complained of breathing issues. A source close to her family revealed to PTI that Khan was rushed to Guru Nanak Hospital in Bandra, Mumbai and a mandatory COVID-19 test was also done, which turned out to be negative. "She passed away due to cardiac arrest at around 2.30 am at hospital," Khan's nephew Manish Jagwani told PTI. 

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(With inputs from PTI)