Bollywood has truly gone global, what with Indian or films based in India winning at international award ceremonies each year. Be it the Oscars or the Cannes films festival, Bollywood has arrived. When people talk of Bollywood, they fondly mention the song and dance routine that is part of our Hindi films. The sudden burst of dancers on screen, actors shaking their booty on every beat and beautiful actresses having an expression or aadaye for every word is what takes all the praises.
The person who has made all this possible and given dances of Bollywood a new meaning is undoubtedly Saroj Khan. She is the first veteran choreographer who opened doors for all other choreographer of today by winning the first ever ‘Best Choreography Award’. The award shows never had a best choreography category, but her Ek do teen got her the award and then there was no looking back for this highly creative and talented person. She is the only Bollywood choreographer who has done a hat-trick with her awards.
I have met this simple, yet dynamic woman on a few occasions; she has even been a chief guest of my production ‘Born to Samba,’ where I had shown the evolution of the samba dance from the 16th century till date. However, whenever I have met her, it had been on a social platform, but a recent meeting with her is something I will never forget.
We both were invited to judge Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa UAE and were on the same flight. As soon as I saw her at the airport I ran to her like a crazy fan, and was overwhelmed when she greeted me with equal enthusiasm. I noticed a little change in her demeanour, and she looked a bit tired. I first thought it was the hectic shoot schedule that had made her that way. I was a bit hesitant to ask her the reason of her tired look.
We got talking about films, her favourite Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi moves and her best-choreographed songs. I felt honoured when she shared some inside news with me about the industry warning me against con filmmakers and informing me about the good ones. It was like a master class for me, and I loved the way she treated me, like a little student who needed to learn the ropes of filmdom.
When I got a bit comfortable with her, I put the question forward and was shocked to know that the outspoken ‘Masterji’ recently had had a knee surgery. She was determined that no surgery could keep her away from dance. She said, “Doctors have asked me to rest and have told me not to dance, but dance is my life how can I stop it Sandip?”
Her words kept ringing in my mind and I wondered how determined she was even after achieving so many milestones in her career. She could easily sit back and take a break from her hectic schedule, relax and enjoy the pampering by her family and grandchildren. But no, she is someone who will dance till she can. And that is a true dancer’s soul, isn’t it? No worrying about surgery or pain, and when the music comes, the feet start to move, and all she cares about is expressions and steps.
The title ‘Masterji’ describes Saroj Khan the best, she is a teacher, philosopher and a guide. I am sure dancing queen Madhuri Dixit will agree with me that without her’ guidance, Madhuri wouldn’t have reached the peak of success. I would like to wish my favourite Bollywood choreographer a very quick recovery and I hope and pray that she dances forever and never retires from this passion because the dances that she composes and the moves that she plans can never match anyone in the world.