Saroj Khan
Saroj Khan (born Nirmala Nagpal; 22 November 1948 – 3 July 2020) was an Indian dance choreographer renowned for creating iconic dance sequences over a career spanning more than six decades in Hindi cinema. She choreographed routines for over 300 films, shaping the movement language of mainstream Bollywood and influencing generations of performers and choreographers.
Khan began her career at the age of three as a child artiste in Nazarana (1952), later transitioning to background dancing. She apprenticed under master choreographer B. Sohanlal before establishing herself as an independent choreographer, marking the beginning of a prolific and transformative career.
She became legendary for crafting memorable dance sequences for leading actresses such as Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit. Her most celebrated works include “Hawa Hawai” (Mr. India, 1987), “Ek Do Teen” (Tezaab, 1988), “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga” (Beta, 1992), “Choli Ke Peeche” (Khalnayak, 1993), and “Dola Re Dola” (Devdas, 2002). Her choreography was distinguished by a fusion of classical Indian dance forms with cinematic storytelling, redefining Bollywood’s visual and rhythmic vocabulary.
Beyond cinema, Khan expanded her influence through television, serving as a judge on dance reality shows such as Nach Baliye, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, and Boogie Woogie. Through mentorship, she emphasized disciplined technique, expressive clarity, and emotional storytelling, contributing to the professionalization and wider recognition of choreography during the rise of reality television in India.
Her honors include three National Film Awards for Best Choreography, a record eight Filmfare Awards in the same category, and the IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award (2019), among numerous other distinctions. Saroj Khan is widely regarded as one of the most influential choreographers in Indian film history. Her life and career were documented in The Saroj Khan Story (2012).
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Movies (61)
Kalank
2019 · Choreographer
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
2019 · Choreographer
Tanu Weds Manu: Returns
2015 · Choreographer
Kochadaiiyaan
2014 · Choreographer
Ishkq in Paris
2013 · Choreographer
Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola
2013 · Choreographer
Zindagi Tere Naam
2012 · Choreographer
Agneepath
2012 · Choreographer
Love Aaj Kal
2009 · Choreographer
Jab We Met
2007 · Choreographer
Guru
2007 · Choreographer
Yun Hota To Kya Hota
2006 · Amma
Fanaa
2006 · Choreographer
Jaal: The Trap
2003 · Choreographer
Devdas
2002 · Choreographer
Na Tum Jaano Na Hum
2002 · Choreographer
Vadh
2002 · Choreographer
Daddy
2001 · Choreographer
Yaadein
2001 · Choreographer
Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India
2001 · Choreographer
Gaja Gamini
2000 · Choreographer
Fiza
2000 · Choreographer
Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke
2000 · Choreographer
Badal
2000 · Choreographer
Taal
1999 · Assistant Director
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
1999 · Choreographer
Aarzoo
1999 · Choreographer
Benaam
1999 · Screenplay
Doli Saja Ke Rakhna
1998 · Choreographer
Achanak
1998 · Choreographer
Daud
1997 · Choreographer
Pardes
1997 · Choreographer
Daava
1997 · Writer
Koyla
1997 · Choreographer
Khamoshi: The Musical
1996 · Choreographer
Army
1996 · Choreographer
Chaahat
1996 · Choreographer
English Babu Desi Mem
1996 · Choreographer
Trimurti
1995 · Choreographer
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
1995 · Choreographer
Rangeela
1995 · Herself (Choreographer), Choreographer
Guddu
1995 · Choreographer
Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India!
1995 · Choreographer
Chaand Kaa Tukdaa
1994 · Choreographer
Anjaam
1994 · Choreographer
Baazigar
1993 · Choreographer
Dil Tera Aashiq
1993 · Choreographer
Darr
1993 · Choreographer
Anmol
1993 · Choreographer
King Uncle
1993 · Choreographer
Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman
1992 · Choreographer
Chamatkar
1992 · Choreographer
Khiladi
1992 · Story, Screenplay
Karm Yodha
1992 · Choreographer
Dil
1990 · Choreographer
Janam Janam
1988 · Choreographer
Biwi Ho To Aisi
1988 · Choreographer
Main Balwaan
1986 · Choreographer
Jiyo To Aise Jiyo
1981 · Choreographer
Dil Hi To Hai
1963 · Group Dancer
Hum Mein Shahenshah Koun
· Choreographer
