On Friday, 3 July 2020, the film industry saw another tragic loss as legendary Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan passed away at the age of 71 from a cardiac arrest. Her last rites were held in the morning in Malad.
In an interview with Pinkvilla, Saroj’s daughter Sukaina Khan opened up about how the Dance Master was a hero, a fighter, and the man of the house.
Talking about what exactly happened, Sukaina commented that Saroj ji had been admitted to Bandra’s Guru Nanak Hospital on 20 June after complaining of breathlessness. Though she tested negative for Covid-19, her breathlessness worsened and she had to be put on oxygen. But there was a sudden spike in her diabetes and eventually, she suffered a cardiac arrest.
“Two to three days ago, she suddenly had a huge spike in her diabetes, which went up to 600-650 on the scale. Last night, we were called when she was sleeping and at 1.52 am today, she had a cardiac arrest. We tried reviving her till 2 o’clock but she didn’t respond.”
Sukaina opened up about how Saroj Khan was the biggest influence in her life – “My mother was my hero. She was the greatest influence in my life. She was both a mother and father to me. She was very lenient but at the same time, wanted my etiquette to be perfect. She loved me being around her since I’m the youngest. My mum was my fighter. From the age of 13 to 71, she has done everything to fend for us and give us a full life. She has never complained and was the man of the house.“
Talking about Saroj ji’s jovial nature and how she was determined to not let anything affect her work, Sukaina said -“When it comes down to work, she wanted to go back to work. Whether she’s got a fever, cold; it doesn’t make a difference. Even if she wasn’t shooting, she was teaching the newcomers personally.”
The Veteran choreographer had been teaching dance to Alizeh Agnihotri, Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, and Saiee Manjrekar and was happy to be a part of their journeys.
Elaborating on how Saroj Khan masterfully maneuvered her life; be it getting married at the age of 13, giving birth at 14 or single-handedly taking care of her children after her marriage broke, Sunaina said – “Every woman would agree with me that raising children alone is a very difficult job. And when you have a few other family members depending on you, it becomes all the more difficult. She never had a frown on her face. She was always like, ‘Main hoon na. Ho jayega’. She never had a no for any problem and didn’t disappoint anyone saying, ‘Main nahi kar sakti’. My mother has always backed us up.”
Rest in peace, Saroj ji!
Owing to the current Covid-19 situation, the family has decided to not hold a prayer meet.
