RIP Saroj Khan: When Madhuri Dixit paid a tribute to 'the lady who contributed to her success as a dancing diva' at IIFA 2019

By Rashita Sahni

on July 03, 2020

Ace Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan passed away from cardiac arrest in the wee hours of Friday on July 3, 2020. She was admitted to Guru Nanak hospital on June 20 after complaining of chest pain. The veteran choreographer was 72.

Saroj, who was lovingly called 'Masterji' in Bollywood worked in over 200 films and was loved by many. She worked with Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit in several films and most of her iconic numbers were choreographed by Masterji. Madhuri's classic songs like Ek Do Teen, Mera Piya Ghar Aaya, Chane Ke Khet Mein, Dhak Dhak and many more were helmed by Saroj Khan. Now, we have across Madhuri's tribute to Saroj ji at the 20th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards which was held in Mumbai in September 2019.

The official account of IIFA shared a series of pictures on the Twitter handle from the power-packed performance of Madhuri where she stole the show with her dancing skills. “The Dhak Dhak girl @MadhuriDixit pays a tribute to Saroj Khan, the lady who contributed to her success as a dancing diva!” they tweeted.

The Dhak Dhak girl @MadhuriDixit pays a tribute to Saroj Khan, the lady who contributed to her success as a dancing diva!#iifa20 #iifahomecoming #nexaexperience pic.twitter.com/PkC4FeSXIb

— IIFA (@IIFA) September 18, 2019

On hearing about Saroj ji's demise, Madhuri tweeted, "I'm devastated by the loss of my friend and guru, Saroj Khan. Will always be grateful for her work in helping me reach my full potential in dance. The world has lost an amazingly talented person. I will miss you My sincere condolences to the family. #RIPSarojji"

I'm devastated by the loss of my friend and guru, Saroj Khan. Will always be grateful for her work in helping me reach my full potential in dance. The world has lost an amazingly talented person. I will miss you My sincere condolences to the family. #RIPSarojji

— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) July 3, 2020

Saroj ji's last project was also with Madhuri. The song Tabah Ho Gaye, a solo dance number picturized on Madhuri in Karan Johar’s film Kalank released in April this year, was choreographed by Saroj Khan.

(Source: IIFA)