A DYNAMIC career saw Saroj Khan deliver delightful dance numbers across different generations. Bollywood’s greatest choreographer added memorable musical moments to movies and showed her dance mastery on the big screen.
Born November 22, 1948, the self-made cinema legend passed away aged 71 on July 3, 2020, after an incredible career filled with iconic moments. Eastern Eye decided to mark Khan’s death anniversary this week by listing 10 of her most memorable dance numbers, listed in chronological order, with one per film.
Main Teri Dushman, Dushman Tu Mera from Nagina (1986): Stunning dance numbers choreographed by Saroj Khan helped turn Sridevi into the queen of Bollywood. This fierce and fabulous song saw her portray a shape shifting snake woman. That character takes on snake charmers trying to take her down by playing their hypnotic instruments. Sharp movements complimented incendiary lyrics in Hindi cinema history’s greatest snake dance.
Stills from Main Teri Dushman, Dushman Tu Mera
Kate Nahin Kat Te from Mr India (1987): Although the ace choreographer showed a great fun element with the film’s Hawa Hawai song, this sensual number was stunning on multiple levels. She got Sridevi to show off her screen presence with a song where she is effectively dancing with an invisible man. The stunning blue sari and sexy moves turned Mr India into the biggest hit of 1987.
Ek Do Teen from Tezaab (1988):This superb song not only resurrected the item number in Hindi cinema, but also turned Madhuri Dixit into a star and helped Tezaab become the highest grossing movie of that year. It also kick-started a dream partnership between the choreographer and actress, which would result in many more memorable movie moments. This dance was so good that the Filmfare awards introduced a long overdue best choreography category. It would set the standard for solo modern day musical numbers.
Mere Haathon Mein from Chandni (1989):This dance number became popular thanks to the choreography that mixed up technically flawless moves with a fun element found at weddings. Sridevi was at her brilliant best as she brought the ace choreographer’s vision to life on the big screen. That performance turned this track into a mainstay at Indian weddings around the world, with countless women trying to emulate the delightful dancing.
Dhak Dhak Karne Laga;
Dhak Dhak Karne Laga from Beta (1992): Less was definitely more on this sexy dance number. The sensual moves, slow gyrations and gliding movements earned Saroj Khan a fourth Filmfare award for best choreography in five years. The terrific track set the screen on fire and earned hot actress Madhuri Dixit the sizzling ‘dhak dhak’ girl nickname. It would also help propel Beta to becoming the biggest hit of that year. Choli Ke Peeche from Khalnayak (1993): No list of memorable Bollywood movie moments is complete without this incendiary dance number. Although many remember this song for the naughty lyrics, it reached greatness because of the magnificent dancing. The ace choreographer created fire onscreen with mesmerising moves that included Madhuri Dixit’s sizzling hot hip thrusts. Not surprisingly, Khan would win her fifth Filmfare Award in six years for best choreography.
Saroj khan
Chane Ke Khet Mein from Anjaam (1994): The decidedly dark revenge drama had this one bright musical moment. Khan once again teamed up with Madhuri Dixit to deliver a flawless dance number that included one of the most iconic twirls in Hindi cinema history. Despite the movie becoming a cult classic, the dancing brilliance created by Khan is what most remember, and many have tried to copy.
Nimbooda Nimbooda from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999): Saroj created a star making song for then newcomer Aishwarya Rai Bachchan with choreography that showed off her great dance moves and undeniable star presence. It would set the blueprint for the kind of opulent dance numbers director Sanjay Leela Bhansali would create in subsequent years. Saroj would win yet another Filmfare best choreography award for the stunning moves she created in the hit film.
Dola Re Dola
Dola Re Dola from Devdas (2002): The lavish set, amazing costumes, strikingly beautiful lead stars and a stunning song were all knitted together by the cool choreography of Khan. She brought out the best in Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan with a technically flawless dance number where they beautifully bounce of each to create a visually spectacular masterpiece. Khan said it was the toughest dance number she ever worked on and was rightly given 17 major awards for her efforts.
Barso Re
Barso Re from Guru (2007): Hindi cinema has delivered plenty of rain soaked dance numbers across the decades and this one featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is right up there with the very best. The ace choreographer created something very real with a young woman dancing with abandon in the rain like no one is watching. The striking scenery provided a perfect backdrop. Khan would win more best choreographer awards for those marvellous moves
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.