RIP Masterji: Bollywood, politicians mourn Saroj Khan's death at 71

Bollywood woke up to the shock news of their beloved 'masterji' Saroj Khan's death on Friday, with many celebrities remembering the veteran choreographer as a "genius" and an "inspiration" to others.

Khan, the name behind some of the most famous songs in Bollywood such as "Dhak Dhak" and "Ek Do Teen", died of cardiac arrest early on Friday morning. She was 71.

Actor Akshay Kumar termed Khan's demise as a "huge loss" to the industry.

"Woke up to the sad news that legendary choreographer #SarojKhan ji is no more. She made dance look easy almost like anybody can dance, a huge loss for the industry. May her soul rest in peace," he tweeted.

Choreographer Farah Khan said she was among the countless artistes who were inspired by Khan's work.

"Rest in peace Sarojji... You were an inspiration to many, myself included. Thank you for the songs," she wrote on Twitter.

Choreographer-turned-filmmaker Remo D'Souza said, "#RIP Saroji, you will be missed... Big loss to dance fraternity."

Actor Taapsee Pannu said she will forever cherish the memories of working with the veteran choreographer.

"At least I had a chance to dance in your company. I am going to hold on to those memories tight... real tight. We lose another star to the sky. Your songs will make every girl remember you for ever and ever," the actor tweeted.

Nimrat Kaur said there will be no one in the industry who could do what Khan did in her lifetime.

"Saroj ji's name introduced the word choreographer' to my life. A genius who immortalised stars and the music that defined an era with her iconic work. May her loved ones find strength and courage at this terrible hour. There'll never be another...#RIPSarojKhan #Legend #Masterji" she said.

Amitabh Bachchan: T 3582 - Prayers .. haath jude hai, mann ashant.

Akshay Kumar: Woke up to the sad news that legendary choreographer #SarojKhan ji is no more. She made dance look easy almost like anybody can dance, a huge loss for the industry. May her soul rest in peace

Kunal Kohli: Hindi cinema has lost its adaa #Saroj Khan.

Farah Khan: Rest in peace Sarojji.. u were an inspiration to many, myself included. Thank you for the songs #SarojKhan

Genelia Deshmukh: RIP Saroji ... I thank God I got a chance to be choreographed by you.. Prayers and Strength to the Family. #SarojKhan

Riteish Deshmukh: Rest in Peace Saroj Khan ji. This loss is immeasurable for the industry & film lovers.Having choreographed more than 2000 songs she single handedly changed the landscape of how songs were shot. I had the pleasure of being Choerographed by her in Aladin. One tick off my bucketlist

Madhur Bhandarkar: Woke up to the news that Saroj Khan is no more with us, Most talented trend setter choreographer of Film industry, My condolences to her family members & admirers. We will miss you. #RIP

Sayani Gupta: You will live on Saroj Khan. Only a regret will remain.. for not having had a chance to dance with you. Thank you for the adaah #SarojKhan.

Anubhav Sinha: Kya masterji? What a loss... a legend, a star and era Sarojji. This is such a ridiculous year. #SarojKhan. '

Rakulpreet Singh: 2020 please don't give any more bad news . So sad to hear about #SarojKhan ma'am . Always dreamt of doing atleast one song Choreographed by her. Your grace and contribution to indian cinema shall always be remembered. May your soul RIP. Strength to the family

Hansika Motwane: #RestInPeaceSarojKhan ji . I still remember your words of wisdom to me , when you told me "beta be focused and give it your all and you will achieve whatever you want ". Grew up watching your choreography.This year has taken away way to muchBroken heart May your her soul rest in peace.

Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta said he learnt a lot while working with Khan.

"The first song I conceived 'Tamma Tamma Loge' to 'Dil Dil Dil' the first song of my debut film 'Aatish' we're choreographed by the legendary Saroj Khan. Learnt so much from her. RIP Saroj Ji and keep smiling like you always did," he wrote on the micro-blogging site.

"Saroj Khan my beloved Masterji. #RIPSarojKhan From Music Videos to films we had a long journey together. Now you've left me and gone. I will do and make what we spoke about one day, my promise to you," tweeted filmmaker Kunal Kohli.

Several political leaders took to social media expressing grief and condolences over the demise of Bollywood's 'Masterji' Saroj Khan who breathed her last on Friday.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar called the legendary choreographer a "genius choreographer who impressed and entertained all'.

"Saroj Khan was a genius Choreographer, who impressed & entertained all with her iconic work. Shocked to know about her demise. A big loss to the film industry. Condolences to her family, friends & fans. Om Shanti. #RIPSarojKhan #Legend," tweeted Javadekar on Friday.



 

Union Minister Jitendra Singh also expressed condolences over the passing away where he tweeted, "Saddened to hear of the demise of #SarojKhan . She was the one who institutionalised choreography in Indian Cinema."

Earlier today, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh expressed condolences on the demise of Bollywood's 'Masterji' saying that the songs she choreographed 'have a permanent place in audiences' hearts'.

"Saddened to hear of ace choreographer & three times national awardee Saroj Khan's demise at 72. Many of the 2000+ iconic songs she choreographed have a permanent place in audiences' hearts. Deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues & fans! #RIPSarojKhan," wrote the Maharashtra Home Minister on the microblogging site.

Sunny Leone has shared a brief encounter with choreographer Saroj Khan, who passed away following a massive heart attack here on Friday morning.

Sunny recalled in an Instagram post how the late choreographer had once tried to teach her a few basics of Indian folk dance. Along with her post, Sunny also shared a black-and-white picture where the two can be seen discussing something.

"My very brief encounter by a beautiful patient guru who was trying to teach some basics of Indian folk dancing. Even though our encounter was short I always go back to these videos to learn from her over and over. God Bless your soul and may you rest in peace," she wrote alongside the image.

She added: "My heart goes out to the family, close friends and to all those out there who have lost this beautiful person from your life. RIP Mam!"

Khan, a three-time National Award winner, was not keeping well for some time. She was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital in Bandra last Saturday after she complained of breathing issues. She had tested negative for Covid-19.

The veteran choreographer is survived by son Raju Khan and daughter Sukaina Khan.

Her funeral was held on Friday morning at a cemetery in suburban Malad.