Latest news with #Saroj
Economic Times
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
She revolutionised Bollywood, worked at age 3 for starving family but betrayal, pain and loss followed her
Synopsis Saroj Khan, Bollywood's most celebrated choreographer, led a life marked by hardship, resilience, and artistic brilliance. Born after India's Partition, she began working in films at age three to support her family. At 13, she was unofficially married to a man three decades older who misled and abandoned her. After losing a child, she later embraced Islam, driven by faith and personal loss. Despite her personal struggles, Saroj revolutionised Hindi film choreography, mentoring generations of stars and earning widespread respect before her death in 2020. Saroj Khan's Tumultuous Journey Was From A Child Artiste to Bollywood's Dance Legend Saroj Khan, one of Bollywood's most influential choreographers, lived a life that was as dramatic and layered as the film industry she helped shape. Born in 1948, a year after India's independence, her family had fled Pakistan during Partition, resettling in India under severe financial strain. Saroj lost her father while she was still a child, and by the age of three, she had already entered the film industry—not out of ambition, but out of those difficult early days in a BBC interview, Saroj said her mother would pretend to cook by placing empty pots on the stove, hoping the children would fall asleep thinking food was being prepared. She soon became the primary earner, supporting her siblings and handling family responsibilities even before she was a teenager. Saroj's natural inclination toward dance was initially misunderstood. She would mimic expressions and movements in front of her shadow, leading her worried mother to consult a doctor. The doctor instead suggested cinema, recognizing Saroj's talent and the family's financial need. By age three, she had started acting, often working with actor Balraj the glamour of early stardom faded quickly. By ten, she was deemed too old to play a child and too young for adult roles. She shifted to background dancing and appeared in the song 'Aaiye Meherban' from Howrah Bridge. It was during these years that she met Sohanlal, a much older, already married choreographer. Saroj, only 13 at the time, believed she was married to him when he tied a black thread around her neck—without revealing that he had a wife and four gave birth to a son at 14. Later, she had a daughter who tragically died at eight months old. The experience left a lasting mark. Sohanlal never officially accepted her or their children, and after a brief reunion when he suffered a heart attack—resulting in the birth of their daughter Kuku—he left again, this time for good. Saroj would later speak of the emotional void that pushed her into the relationship, describing Sohanlal as a father figure who became a romantic interest in her 1975, Saroj married Sardar Roshan Khan, who was already a father of four. She agreed to the marriage on the condition that he adopt her children. Roshan Khan accepted, and Saroj said he never made her children feel like outsiders. This marriage also marked a spiritual turning point. Born Saroj Kishan Chand Sadhu Singh Nagpal into a Sindhi Punjabi Hindu family, she converted to Islam, stating it was a decision made out of love and faith. She explained in an interview with Doordarshan that her deceased daughter appeared to her in dreams, calling from inside a mosque, which led her to embrace the her personal struggles, Saroj Khan revolutionised Bollywood choreography. In a male-dominated industry, she claimed her space and became the force behind some of Hindi cinema's most iconic dance numbers. From training Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit to choreographing for Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Katrina Kaif, her imprint on Indian cinema is affectionately as 'Masterji,' Saroj transformed dance into a respected profession in Bollywood at a time when choreographers were rarely credited. Her work elevated the importance of song-and-dance sequences and shaped the careers of many leading Khan passed away in 2020 during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The film industry mourned deeply, acknowledging her immense contribution. Her choreography remains a benchmark in Hindi cinema, and her story stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, talent, and the pursuit of dignity in an often unforgiving world.
News18
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
The Woman Who Made Bollywood Dance, Tricked Into Marriage At 13, Forced To Convert To Islam
Fondly remembered as 'Masterji', Saroj Khan trained some of Bollywood's biggest stars, from Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit to Karisma Kapoor. Her own life, however, was marked by hardship Today, no Bollywood film seems complete without lively songs and elaborate dance sequences. Directors such as Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Sooraj Barjatya are renowned for their grand sets and opulent choreography. However, long before these visual spectacles became the norm, Saroj Khan brought dance choreography into the limelight and gave it the respect it deserved. At a time when choreographers were often overlooked, she carved a niche for herself and redefined Bollywood dance. Her journey, however, was anything but easy. Fondly remembered as 'Masterji', Saroj Khan trained some of Bollywood's biggest stars, from Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit to Karisma Kapoor. Her own life, however, was marked by hardship. Before she was born, her family fled Pakistan during the Partition and settled in India. Their financial condition deteriorated after migration, and Saroj lost her father at a young age. In a BBC interview, Saroj once shared how her family often went to bed hungry. Her mother would place empty pots on the stove to pretend she was cooking, just so the children would fall asleep peacefully. Worked As Child Artist Saroj began working early to support her family. In a 2016 interview on Doordarshan's show Koshish Se Kamyaabi Tak, she shared that she had to earn to feed her family, educate her siblings, and even arrange their marriages. She worked as a child artist in films, but by the time she turned ten, the offers stopped coming. She was no longer considered a child actor, nor old enough for adult roles. Early Marriage At just 13, she married 43-year-old Sohanlal, a much older man who was already married with four children. Saroj had met him during her early years as a background dancer. He misled the young Saroj and convinced her to marry him. She later gave birth to a daughter who died shortly after birth and had another child with him. It was only later that Saroj Khan discovered Sohanlal's first marriage and his children. She spoke about this painful chapter during an interview with DD, sharing that he refused to acknowledge their marriage publicly. Upon learning the truth, she decided to part ways with him. In 1975, Saroj married Sardar Roshan Khan. Before their marriage, she made it clear that he would have to accept her children as his own. Sardar Khan already had four children, and with Saroj Khan, he had two more. Born as Saroj Kishan Chand Sadhu Singh Nagpal, she converted from Sindhi Punjabi to Islam before marrying Roshan Khan. Saroj once said she felt a deep spiritual connection when her daughter appeared in her dreams, calling her into a mosque. She had a daughter named Kuku with Sohanlal, who sadly passed away in 2011. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
She revolutionised Bollywood, worked at age 3 for starving family but betrayal, pain and loss followed her
Saroj Khan, one of Bollywood's most influential choreographers, lived a life that was as dramatic and layered as the film industry she helped shape. Born in 1948, a year after India's independence, her family had fled Pakistan during Partition, resettling in India under severe financial strain. Saroj lost her father while she was still a child, and by the age of three, she had already entered the film industry—not out of ambition, but out of necessity. Recalling those difficult early days in a BBC interview, Saroj said her mother would pretend to cook by placing empty pots on the stove, hoping the children would fall asleep thinking food was being prepared. She soon became the primary earner, supporting her siblings and handling family responsibilities even before she was a teenager. 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She would mimic expressions and movements in front of her shadow, leading her worried mother to consult a doctor. The doctor instead suggested cinema, recognizing Saroj's talent and the family's financial need. By age three, she had started acting, often working with actor Balraj Sahni. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now But the glamour of early stardom faded quickly. By ten, she was deemed too old to play a child and too young for adult roles. She shifted to background dancing and appeared in the song 'Aaiye Meherban' from Howrah Bridge. It was during these years that she met Sohanlal, a much older, already married choreographer. Saroj, only 13 at the time, believed she was married to him when he tied a black thread around her neck—without revealing that he had a wife and four children. Motherhood, Loss, and Betrayal Saroj gave birth to a son at 14. Later, she had a daughter who tragically died at eight months old. The experience left a lasting mark. Sohanlal never officially accepted her or their children, and after a brief reunion when he suffered a heart attack—resulting in the birth of their daughter Kuku—he left again, this time for good. Saroj would later speak of the emotional void that pushed her into the relationship, describing Sohanlal as a father figure who became a romantic interest in her life. Second Marriage and Spiritual Rebirth In 1975, Saroj married Sardar Roshan Khan, who was already a father of four. She agreed to the marriage on the condition that he adopt her children. Roshan Khan accepted, and Saroj said he never made her children feel like outsiders. This marriage also marked a spiritual turning point. Born Saroj Kishan Chand Sadhu Singh Nagpal into a Sindhi Punjabi Hindu family, she converted to Islam, stating it was a decision made out of love and faith. She explained in an interview with Doordarshan that her deceased daughter appeared to her in dreams, calling from inside a mosque, which led her to embrace the religion. A Trailblazing Legacy in Cinema Despite her personal struggles, Saroj Khan revolutionised Bollywood choreography. In a male-dominated industry, she claimed her space and became the force behind some of Hindi cinema's most iconic dance numbers. From training Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit to choreographing for Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Katrina Kaif, her imprint on Indian cinema is unmatched. Known affectionately as 'Masterji,' Saroj transformed dance into a respected profession in Bollywood at a time when choreographers were rarely credited. Her work elevated the importance of song-and-dance sequences and shaped the careers of many leading stars. Saroj Khan passed away in 2020 during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The film industry mourned deeply, acknowledging her immense contribution. Her choreography remains a benchmark in Hindi cinema, and her story stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, talent, and the pursuit of dignity in an often unforgiving world.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Saroj Khan got ‘unofficially married' to a 30-year-old man at 13, converted to Islam after her second marriage: 'I went to a mosque on my own'
Indian dance choreographer Saroj Khan , one of the most well-known figures in the industry, had a story that many of her followers rarely knew. She rose to fame by becoming one of the leading choreographers in the industry after experiencing numerous hurdles in both her professional and personal life. Her first marriage ended in trauma, as she lost her child shortly after birth. She once revealed why she got married twice and why she later chose to follow the Islamic faith. Early Struggles After Partition Saroj was born just a year after India gained independence, and her family was forced to start a new life in India after partition. She lost her father at an early age, and the burden of supporting the family fell on her tiny shoulders. Bhushan Kumar announces biopic on late choreographer Saroj Khan In an old interview with the BBC, Saroj revealed that her mother used to put pans on the stove to pretend she was cooking food, hoping the children would fall asleep while waiting. By the age of three, Saroj was already working in films as a child artiste. She remembered frequently acting opposite the legendary actor Balraj Sahni. She also had to look after her brother and sister. She needed to earn money for their education and marriage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo A Childhood Burdened by Responsibility She would often dance alone at home, using her shadow as her partner. But her mother grew worried about her habit of dancing and took her to a doctor, thinking it was a disease. However, the doctor corrected her and suggested she try cinema, which could also help the family financially. Her debut as a background dancer came in the iconic number 'Aaiye Meherban' in Howrah Bridge, starring Madhubala. A Secret Marriage at 13 Saroj met S. Sohanlal, a seasoned choreographer from the South, when she was just 12 years old. He was 30 years her senior, and by the age of 13, she was 'unofficially' married to him. He tied a black thread around her neck without telling her that he was already married and had children. She learned about his marriage only after giving birth to their first child. Personal Tragedy and Betrayal Saroj was just 14 when she gave birth to their son. Later, she had a daughter who tragically passed away at eight months old. The loss deeply affected her, and Sohanlal never officially accepted her. He also refused to acknowledge the fatherhood of their children. He returned to Madras and vanished forever after the loss of their daughter. Finding Love Again In 1975, Saroj married Sardar Roshan Khan, who already had children. Their union came with a promise: he would adopt her children. She said, 'He had four children, I had two… I agreed, but on the condition that he adopts my children.' She described him as a caring father figure who never let her children feel excluded. 'My second husband never let my children feel like outsiders… They both loved him very much,' she told DD. Saroj Khan embraced Islam She converted to Islam after marrying Khan. 'I was a Hindu. My name was Saroj Kishan Chand Sadhu Singh Nagpal. We are Sindhi Punjabis. I met my husband, fell in love, and converted. I love Islam. I went to a mosque on my own, changed my religion, and became a Muslim. People have asked me if I was forced. I told them I lost a baby girl, and she would come to me in my dreams, calling for me from inside a mosque…' she shared in an old interview with DD. Saroj passed away in 2020, during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Bollywood icon got ‘married' at 13 to man three decades her senior, watched her infant daughter die, converted to Islam after seeing dreams
Song-and-dance sequences are a staple in Indian cinema, but there was a time when these sequences were choreographed very simply. One of the first people who made Bollywood-style choreography her profession, and succeeded at it, was the late Saroj Khan. She was born a year after India gained Independence, but she was cursed to live a life where she'd constantly seek the support of older men. The death of her father at a young age, she said, influenced her psychology. Saroj was born a Hindu, but would convert to Islam after being struck with a huge tragedy. She lost two of her children before passing away herself in 2020. Her work left a massive impact on dance, but her life was marked by several setbacks. Saroj wasn't born when her family was forced to flee Pakistan and move to India, but she had to grow up around tremendous hardship. She said that there were days when her family didn't have food to eat. 'My mother would put pots and pans on the stove, and pretend to cook, hoping that we would fall asleep first,' she said in an interview with the BBC, with a smile on her face. She would soon become the sole breadwinner of the family, before she'd even hit adulthood. She was always in a vulnerable position, which made her a target for men who'd exploit her. Also read – Patriarch of iconic Bollywood family abandoned his son, forced second family to live in secrecy for decades, went blind in his final days When she first showed signs of being interested in dance as an art form, her mother thought that she was mentally unwell. A young Saroj would dance along with her own shadow for company, and make expressions with her face, much to her parents' concern. 'My mother took me to the doctor. He said, 'Nothing is wrong with her. She wants to dance, let her dance',' she told the BBC in a 2000 interview. It was the same doctor who suggested that Saroj be put to work in the film industry, especially since the family needed funds. 'Don't worry, a lot of people come to us, looking for child artistes,' he told Saroj's mother. She was just three years old at the time, looking at a career as a child star in the films. 'I worked mostly with Balraj Sahni,' she recalled. Saroj had no choice but to work, because her father died when she was just a child. 'I had my brothers and sisters to look after, I had to earn, I had to send them to school, to get them married. I had to do everything,' she said on the Doordarshan show Koshish Se Kaamyaabi Tak in 2016. But, as things were for child artistes back in the day, she was discarded when she turned 10. 'I was neither here nor there, not wanted as a child, and not wanted as an adult,' she told BBC. It was then that she devoted herself to her first love, dance. Saroj became a background dancer, and the first project she worked on was the film Howrah Bridge, starring Madhubala. She appeared as a part of the group in the song 'Aaiye Meherban,' performed by Asha Bhosle. Read more – Bollywood director lost entire life's savings after one flop; daughter was forced to dance, son performed for money at beach to repay debts But just as she was taking her first steps into the world of choreography, she came across the man who would shape her life forever. The man was S Sohanlal, a renowned 'dance master' from the South. He was 30 years older than her, married with four children. And yet, he preyed on the young Saroj, and they 'got married' when she was just 13. She was just 12 when she first met Sohanlal, and was groomed by him. She was only 14 when she gave birth to their first child, a son. She also gave birth to a daughter, who died at eight months old. Her death would influence Saroj's decision to convert to Islam many years later. In the DD interview, Saroj tried to explain what might have led her to 'marry' Sohanlal. 'When you don't have a parent, your mind is often bothered about filling that void. It was like loving my father, although it turned out to be a romance. He was like a father figure. I felt very secure. Plus, when he used to dance, he was the most handsome man in the world. I became crazy about him because of his dance.' They parted amicably after he refused to legally marry her. Saroj said that she did it for her children, because Sohanlal refused to accept them as his. He also lied to her about being married. She told 'I did not know what marriage meant at that time. He just put a black thread around my neck one day and I thought I was married. He didn't tell me that he was already married with four kids. I learned about his first wife only when I gave birth to my first child.' Read more – Amitabh Bachchan's Don ruined producer financially; he ran out of money for food, died before movie's premiere, profits were used to pay off his debts Saroj had another daughter with Sohanlal, Kuku, who died in 2011. The circumstances of her birth were also unusual. After separating from Sohanlal, they were united for one night only when he suffered a heart attack. 'I went to see him and there was that one night when I was with him. I conceived my daughter, Kuku. After that he completely disappeared from my life and settled in Madras,' she said. But her life continued down an unconventional path. She married Sardar Roshan Khan in 1975, but he was already married, and had children. She told DD, 'He had four children, I had two. He asked me to marry him. I agreed, but on the condition that he adopts my children.' When she got married to Khan, she converted to Islam. 'I was a Hindu. My name name was Saroj Kishan Chand Sadhu Singh Nagpal. We are Sindhi Punjabis. I met my husband, fell in love, and converted. I love Islam. I myself went to a mosque and changed my religion and became a Muslim. People have asked me if I was forced. And I told them that I lost a baby girl, and she would come to me in my dreams, and call for me from inside a mosque…' she said in a separate interview with DD. Also read – Mughal-E-Azam actor worked in over 500 films, but lived in a house without electricity, could never afford a car Saroj said that she never hid any details about the identity of her children's father from them. She told them that she wouldn't marry Khan if they were opposed to the idea, but also stressed that they would live life feeling illegitimate if she didn't marry him. 'My second husband never let my children feel like outsiders, or like he wasn't their father. They both loved him very much, and would tell Kuku, who was four at the time, that he is her father,' she told DD. Saroj Khan died in 2o2o, in the early phase of the pandemic. The entire film industry paid tribute to her for her contributions to Hindi cinema. Her work has become an integral part of Hindi films, and will continue to live on and inspire future generations. She choreographed multiple generations of actors, including Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, Shah Rukh Khan, Govinds, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Raveena Tandon and many others.
