MUMBAI : Saroj Khan was an ace Bollywood choreographer who passed away due to cardiac arrest on July 3, 2020. Fondly called 'Masterji', she breathed her last at the Guru Nanak hospital in Bandra, Mumbai, where she was admitted due to breathing issues. Being the first woman choreographer in Bollywood, she was also known as "The mother of Choreography in India", as with a career spanning over forty years, she choreographed more than 2000 songs. These included popular numbers like Hawa Hawai in Mr.India, Ek Do Teen in Tezaab, Dhak Dhak Karne Laga in Beta and Dola Re Dola in Devdas. 

(Also Read : This is why late Saroj Khan had converted to Islam) 

But do you know for making her mark in the industry with her choreography what intense struggle Saroj Khan had to undergo? In an interview to Brut, in 2014 she had revealed it all. Masterji also went on to share how she had to bury her 8-month-old daughter after her death and had to board a train the very same day for assisting choreography for the hit song, Dum Maaro Dum. She said, "My daughter died when she was 8 months and 5 days old. Afternoon prayers were in her destiny and after burying her I had to catch a train at 5pm for the shoot of Dum Maaro Dum" which is one of the most iconic numbers from the film, Hare Rama Hare Krishna. 

For those who are unaware, Saroj Khan learnt dance while working under film choreographer B. Sohanlal, whom she married at the age of 13 while he was 43 years and was already married with 4 children which she did not know at the time of marriage. After having three children the couple separated among which was this infant who left the world too early.

Coming back to the song, it was a hit number in 1970's but this heartbreaking story behind it makes it even more special. The grit and determination of a lady, grappling from emotional turmoil and the loss of a child, yet having the conviction to honour her commitment. The song was picturized in Kathmandu on Zeenat Aman.

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(Also Read : Saroj Khan had composed 'Ek do teen' steps in just 20 minutes) 

CREDIT: SpotboyE