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Saroj Khan

Saroj Khan was an Indian dance choreographer in Hindi cinema, widely regarded as a pioneering female figure in Bollywood choreography.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Saroj Khan was an Indian dance choreographer in Hindi cinema, widely regarded as a pioneering female figure in Bollywood choreography. Over a career spanning more than four decades, she choreographed thousands of songs and won major Indian film awards, including multiple National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards.

Early life

Saroj Khan was born in 1948 and is commonly identified by the name Saroj Kishanchand Sadhu Singh Nagpal, though some sources also give the name Nirmala Nagpal. Public biographical accounts place her birth in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Career

She began in the film industry as a dancer before becoming a choreographer in Hindi cinema. She later became known for work with major Bollywood stars and for popularizing stylized dance sequences, including mujra-inspired choreography.

Awards and recognition

Khan received four National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards for Best Choreography, making her one of the most decorated choreographers in Indian cinema. Her work is frequently described as influential across several generations of Hindi film performers.

Death

Saroj Khan died on 3 July 2020 in Mumbai. Sources report the cause of death as cardiac arrest.

Key facts

  • Saroj Khan was a pioneering female choreographer in Hindi cinema.
  • Her career spanned more than 40 years.
  • She choreographed over 2,000 to 3,000 songs.
  • She won four National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards for Best Choreography.
  • She died on 3 July 2020 in Mumbai at age 71.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Saroj Khan?
She was an Indian choreographer best known for her work in Hindi cinema and for being a pioneering female figure in Bollywood choreography.
When was Saroj Khan born?
She was born on 22 November 1948.
When did Saroj Khan die?
She died on 3 July 2020 in Mumbai.
What was Saroj Khan known for?
She was known for choreographing Hindi film songs and for shaping the dance style of many major Bollywood actors.
How many awards did Saroj Khan win?
Sources say she won four National Film Awards and a record eight Filmfare Awards for Best Choreography.
Was Saroj Khan the first female choreographer in Bollywood?
Sources commonly describe her as the first prominent female choreographer in Bollywood.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saroj_Khan
    Supports: Birth and death dates, occupation, career span, awards, and widely cited biographical details.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0451314/
    Supports: Career overview, status as a pioneering female choreographer, and filmography-related biographical details.
  3. Jagran Josh — https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/saroj-khan-biography-1593749669-1
    Supports: Birth date, death date, occupation, award claims, and biographical summary.
  4. The Indian Express — https://www.indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/saroj-khan-life-story-married-13-children-died-second-husband-conversion-islam-10134149/
    Supports: Overview of her influence, career legacy, and work with prominent actors.
  5. BookMyShow — https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/saroj-khan/34801
    Supports: Alternate name, birthplace, occupation, and biographical listing.