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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.
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.
India.com
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This actor did over 300 films; Dilip Kumar used to get nervous after…, would sweat while working with him, he is…
Even the best actors would get nervous in front of Bollywood's legendary actor Dilip Kumar. But, there has been one actor in front of whom Dilip Kumar himself would get nervous and break into a sweat. That name is Om Prakash. Om Prakash has been a famous Bollywood actor. Om Prakash, who used to play side roles in films, had done many big films. Om Prakash has also appeared with Dilip Kumar on the big screen. Om Prakash also played comedy, negative and family man roles in films. He ruled the hearts of people as a side actor in the Hindi film industry by playing many roles like friend, brother, grandfather, father. Dilip Kumar used to get nervous in front of Om Prakash Dilip Kumar worked in Bollywood for 56 years, while Om Prakash's career also lasted for more than 50 years. Dilip Kumar has been an idol for many actors. However, Dilip himself used to underestimate himself while working with Om Prakash. He once said about Om Prakash that I used to get nervous while working with Om Prakash. Dilip had praised Om and said that he is a very great and capable actor. Started learning classical music from the age of 12 Om Prakash was born on 19 December 1919 in Jammu and Kashmir. Om, who was a master of acting, started learning classical music at the age of just 12. However, he also had an inclination towards acting. When he grew up, he became an actor. Om made his Bollywood debut with the 1944 film 'Dasi'. Veteran actor Pran also worked in it. Worked in more than 300 films After starting his career with 'Dasi', Om worked in many great films like 'Howrah Bridge', 'Das Lakh', 'Pyar Kiye Ja', 'Padosan', 'Budhha Mil Gaya Chupke Chupke', 'Namak Halal', 'Gol Maal', 'Chameli Ki Shaadi', 'Sharaabi' and 'Laawaris'. He did 310 films in his career. He was also the director of films like 'Sanjog' and 'Gateway of India'. This legendary personality died in 1998 at the age of 78.
India.com
27-05-2025
- India.com
Unmapped Alleys In Kolkata City That Reveal The City's Oldest Stories
Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy, is an enigma wrapped in culture, history, and nostalgia. Although Kolkata's stunning landmarks, such as the Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial, are appreciated, what truly makes the city special is tucked away in the fringes. These fringes hide Kolkata's most poignant secrets that rarely receive the recognition they deserve. Allow us to dive into these hidden mysteries and discover the stories waiting to be told. Chitpur Road; Untold Stories of the Old Bazaar Chitpur Road is one of the oldest streets in Kolkata, going as far back as the city's origin. The street was a segment of the ancient trade route which facilitated trade between Northern India and Bengal, making it rich in culture and artistry. If you take a walk around Chitpur, you can still spot a few traditional kathputli (puppet-making) workshops and even a few remaining letterpress printing shops. Chitpur roads' bazaars are quite rejuvenating. The wide variety of products available for sale, such as brass pots and antique books offer a look back in time. Certain stores have been around for more than a decade and have been handed down from family generation to family generation. Additionally, folk-musicians, known as kirtaniya singers, who sing epic tales and myths also reside in this alley. Bow Barracks: A Chunk of Anglo-Indian Legacy Bow Barracks, a nondescript lane in Kolkata, is home to a rich community. Constructed as a housing unit for soldiers from the First World War, it later became populated by Anglo-Indian families over the years. Nowadays, the red-brick structures can be seen with flowering balconies and narrow corridors alongside them, giving them an old world charm. Come Christmas, and the spirit of this community will tell you about the old Kolkata that used to flourish with multicultural harmony. For those that visit, Bow Barracks transforms during the holiday season, featuring fairy lights, traditional plum cakes, and heartfelt carol singing. Kumartuli: The Potter's Village Kumartuli is a network of streets lying beside the Hooghly River known for idol making. This is the famous alley where the grand figurines of Goddess Durga are sculpted. The potters or kumars here expertly sculpt the clay into stunning idols that are exported to various countries around the globe, not just India. Modernism and tradition come together seamlessly here. While the core of Kumartuli remains focused on crafting the idol using old techniques, many workshops have begun to use modern designs and eco-friendly materials. Shobhabazar Rajbari: Recalling the Glory In North Kolkata, Shobhabazar Rajbari is a majestic mansion which dates back to the 18th century. Although the building is in ruins and covered with moss due to its age, it is a telltale of Bengal's Rajbari aristocracy. Raja Nabakrishna Deb built this mansion, along with the rest of the city, during the colonial period, and it now serves as a piece of history. During the British colonial rule, British officers would often visit India to celebrate the Durga Puja festivities at Rajbari, which makes the building much more glorious than it already is. Shobhabazar Rajbari is renowned for housing extensive collections of ancient glory as well as the powerful pieces of devotion. College Street Lanes: Where Knowledge Breathes Surprisingly enough, the primary reason West Bengal is famous around the globe is because of the exquisite and jaw dropping collections of second hand books available at the College Street. Side lanes and alleyways of the street have some astonishing hidden secrets due to the presence of checkered stands selling antique books. In the alleyway, there is a branch of the legendary Indian Coffee House, a popular spot for students eager to indulge in sprawling debates over essays and pieces of literature. Great artists and intellectuals such as Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, or even Subhas Chandra Bose once roamed the streets, ultimately helping shape the future of Kolkata. Pathuriaghata: A Hidden Gem Pathuriaghata feels like an alleyway that hasn't had much recent history. This region of North Kolkata is filled with decaying grand mansions that were owned by wealthy Bengali families during the 19th century. Every house shows the tale of extravagance, artistry, and their gradual decline into obscurity. As you stroll through Pathuriaghata, you begin to feel as though you are piecing together a long lost piece of Kalikata's history. The area is also home to stunning marble temples and exquisitely designed wooden gates that showcase its architectural splendor. The Importance of This Area These forgotten alleys in Kolkata are not only a geographical boundary, but a walking museum, encapsulating the city's past. From idol sculpting to Anglo-Indian culture, these lanes keep alive tales that the modern city often drowns. Next time you are in Kolkata, I highly recommend spending time wandering through these alleyways, instead of following the crowded tourist paths. Trust me, if you explore these hidden paths, you will come across a Kolkata unlike anything you've seen before, a Kolkata standing still in time.
