Amrita Rao made her big Bollywood
debut
with ‘
Ab Ke Baras
’ where she trained under ace choreographer
Saroj Khan for all her songs in the film. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, the actress opened up about her fond memories with the dance master, her favorite Saroj Khan dance number, and more. Excerpts…
Bollywood bid adieu to one of its ace choreographer
Saroj Khan today. Your thoughts...I was blessed to have a legend choreograph all songs in my debut movie, ‘Ab Ke Baras’. For Saroj Masterji, dance was not only through body but more with face and expressions.
As petrified as I was of her strictness for perfection, I cherish many golden compliments from her forever. Though she is not with us in body, her immortal body of work is going to forever inspire generations of aspiring dancers and Actresses to come.
How was your experience working with her?Working with Saroj Master Ji in my debut movie itself was intimidating, valuable and the best training a new comer could get. I remember our rigorous rehearsals at Filmalaya hall and how she would work so hard on bringing the best out in me though I was a just a rank newcomer and not a star nor a star kid.
What made her stand apart from the other choreographers in Bollywood?As a dance master, Saroj ji had two unique qualities like none other. One, she would never miss choreography to a single lyric and beat. For Every beat, there had to be a dance step and secondly she was most particular about facial expressions. For her, dance was not just through the body but also through the face and eyes.
Is there any fond memory of the ace choreographer you would like to share with us?I recall whenever she observed any correction during my rehearsal on the shoot she would shout from a distance, " Ladki Kya Kar rahi hai" I used to panic with nervousness until she told me one day that " Jab mujhe kisi par pyaar aata hain toh main pyaar sey usse Ladki bulati hoon" I recall I was so elated and touched that day.
What is the one thing that you will miss about Saroj Khan?Not only me, but the film industry will miss a fine choreographer who gave dance a new definition. I will miss a perfect dance guru.
What is your favourite dance number choreographed by her?I love the song, ‘Piya Baawari’ where she choreographed me in my film, ‘Deewar’ with Akshaye Khanna.
Bollywood has lost many gems this year. Your views on the same…Bollywood is really sad this year. We have lost many legends back-to-back. Each one of them will continue to live through their golden body of work forever in this world. It has personally been a very depressing past two months since the demise of Irfan Khan Sir.
From the hustle of Mid-Day's newsroom to the in-depth coverage at...
Read MoreFrom the hustle of Mid-Day's newsroom to the in-depth coverage at Entertainment Trade magazine, and the vibrant pages of Absolute India newspaper, my journey in entertainment journalism has been nothing short of a blockbuster script. With over 10 years of navigating the glitz and glamour of Bollywood, I've earned my stripes as a storyteller of the stars. The lens of my experience zooms in on the pulse of the industry, capturing every beat and rhythm that makes the world of entertainment come alive. Currently stationed at the prestigious Times of India (ETimes), I continue to unravel the magic that unfolds both on and off the silver screen. Join me on this rollercoaster ride through the reels and reveals of the Indian film industry, where every headline tells a tale, and every byline echoes a decade of passion for the art of entertainment journalism.
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