BOMBAY TIMES (July 6, 2020)

Yesterday, on Guru Purnima, Madhuri Dixit Nene penned a beautiful tribute for her Masterji. In the long post, which she shared on social media, she wrote, “It’s still hard to believe that masterji is no more. Losing a friend, philosopher, and guide like her is devastating. It was difficult for me to put down my grief in words. I have spent some of the best moments of my career with her. The gurushishya bond that we shared, the assurance that she would be my mother on the sets, I will miss everything! On the occasion of Guru Purnima, I pay my tribute to her.”

Elaborating on how the veteran choreographer carved a niche for herself in the industry, Madhuri said, “Saroj Khan was a game changer in the industry. She was the rebel in the male-dominated profession. There were rough edges to her personality and I feel that’s because life has been pretty uneven and harsh to her. She has seen poverty and had to fend for her family early on. Life’s experiences had steeled her but it couldn’t dent her talent. I will miss that determined and headstrong woman!”

The actress added, “I was smitten by her dancing style. The nazakat, the aadayein, the elegance of every move, I have been besotted by that. When we started working together, we made a pact. I knew we would do a lot of songs together and so, we decided not to repeat any of the movements. She agreed that we will create hook steps that people will identify with every song. She was a genius! It’s such a loss. I will miss the other half of this pact!”

Madhuri further shared, “There’s no one like her and there won’t be another like her. She had told me once, ‘Not only your body but you should emote through your face and eyes as well. Jo dil mei hai woh aankhon mei dikhna chahiye.’ My eyes are moist for a while now. Saroj ji, I will miss everything about you. I will miss your banter on the sets. I will miss your ‘Perrfect!’”