Rhythm India’s Heart Beats with the Moves of Saroj Khan

By Vanshika Vipin

STAFFORD: The iconic superstar of Bollywood film choreography Saroj Khan, has an enduring aura that leaves one mesmerized, especially if you are equally passionate about dancing. And this is precisely what happened at the Rhythm India Bollywood Dance Company, last Friday, on May 20.

Saroj Khan, the choreographer par excellence, was invited for a Master Class, by Rhythm India in association with BAPC. Sarojji (as she is fondly called) graced the occasion with her presence. It was a much awaited workshop after the recent success of the two day workshop, held in April, with the DID Winner, Dance Plus Judge and Celebrity Dancer Shakti Mohan. The enigmatic woman that Saroj Khan is, has enthralled audiences with extravagant dance picturisations. She has won top laurels for her outstanding contribution to choreography, and a few of her award winning songs are the memorable, ‘Ek Do Teen’ from Tezaab, ‘Dola Re Dola’ and ‘Maar Daala’ from Devdas, and ‘Dhak Dhak’ from Beta.

After a long 30-hour flight, one is expected to be jet-lagged and fatigued. But Sarojji, who arrived with her assistant Manish, epitomised energy and joy along with being philosophical and downhearted. She immediately started responding to selfie and autograph requests, and instantly won hearts with her humility and graciousness.

The workshops were conducted in two batches, for people aged 11 and above. The first batch students packed themselves up with impressive booty-shaking moves to the tunes of ‘Pinga’ from Bajirao Mastani, while the second batch did shake their legs to ‘Get on the dance floor’ from Chennai Express. Sarojji enthralled the performers with a whirlwind of her creativity, innovation and individuality.

For the perfectionist and a taskmaster that Saroj Khan is, she did ensure that everyone gives their best shot. As expected, the spots got instantly sold out and the workshops were a huge success. The visibly emotional and teary eyed Arzan Gonda, the Artistic Director of Rhythm India, said, “I felt blessed and grateful for witnessing Sarojji’s pure artistry. It’s not everyday one gets to witness her understanding, musicality, experience and talent. It truly was an awesome day and a dream come true to see her artistry and craft at its best.” She then went on to thank the legend Saroj Khan and Manish for sharing their passion and craft with Rhythm India.

Saroj Khan stated that at a time when many Indians in India are being lured towards the glamour that Western Dance has to offer, she was very impressed to notice that the Indian culture is very much alive in the West, inspite India being so far away. She said “Khushi hoti hai ye dekhke ki yahan culture zinda hai” ( I feel happy to see the culture alive here).

In an exclusive conversation, the humble and captivating Sarojji shared a lot of interesting stories about the film industry and her long association with it. On being asked about the formula to her innovative dance moves, Sarojji gladly mentioned that she keeps her dance moves so simple that kids can pick them up easily. Kids can easily grasp her choreographed signature steps, because complex steps create learning roadblocks for non-dancers and hence not many would remember them.

About Rhythm India:
Rhythm India provides the very best in Bollywood dance training and performances in the greater Houston – Sugar Land – Katy and Dallas area. The dance workshops are held for its students and the public throughout the year. Their goal is to expose their students to the best-in-class choreographers and help mould their students to mature as strong dancers . For more info about upcoming workshops and classes this summer, visit www.rhythm-india.com or call 281 968 9479