Saroj Khan Converted to Islam For Her Second Husband, But Had One Condition Before Marriage

Veteran Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan remains one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema, remembered for crafting iconic dance sequences that defined an era. From Ek Do Teen to Dola Re Dola, her work left a lasting imprint on mainstream film choreography. Beyond her celebrated career, her personal life was marked by early hardships, complex relationships, and significant emotional struggles that shaped her journey in the film industry.

Saroj Khan entered the world of cinema at a very young age and began working as a group dancer to support her family after her father’s death. While still a teenager, she met dance director Sohanlal on a film set, who noticed her talent and eventually made her his assistant. At just 13 years old, she was married to Sohanlal, who was significantly older and already established in the industry. This early phase of her life unfolded under circumstances that she later described as lacking clarity and consent.

Over time, Saroj Khan realised that her marriage to Sohanlal was not legally valid, as he was already married and had children. She also became a mother at a very young age, facing the challenges of early responsibility and emotional distress. These experiences forced her to mature quickly while simultaneously trying to sustain herself in the demanding environment of the film industry, where she continued to build her career as a choreographer.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan Unveils 'Kartavya' Poster, Sets Netflix Premiere on May 15

In the mid-1970s, Saroj Khan’s life took a new turn when she met businessman Sardar Roshan Khan, who later proposed marriage. Reports suggest that she agreed to the marriage on the condition that her children from her first marriage would be accepted and adopted by him. She also converted to Islam before marrying him, a personal decision that became part of her life story. This second marriage brought a degree of stability in her otherwise turbulent personal life.

Despite professional success, Saroj Khan’s life was marked by repeated personal tragedies. She lost a baby daughter in infancy from her first marriage, and later faced further family grief with the death of another daughter years later due to health complications. Close colleagues often recalled her resilience, with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali once noting her unwavering dedication to work even during periods of severe illness and emotional pain, highlighting her deep passion for cinema.

Saroj Khan passed away on July 3, 2020, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving behind a rich legacy in Indian dance and cinema. She is survived by her second husband Sardar Roshan Khan, her son Hamid Khan (also known as Raju Khan), and her daughter Sukaina Khan. Despite the hardships in her personal life, her contribution to Bollywood choreography continues to be celebrated, cementing her status as one of the industry’s most respected creative forces.

Also Read: Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya Details Falling Out With Shah Rukh Khan Over Ego, Pride