India’s famous dance choreographer Saroj Khan was widely known in the Bollywood industry, but many fans remain unaware of some hidden aspects of her personal life.

Saroj Khan passed away in 2020 during the early phase of the global coronavirus pandemic.

According to Indian media, after facing countless obstacles in both her personal and professional life, she eventually reached the peak of fame as a Bollywood choreographer.

In conversations with Indian media, Saroj Khan openly shared the reasons behind her two marriages and her decision to convert to Islam.

Financial Struggles and Career Beginnings

Saroj Khan once shared that she was born in 1948, a year after the Partition of India. She faced numerous challenges in her life. After the early death of her father, the burden of supporting the family fell on her shoulders at a young age.

In an old interview with the BBC, Saroj Khan spoke about her childhood financial hardships. She revealed that her mother used to put empty pots on the stove and tell the children that she was cooking. But while waiting for the food, all the siblings would eventually fall asleep hungry.

At the age of 3, Saroj became known as a child artist. As she grew older, she would often dance alone at home. Thinking something was wrong with her, her mother took her to a doctor. But the doctor advised that her daughter should be given a chance to try her talent in cinema—something that could also help the family financially.

Secret Marriage at the Age of 13

At the age of 12, Saroj Khan met South Indian choreographer B. Sohanlal, who was 30 years older than her. When she was 13, Sohanlal tied a black thread around her wrist—symbolizing a secret and unofficial marriage—without disclosing that he was already married and had children.