Delnaaz Irani Remembers Saroj Khan’s Emotional Words on Nach Baliye

EXCLUSIVE: Delnaaz Irani Shares Why Saroj Khan Told Her, ‘Mujhe Mere Bachpan Ki Yaad Dila Di’

In an exclusive chat with Pinkvilla, actress Delnaaz Irani opened up about her cherished memories of working with the legendary choreographer Saroj Khan during Nach Baliye. She shared a heartwarming anecdote about how Saroj Khan once told her she reminded her of her younger self.

Saroj Khan’s Legacy
Saroj Khan was one of Bollywood’s most celebrated choreographers, with a career spanning nearly six decades and over 2,000 songs to her credit. She worked with numerous TV and film stars and was deeply respected for her craft. Delnaaz, who had the privilege of working with her, revealed how special their connection was.

Delnaaz’s Nach Baliye Experience
Talking about her time on Nach Baliye, Delnaaz said, “I had a long association with Saroj Ji. The first reality dance show I did was Nach Baliye in 2004-2005. Saroj Ji was one of the judges, along with Farhan Akhtar and Malaika Arora. That’s when I got to know her.”

Delnaaz recalled how Saroj Khan praised her in the very first episode. “She whistled for me and called me her ‘mini-me.’ She said, ‘You are my mini Saroj.’ It was such a huge compliment. She even told me, ‘Mujhe mere bachpan ki yaad dila di.’ I think she saw a younger version of herself in me—maybe because of my personality, size, or energy.”

First Dance and Saroj Khan’s Praise
Delnaaz shared that her first dance performance in front of Saroj Khan was to the song It’s the Time to Disco. She received applause for her energy, grace, and expressions.

“She believed dance was all about emotion,” Delnaaz said. “Saroj Ji used to say that your facial expressions matter more than your steps. She often told us, ‘If your expressions are perfect, I won’t even look at your whole body—I’ll just focus on your face.’ That’s what made her choreography so unique.”

Learning from the Legend
On the sets of Nach Baliye, Saroj Khan also shared stories about her journey in the film industry. “She talked about how she started as a background dancer, became a choreographer, and faced so many challenges along the way. She was the first female choreographer of her time and broke many barriers.”

Delnaaz’s Career
Delnaaz Irani has showcased her acting talent in several popular shows like Yes Boss, Shararat, Bigg Boss 6, and Nach Baliye. Her journey in acting and dancing has been truly inspiring, and her bond with Saroj Khan remains a special chapter in her life.

This heartfelt memory reminds us of Saroj Khan’s impact on the entertainment industry and the people she inspired along the way.

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