Published By: Sayan Paul

Happy Birthday, Farah Khan: Her Career As A Choreographer Began Accidentally; Know How

Farah Khan has choreographed more than a hundred songs in over 80 films. But do you know how her journey began?

Farah Khan - the filmmaker - has gifted us with hits like 'Main Hoon Na', 'Om Shanti Om', and 'Tees Maar Khan' among others. However, as she has shared in several of her interviews, her first and foremost passion is and will always be dance. Without an iota of doubt, she is one of Bollywood's finest choreographers, whose works have time and again sent the crowds into a frenzy. Whether it's "Chaiyya Chaiyya", "Ek Pal Ka Jeena", "Munni Badnaam Hui", "Sheila Ki Jawani", or "Chale Jaise Hawayein" - well, she is truly in a league of her own.

(Credit: farahkhankunder)

Speaking about Farah Khan's choreography career, it's quite interesting how it began. Today, as we celebrate her 60th birthday, let's learn that in this article.

First, about Farah's love for dance & choreography

While studying at St. Xavier's College, Bombay, Farah saw the music video of Michael Jackson's "Thriller". She hadn't danced before that, and she had no aspirations of stepping into showbiz. However, she was so inspired by MJ that she started learning to dance on her own.

Farah Khan’s throwback picture with his cousin, Farhan Akhtar

In no time, dance became the biggest passion of her life. She set up a dance group and started performing at live shows.

Her choreography career began accidentally

In 1991, Farah was assisting Mansoor Khan for the film 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander'. Saroj Khan, the legendary choreographer, was roped in for its song-and-dance numbers.

However, Saroj Ji walked out of the film midway. And as destiny had planned it, the job of choreographing the songs (especially "Pehla Nasha") came to Farah's hands at the last moment. She grabbed the opportunity, and the result - as you already know - turned out to be a massive success. Her choreography was storytelling at its best, not to mention the catchy hook steps that became popular among the youth. The rest, as they say, is history!

Today, having choreographed more than a hundred songs in over 80 films, she is the recipient of the National Film Award for Best Choreography and seven Filmfare Awards for Best Choreography.

When Farah spoke about the same

In an interview with India Times, Farah spoke about her first break thanks to Saroj Khan. In her words, "When I started assisting Mansoor Khan in 1991 for 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander', Saroj Ji was the choreographer. But unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately for me, she only came there for two days. Then she went off on another shoot, which I thought was strange."

"I guess I owe my career to her because if she had done the film, I would still be giving the clap somewhere. When I entered the industry, there was no question of being anywhere close to her. She was the diva."

Some Interesting Facts To Know

While choreographing the number "Ek Paal Ka Jeena" in 'Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai', Farah told Rakesh Roshan that his son Hrithik Roshan would be a massive star upon the film's release and would be celebrated for his dance moves. Well, she was right!

(Credit: SRK Universe Nepal Fanclub)

She met Shah Rukh Khan on the sets of 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa'. The two became good friends and collaborators.

Over the years, she has worked on several international projects as well. These include acclaimed films such as 'Monsoon Wedding', 'Bombay Dreams' (which earned her a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Choreography), and 'Vanity Fair'. Moreover, she has choreographed global artists including Shakira and Kylie Minogue.