Saroj Khan and I shared a great rapport off the set: Bickram Ghosh

Year back, when I was co-judging a dance reality show, Dance Pe Chance, with Saroj Khan, I found her to be an amazing person. Sarojji changed the entire concept of choreography in Bollywood. Though we had some differences of opinion while judging the show — which was perhaps highlighted to garner TRPs — we did share a beautiful rapport in reality. I used to see how Sarojji would go on stage and tell a contestant how a step can be performed in a certain way to bring out the essence of the song.She always used to say, “Adayein hona chaheye while someone is dancing”. Her classical base was very strong along with modern peppy dance steps. Years later, when Arindam (Sil) and I approached her for Byomkesh Pawrbo, she agreed to be on board after hearing the song. While she used to teach Sayantika (Banerjee) the dance moves on the sets, I used to observe her. She knew the craft well and could visualise a song at one go. Age was just a number for her. She was so full of energy. Sarojji was strict and she would not say okay to a step unless she was satisfied, no matter how many times a director had to retake. She always used to say that dance is a craft and one must do justice to it! Sarojji will remain in our hearts forever through her work.