The iconic song “Ankhiyan Milaoon Kabhi” from the 1995 film *Raja* remains a beloved staple at celebrations even decades later. Directed by Indra Kumar, this track owes much of its timeless appeal to the scintillating choreography crafted by the legendary Saroj Khan. Yet, few know the dramatic, fiery clash that unfolded behind the scenes, where Saroj Khan initially outright rejected the very song that would become one of her most famous works.
A Shocking Studio Confrontation
The raw details of this astonishing disagreement were recently brought to light by lyricist Sameer, who penned the words for the track, during an interview on The Ashok Pandit Show. He recounted a tense moment at Sunny Sound studio where the song was being recorded. Saroj Khan arrived to hear the music, her reputation as a perfectionist preceding her.
Her reaction was immediate and unflinching. Sameer vividly recalled her blunt critique: “Nadeem, what have you made? It’s just one instrument playing throughout. What am I supposed to choreograph for this?” Her frustration was palpable; she clearly saw little potential in the musical arrangement presented by Nadeem, one half of the hugely successful Nadeem-Shravan composer duo.
Nadeem’s Bold Rebuttal to the “Masterji”
At that time, Nadeem was at the absolute zenith of his career, enjoying unparalleled success and immense confidence in his craft. His response to Saroj Khan, known respectfully across Bollywood as “Masterji,” was equally sharp and unapologetic.
Sameer elaborated on Nadeem’s audacious retort: “Saroj ji, your job is to choreograph and make the song danceable… since when did you start selecting songs?” He didn’t stop there, reportedly adding a defiant declaration: “This song will remain, whether you or I are here or not, but the song will stay as it is.” It was a direct challenge to the choreographer’s authority and artistic judgment.
Saroj Khan’s Unstoppable Resolve
Such a dismissive response from Nadeem only fueled Saroj Khan’s legendary fire. Hearing his words, Saroj Khan was reportedly incandescent with rage. Sameer described her storming out of the studio, seething with anger and muttering curses directed at Nadeem, demanding to know, “Who does he think he is?”
But her fury quickly transformed into an ironclad resolve. “Fine,” she declared, her voice laced with defiance, “Send the song to me – I’ll show you what I can do.” It was a promise, a challenge accepted, from a woman known for her uncompromising dedication to her art.
From Disdain to Dance Masterpiece
True to her word, Saroj Khan took the very song she had initially scorned and transformed it into a visual spectacular. Once the track was fully mixed, she began working her magic with lead actors Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Kapoor.
Sameer, who witnessed the metamorphosis, could only express his awe: “Madhuri came, Sanjay Kapoor came, and the way they shot it – what can I even say, it was phenomenal.” The result was a dynamic, visually stunning sequence that not only resonated with audiences but also became an enduring testament to Saroj Khan’s unparalleled ability to breathe life into music, regardless of her initial reservations. This incident perfectly encapsulates why Saroj Khan was revered as a tough but brilliant taskmaster, capable of turning any challenge into a shining triumph.
