Terence Lewis Reveals Dark Side of Bollywood: Why Saroj Khan Seemed ‘Rude’ in a Ruthless Industry(Iimage Via Bollywood Hungama)
In a candid revelation, dance choreographer Terence Lewis shared insights into the life of legendary choreographer Saroj Khan, explaining the reasons behind her sometimes stern and harsh demeanor. During a recent interview, Terence spoke about Saroj Khan’s journey and the immense struggles she endured in the film industry. On November 9th, 2024, Terence opened up about the challenges that shaped her personality and explained how the Bollywood industry’s ruthless nature often impacted her behavior.
Terence revealed that Saroj Khan’s strict behavior wasn’t something she developed overnight; it was the result of years of fighting to survive in a highly competitive and male-dominated industry. He explained that many misunderstood her as rude, but she had a different story. According to him, the pressure and criticism she faced from producers, directors, and even male colleagues pushed her to adopt a strong and sometimes rigid approach. The industry, as Terence put it, left little room for kindness, especially for women.
Saroj Khan, known as “Masterji” to most in Bollywood, made a name for herself by training many famous actors and actresses in dance. She was widely respected for her choreographic genius but was also known for her no-nonsense attitude on set. Terence revealed that this was necessary for her to gain respect in an environment where women, particularly those in creative roles, faced enormous challenges. In her time, it wasn’t easy for women to assert themselves, and Saroj had to prove herself again and again to earn the recognition she deserved.
Terence mentioned that Saroj Khan often faced mistreatment and was sometimes even humiliated by powerful people in the industry. To survive, she had to build a shell around her, which many misinterpreted as rudeness. Her rigorous training methods, strict schedules, and demand for perfection came from a place of survival rather than a desire to intimidate. Terence explained that people didn’t understand the sacrifices she made and the battles she fought every day just to hold her ground as a respected choreographer.
The dance maestro also highlighted how Saroj Khan’s career reflects the larger struggles of women in Bollywood. In an industry that was particularly tough on women, she faced significant roadblocks just because she dared to challenge the status quo. Terence remarked that the industry’s “ruthlessness kills the women in them,” meaning that female professionals often have to sacrifice their softer, gentler sides to withstand the industry’s pressures. He believes Saroj Khan’s journey mirrors the experiences of many women who have to harden themselves to be taken seriously in a male-dominated workplace.
During his interview, Terence shared how he personally learned from Saroj Khan’s experiences and found her story inspiring. He described her as a “warrior” who never backed down and held her own in difficult situations. He also added that while some might have perceived her as difficult to work with, others saw her as a mentor and a role model. Terence praised her for inspiring generations of dancers and leaving a legacy that continues to motivate those in the film industry.
Terence recalled a specific incident from early in his career when he observed Saroj Khan at work. She commanded respect on set, and her presence was felt by everyone around. According to Terence, she was always very particular about details and would not tolerate any compromise on quality. If someone didn’t perform to her expectations, she would not hesitate to let them know. Terence admitted that while this may have seemed harsh, it was her way of maintaining high standards and pushing others to achieve their best.
He believes that people should view Saroj Khan’s life with empathy. Terence feels that the industry’s demand for resilience sometimes comes at a great personal cost, particularly for women who have to appear strong all the time. Her life is a lesson in resilience, as she worked through numerous challenges to break barriers and become one of Bollywood’s most celebrated choreographers. Despite her success, the pressures she faced and the sacrifices she made often went unnoticed by the public, who only saw her as a strict and stern figure.
In reflecting on her journey, Terence pointed out that Saroj Khan’s struggles serve as a reminder of the double standards in Bollywood. While male choreographers were often appreciated for their talents, she had to work twice as hard to prove her skills and earn respect. According to Terence, this disparity is one of the reasons why she became guarded and uncompromising, traits that people misread as arrogance.
The interview concluded with Terence expressing his admiration for Saroj Khan’s contributions to Indian cinema. He urged people to remember her legacy not only for her dance but also for her strength in facing adversities. Terence hopes that future generations will view her story with compassion and understand the sacrifices she made to open doors for women in the film industry.
Saroj Khan’s legacy continues to inspire dancers and choreographers across the country, and her story, as Terence shared, serves as a testament to the resilience of women in Bollywood. Her journey, marked by struggle and perseverance, highlights the strength required to thrive in an industry that often demands women to be tougher than men. Terence’s revelations give fans a glimpse into the real Saroj Khan, a woman who faced numerous challenges but left behind a legacy that has reshaped Indian dance.
