B. Sohanlal

B. Sohanlal Biography

Sohan Lal was a noted choreographer of yesterdays. He was the guru of noted Bollywood choreographer of Bollywood since 1980’s, Saroj Khan who made Madhuri Dixit a dancing star. He was given credits as Master B. Sohanlal in Bollywood and has been active since late 1950s to 1970’s, for more than 2 decades. He has given some amazing dance steps to Vyjayanthimala, the noted ones being Madhumati and Jewel Thief. He was widely regarded as a great exponent of Kathak. As a choreographer he is best known for movies like Jewel Thief, Hare Raama Hare Krishna, Madhumati, Taj Mahal, Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Arzoo, Kajal, Guide, Kala sona, Mera Saya, Rafoo Chakkar and Bobby.

Naya Din Nai Raat, Anita, Dastaan, Love in Simla, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Nazrana, Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Phool Aur Patthar, Aashik, Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Ishare, Amaanat, Dilli Ka Thug, Dillagi, Mr X in Bombay, Mere Mehboob, Dil Hi To Hai and Do Jasoos are other noted works. Hotom mein aise baat of Jewel thief is his masterpiece work and often regarded as a trendsetter. It’s one of the finest ever choreographed songs and first one of this kind which employed a large group of dancers. Song was pictured on well-established dancer cum actress Vyjayanthimala aside Evergreen hero – Dev Anand. Even choreographers of today are inspired by this great choreographed song and often include in new song steps. The legendary movie Guide pictured on Waheeda Rehman also included finely choreographed songs of Sohanlal. Jhumka Geera Re pictured on Sadhana Shivdasani for the movie Mera Saya also needs special mention.

He belongs to Jaipur, Rajasthan. He started training Kathak at the age of 4. The family later moved to Chennai in search of new opportunities. His brother B. Hiralal was also a trained Kathak dancer and a successful film choreographer. Later he got married and settled in Chennai. He encouraged his kids to study dance forms and join film industry.

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Updated: July 04, 2018