Karisma Kapoor recalls Saroj Khan's playful jab about son Raju Khan
Synopsis
On India's Best Dancer Season 5, Karisma Kapoor revealed the running joke her guru Saroj Khan had about her — that despite being Karisma's dance teacher, it was her son Raju Khan who racked up more superhit songs with the actress. A warm, behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of Bollywood's most beloved creative partnerships.
Key Takeaways
Karisma Kapoor shared fond memories of the late Saroj Khan on India's Best Dancer Season 5 .
Saroj Khan would jokingly tell Karisma: 'I am your guru, but you do more superhit songs with my son.' Karisma described Saroj Khan as always 'very supportive' of son Raju Khan's creativity.
Saroj Khan had choreographed Karisma in the iconic song 'Tamma Tamma Loge' .
It is the first time Karisma is judging alongside Raju Khan on a panel.
The show airs on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV .
Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor has opened up about her cherished memories with the late legendary choreographer Saroj Khan and her son, choreographer Raju Khan, while appearing as a judge on the dance reality show India's Best Dancer Season 5. The actress, speaking on the show, shared a warm and witty anecdote that offered a glimpse into the affectionate bond she shared with the iconic mother-son duo.
The Playful Taunt That Became an Industry Joke
Karisma recalled how Saroj Khan — her dance guru — would often tease her with a running joke during their collaborations. According to Karisma, Saroj ji would say: 'I am your guru, but you do more superhit songs with my son.' The remark, delivered in good humour, became something of a lighthearted refrain in industry circles whenever Karisma and Raju Khan delivered another chart-topping number together.
Karisma said on the show: 'Maine Raju ji ke sath bohot gaane kiye hain, and I am so happy and privileged that he has come for the first time, where I am judging this panel with him, and we are going to celebrate his mother, celebrate him, aur main ek joke and trivia bata du.' ('I have done many songs with Raju ji, and I am so happy and privileged that he is here for the first time while I am judging alongside him. We are here to celebrate his mother, celebrate him, and let me share a little joke and trivia.')
Karisma on Saroj Khan's Unconditional Support
Despite the teasing, Karisma was quick to emphasise the warmth behind the words. 'She always used to love that, of course. She loved her son dearly, loved all of us, was always very supportive of his creativity, and we all spent a lot of time together,' she said. The actress noted that Saroj Khan had choreographed her as far back as the iconic song 'Tamma Tamma Loge', a collaboration she had referenced in a previous episode of the show.
Karisma, the elder sister of actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, also expressed her happiness at sharing the judging panel with Raju Khan for the first time, calling it a privilege and a moment to celebrate both the choreographer and the enduring legacy of his mother.
About India's Best Dancer Season 5
The show, which airs on Sony Entertainment Television and streams on Sony LIV, has brought together celebrated names from the dance and entertainment world. Karisma's presence as a judge has given the season a strong Bollywood flavour, and her candid recollections about Saroj Khan — widely regarded as one of Hindi cinema's greatest choreographers — have resonated with audiences who grew up watching the dances she helped make iconic.
Notably, Saroj Khan passed away in July 2020, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over five decades and included some of Bollywood's most beloved choreography. Her son Raju Khan has continued that tradition, and his appearance on the show alongside Karisma marks a meaningful reunion for fans of that era.
Point of View
But it also quietly underscores a larger truth about Bollywood's golden choreography era — Saroj Khan's genius was plural. She shaped Karisma's screen presence directly, while her son Raju built a parallel hit-making track with the same actress. That a mother could joke about being 'outscored' by her own son, and mean it lovingly, says as much about the industry's family-like texture as it does about either choreographer's talent. In an era of reality TV where nostalgia is a reliable ratings lever, Karisma's recollection does double duty: it humanises an icon and reminds younger audiences why Saroj Khan's legacy still commands reverence.
NationPress
1 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Saroj Khan jokingly say to Karisma Kapoor?
Saroj Khan would playfully tell Karisma Kapoor, 'I am your guru, but you do more superhit songs with my son.' It was a running joke between them in the industry, shared warmly by Karisma on India's Best Dancer Season 5.
Which show is Karisma Kapoor currently judging?
Karisma Kapoor is currently a judge on India's Best Dancer Season 5, which airs on Sony Entertainment Television and streams on Sony LIV.
What was Saroj Khan's connection to Karisma Kapoor?
Saroj Khan was Karisma Kapoor's dance guru and choreographed her in several films, including the iconic song 'Tamma Tamma Loge'. Karisma has described her as a deeply positive and supportive figure in her career.
When did Saroj Khan pass away?
Saroj Khan passed away in July 2020, leaving behind a legacy spanning over five decades of Bollywood choreography. Her son Raju Khan has continued her tradition in the industry.
