Ahmed Khan recalls that Rangeela had created a rift between Saroj Khan and him
In an exclusive interview with India Today, choreographer Ahmed Khan talks about his differences with the great Saroj Khan during his Rangeela days and how he got his break in the industry as an independent choreographer.
iconic romantic drama Rangeela is set to return to the big screen 30 years after its original release. Ram Gopal Varma’s film starring Urmila Matondkar, Aamir Khan and Jackie Shroff is memorable for its powerful performances, music and choreography. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, choreographer-actor Ahmed Khan revealed that he was just 19 when he was selected for the project, and explained how it came to fruition Rangeela There was a rift with the great Saroj Khan.
Talking about the same, he said, “This is my first film, which gave me a chance in this industry as an independent choreographer. And I feel proud and happy that I am still relevant, still working. It makes me feel more proud that I was a part of a lucky film.”
Khan recalled that he was a 19-year-old assistant The great Saroj Khan when this film came to her. Seeing that she was busy with other commitments, he asked her to go and represent him.
Ahmed said, “I was on the set one day, and Ram Gopal Varma thought I would be a suitable choice to be the lead. I was not ready because I was just 19 years old. I was very scared of doing AR Rahman’s first Hindi film. I was not ready to come in as an independent dance director. But it was his boldness, conviction and foresight that he could see that I was probably ready. And he took the risk, not me.”
The idea of a teenager choreographing for stars like Aamir Khan, Jackie Shroff and Urmila Matondkar still sounds intimidating, but he had a different take on it. The choreographer said that since he was already assisting, he was used to instructing and training the celebs.
“Aamir knew me since I was about 10 years old. So it was a big achievement. He and my brother were friends, and I did a film with him as a child artiste. And Jackie Shroff knew me from Mr. India, where he used to come to meet Anil Kapoor, and met all the children. Later, I did many films as an assistant choreographer and taught them all. Although it is a big achievement, I did not face any challenges Because Ram Gopal Varma was a strong pillar with me all the time and supported me all the time,” he said.
However, things did not go well for him as Saroj Khan did not accept the fact that he became independent and never returned. Ahmed Khan shared that every guru wants his disciple to move forward, but if they move too far, all is not well.
He said, “I remember, I first took her blessings and asked if I could do it. To be honest, she was also not keen because she thought Rahman’s music was too different. She told me to come back to help me when your work is done. She thought it would be some other opportunity. However, it worked out and my career started. This created a little difference of opinion between us, but later she gave me her blessings. So everything went well.”
Khan said that Ram Gopal Varma also respected his work and even placed his name at the beginning of the credit rolls, which was unheard of before.
“Hats off to Ramu for doing this for a technician. Here we are still fighting for credit for people, especially behind the camera. To do this 30 years ago, I mean, it is a big achievement, especially for a budding artiste. I have said this many times, Rangeela There is a film which has given me everything. It gave me my first break, a name and a full-fledged career. And You say you got all this but you didn’t get the money. But Ramu paid me how much he would pay Saroj ji. It was like a bumper bonus,” Ahmed Khan concluded.
Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, Rangeela First released in 1995. The film had music by AR Rahman and explored themes of urban ambition and dreams. It connected with the audience through a combination of catchy songs, emotional storytelling and lively style.
