Did Saroj Khan illuminate the way to stardom for Govinda? (Photo Credit – Wikipedia)

In the glittering world of Bollywood, where talent often needs a push, legendary choreographer Saroj Khan played fairy godmother to many stars. But there was indeed one stand-out among all the disciples she had taught: a lanky and struggling lad from Virar who was soon going to become the dancing idol of Bollywood: Govinda. Such a journey, rather than just a dance saga, narrated an immortal tale of faith, affection, and the unexpressed guru-shishya relationship.

Before he became the Govinda we all know, the king of effortless jhatkas and matkas—he was just another aspiring actor with dreams more significant than his pocket. In an old interview, Saroj Khan recalled all too fondly how a young lad came to her on bended knee, confessing to her that he couldn’t afford the classes. “From the onset, Govinda ji told me,...