Bollywood icon Saroj Khan, known as one of the most prominent choreographers of the industry, has died aged 71.

Stars have mourned the legend’s death on social media, after it was confirmed by her nephew Manish Jagwani, to PTI news agency.

It’s reported Khan, who choreographed more than 2000 songs and some of Bollywood’s most iconic and popular tunes in her four decades in the industry, suffered a cardiac arrest in a Mumbai hospital, according to local media.

She’s understood to have been admitted to hospital last month following complaints of breathlessness, while it’s also been reported she tested negative for Covid-19.

Khan became renowned for her choreography in the 1980s, working with leading stars like Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi Kapoor, achieving hits with her direction. For the latter, Khan choreographed Sridevi in song Hawa Hawai from 1987’s hit Mr India, which introduced the dance director as a Bollywood force to be reckoned with.

Stars were quick to mourn her death on social media, with actor Akshay Kumar writing on Twitter:

“Woke up to the sad news that legendary choreographer #SarojKhan ji is no more. Woke up to the sad news that legendary choreographer #SarojKhan ji is no more. She made dance look easy almost like anybody can dance, a huge loss for the industry. May her soul rest in peace 🙏🏻— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) July 3, 2020.

“She stood up for the rights of people. Never bothered who was a star or not. She said her bit Unadulterated & from the heart. Bought biryani on every song and fed the whole crew so lovingly. We gossiped. We worked. Thank you for the memories #masterji #SarojKhan love you always.— kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) July 3, 2020

“Rest in Peace Saroj Khan ji. This loss is immeasurable for the industry & film lovers.Having choreographed more than 2000 songs she single handedly changed the landscape of how songs were shot. I had the pleasure of being Choerographed by her in Aladin. One tick off my bucketlist— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) July 3, 2020

“I’m devastated by the loss of my friend and guru, Saroj Khan. Will always be grateful for her work in helping me reach my full potential in dance. The world has lost an amazingly talented person. I will miss you💔 My sincere condolences to the family. #RIPSarojji— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) July 3, 2020

“She made dance look easy almost like anybody can dance, a huge loss for the industry. May her soul rest in peace (sic).”

Director Kunal Kohli added:

“She stood up for the rights of people. Never bothered who was a star or not. She said her bit Unadulterated & from the heart.

“Bought biryani on every song and fed the whole crew so lovingly. We gossiped. We worked. Thank you for the memories #masterji #SarojKhan love you always.”

Actor Riteish Deshmukh said working with Khan was something off the bucket list.