Choreographer Saroj Khan is all set to appear in a brief but important role in Naseeruddin Shah's directorial debut, "Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota".

While most other directors would prefer to have Saroj's "powerful" presence as a choreographer in their films, Shah chose to cast Khan in the role of an authoritative mother, based on his perception of her as a choreographer.

Shah says: "I have always been a fan of Saroj Khan. I often felt that with all the weight around her, she could put all the Helens to shame with her commanding moves. Every time I saw her demonstrate a step, the poor heroine who followed invariably seemed to pale in comparison.

"So when I wrote this role of a powerful mother, who gets things done at the snap of her fingers, hers was the first face that came to mind. Moreover, she has the look of one who has survived rough times and emerged triumphant."

Khan was of course in for a big surprise when Shah approached her. "She thought I wanted her to choreograph my film. She could not believe it when I told her that I wanted her to act," he chuckles.

Later, when he started the rehearsals for the film, the ace choreographer was the first to register her presence and live up to her commitments.

"She did not fail a single rehearsal. In fact, she was more regular than most of the artists. Even when she gave the shots, she was all prepared with her dialogues. It was professionalism at its very best," he recalls.