Sonali Bendre only actress to welcome Michael Jackson
Sonali Bendre only actress to welcome Michael Jackson
Notably, Sonali Bendre is the only actress of the Indian Film Industry to have welcomed the late pop sensation Michael Jackson when he visited India for his Historical World Tour in 1996.
When Sonali welcomed Michael Jackson she was dressed in a traditional nine-yard saree and greeted Michael with an Indian ritual by applying tilak (a sacred mark on the forehead) and performing aarti.
Now, nearly 29 years later, Sonali has opened up about the behind-the-scenes events that led her to be a part of that iconic moment.
In a recent interview she revealed that she was approached by Raj Thackeray’s wife, Sharmila Thackeray, for welcoming ceremony of Michael Jackson at the Mumbai Airport (Bombay Airport at that time).
“They told her that she needs to come and do that and be somebody who got in touch with her. Sharmila, Raj’s wife. Sharmila’s mother and her aunt have been friends for a long time, and she said, ‘why doesn’t do it’ (welcoming Michael Jackson),” said Sonali.
However, it was not easy to convince the actor, who was at the peak of her career at the time. She agreed to receive Michael at the airport, but only on one condition.
She was like, okay, but then she wanted tickets for her and her friends. So she did it because was getting these tickets to enter where she could take her friends and go to the show. Her sister, sister’s friends and all of that. We had this great seating. That’s what she was so excited about when she did it.
In the same interview, Sonali also criticised gossip surrounding her and Raj Thackeray at that time.
News Edit KV Raman
