Actress Sonali Bendre has revisited the memories of welcoming pop legend Michael Jackson during his first visit to India, revealing that she was initially more excited about wearing a traditional Maharashtrian nauvari saree than meeting the global music icon.
Sonali shared the anecdote during the grand premiere episode of Sony Marathi’s Kon Honar Crorepati, hosted by actress Madhuri Dixit.
During their conversation, Madhuri, who described herself as a fan of the legendary singer, asked Sonali about greeting Jackson in a nauvari saree when he arrived in Mumbai.
Sonali admitted that she was not particularly familiar with his music at the time and had been approached to participate because the organisers wanted Marathi girls to welcome him.
“You know, actually, I wasn’t that much of a fan of his. They told me that they wanted Marathi girls to do this. And at that time, I got free tickets for my friends and family,” she recalled.
For Sonali, the traditional attire was a major attraction in itself. She explained that her grandmother used to wear a nauvari saree, which had always fascinated her.
“And of course, wearing a nauvari was a lot of fun because my grandmother used to wear one, and I always had a fascination with wearing a nauvari. I mean, it’s just the most graceful saree ever. So I was excited about that,” she said.
However, watching Jackson perform live proved to be a turning point. Sonali said the experience helped her appreciate his extraordinary abilities as a performer and transformed her into a fan.
“But after that, when I went to the concert, I really understood what an artist he is. I mean, amazing! The stamina, the singing… and after that, I became his fan,” she said.
Jackson visited India in October 1996 as part of his HIStory World Tour and performed in Mumbai. His visit remains a memorable moment in the history of international pop music in India.
