Sonali Bendre remembers that he welcomed Michael Jackson in India in 1996 | Mint

New -delhi [India]June 7 (Ani): Sonali Bendre is the only Bollywood actress who had the opportunity to welcome late pop sensation Michael Jackson when he visited India for his ‘History World Tour’. Actress Sonali Bendre, along with politician Raj Thackeray, played a key role in the Great Welcome of Michael Jackson in 1996. Airport with an Indian ritual by applying Tilak (a sacred mark on the forehead) and executing Aarti. Now, almost 29 years later, Sonali Bendre opened over the events behind the scenes that led to her being part of that iconic moment. In an interview with Ani, the ‘Sarfarosh’ actress said she was approached by Raj Thackeray’s wife, Sharmila Thackeray, for the welcoming ceremony of Michael Jackson at Mumbai Airport (Bombay Airport at the time). “They told me to come and do it and be someone who came into contact with me. I think it was Sharmila, Raj’s wife. Sharmila’s mother and my masi (aunt) have been friends for a long time, and she said, “Why don’t you do it” (Michael Jackson welcomes), “says Sonali Bendre. However, it was not so easy to convince the actress who was at the peak of her career at the time. She agreed to welcome Jackson at the airport, but only on one condition. “I was like, okay, but then I want wonderful tickets for the show and all of it with my friends. So I did it because I got these tickets to go where I could take my friends and go to the show. My sister, sister’s friends and all. We had this wonderful seat. That’s what I was so excited about when I did, ‘Sonali Bendre added. The ‘History World Tour’ includes Jackson who visited many countries and acted for millions of fans. Jackson’s concert in Mumbai was a highlight of the tour because it is well remembered for his cultural moment in India. Sonali Bendre enjoyed a successful career in Bollywood at the time. After a series of early battle, 1996 was a breakthrough year for the actress, while in hits such as ‘Diljale’, ‘Sapoot’ and ‘Rakshak’. Sonali Bendre’s diverse filmography contains hit films such as ‘Aag’, ‘Sarfarosh’, ‘Kemat’, ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’, ‘Indra’, ‘Cal Ho Naa Ho’ and Others. (Ani)