Mumbai: Sonali Bendre recalls welcoming Michael Jackson in nauvari saree

Sonali Bendre remembers the nauvari saree as clearly as Michael Jackson’s arrival in Mumbai in 1996.

Speaking on the premiere episode of *Kon Honar Crorepati*, hosted by Madhuri Dixit, Bendre recalled being among the Marathi women selected to welcome Jackson during his October visit. She said she was not especially familiar with his music at the time, but the chance to wear the traditional Maharashtrian drape mattered to her. Her grandmother had worn nauvari sarees, Bendre said, and she had long wanted to wear one herself.

“I wasn’t that much of a fan of his,” Bendre said, adding that the welcome also brought free concert tickets for her friends and family.

Jackson was in Mumbai on his HIStory World Tour. Bendre said his stamina, singing and stage presence at the concert made her a fan after seeing him live.