Among the many memorable moments from that trip, one story that continues to attract attention is how actress Sonali Bendre agreed to welcome Michael Jackson at the airport only after placing a special condition.
At the time, Sonali Bendre was one of Bollywood’s most sought-after stars and was riding high on the success of films such as Sarfarosh, Duplicate and Major Saab. During an interview with ANI, the actress recalled how she was contacted and requested to be part of the grand welcome ceremony organised for Michael Jackson in Mumbai.
According to Sonali, she was approached through political family connections and initially was not entirely convinced about participating in the event. Recalling the moment, she said, “They told me that you need to come and do that and be somebody who got in touch with me. I think it was Sharmila, Raj's (Raj Thakeray) wife. Sharmila's mother and my masi (aunt) have been friends for a long time, and she said, ‘Why don't you do it’ (welcoming Michael Jackson).”
The actress further revealed that she agreed to be part of the event only after making a specific demand. “I was like, okay, but then I want great tickets for the show and all of that with my friends. So I did it because I was getting these tickets to enter where I could take my friends and go to the show. My sister, sister's friends and all of that. We had this great seating. That's what I was so excited about when I did it,” Sonali added.
Michael Jackson’s arrival in India for the ‘HIStory World Tour’ became a defining cultural moment. Massive crowds gathered outside the airport while fans lined the streets to witness the singer’s visit. His concert in Mumbai later emerged as a landmark entertainment event and remains one of the most remembered live performances by a global music sensation in India.
During the late 1990s, Sonali Bendre was enjoying a highly successful phase in Hindi cinema with films such as Hum Saath-Saath Hain, Zakhm and Diljale. Known for her elegance and screen presence, she became one of the most loved actresses of the era. Her association with Michael Jackson’s India visit later evolved into one of Bollywood’s most talked-about throwback stories from the golden phase of the 1990s.a
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