Sonali Bendre on welcoming Michael Jackson in a nauvari saree at his 1996 Mumbai concert
Synopsis
Sonali Bendre's Michael Jackson memory has an unexpected twist — she was more excited about wearing her grandmother's-style nauvari saree than meeting the global pop icon. Speaking on Sony Marathi's Kon Honar Crorepati premiere, she revealed the 1996 Mumbai concert ultimately won her over, turning a cultural duty into genuine fandom.
Key Takeaways
Sonali Bendre recalled welcoming Michael Jackson during his October 1996 visit to Mumbai as part of the HIStory World Tour .
She was initially more excited about wearing a traditional Maharashtrian nauvari saree than meeting the pop legend.
Sonali said she was chosen because organisers 'wanted Marathi girls' to represent the culture at Jackson's arrival.
Watching Jackson perform live converted her into a fan, with his stamina and singing leaving a lasting impression.
The revelation was made on the premiere episode of Sony Marathi's Kon Honar Crorepati , hosted by Madhuri Dixit .
Actress Sonali Bendre has shared a charming behind-the-scenes memory of welcoming pop legend Michael Jackson during his first visit to India in October 1996 — revealing that her excitement at the time was less about meeting the global icon and more about wearing a traditional Maharashtrian nauvari saree. She made the revelation on the grand premiere episode of Sony Marathi's Kon Honar Crorepati, hosted by Madhuri Dixit.
What Sonali Bendre Said
In a candid exchange with host Madhuri Dixit — who described herself as a devoted fan of the late performer — Sonali recalled being approached to represent Marathi culture at Jackson's arrival in Mumbai. '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 said.
She was quick to add that the prospect of wearing the nine-yard drape held its own appeal. '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,' Sonali explained.
How the Concert Changed Her Mind
What began as a cultural assignment transformed into a genuine fan moment for the actress. Witnessing Jackson's electrifying performance live shifted her perspective entirely. '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 recalled.
The candid admission offered a refreshingly honest counterpoint to typical celebrity nostalgia — acknowledging that even global icons do not always command instant reverence, and that live performance remains the most powerful argument for artistry.
Michael Jackson's 1996 India Visit
Michael Jackson visited India in October 1996 as part of his landmark HIStory World Tour, performing in Mumbai. The concert is widely regarded as one of the most significant live music events ever staged on Indian soil, drawing massive crowds and marking a watershed moment for international pop culture in the country. The tour ran from 1996 to 1997 and spanned multiple continents, making Mumbai one of its most memorable stops.
About Kon Honar Crorepati
Sony Marathi's Kon Honar Crorepati is the Marathi-language adaptation of the iconic quiz format Kaun Banega Crorepati. The grand premiere episode featured Madhuri Dixit as host alongside Sonali Bendre as a special guest, generating considerable interest among Marathi-speaking audiences. The appearance of two celebrated names from Hindi cinema on a Marathi platform underscores the growing cross-over appeal of regional entertainment.
Point of View
Long before streaming made such collisions routine. That a mainstream Bollywood actress processed Jackson primarily through the lens of regional sartorial pride rather than global celebrity worship reflects an authenticity that curated celebrity interviews rarely surface.
NationPress
13 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Michael Jackson visit India and perform in Mumbai?
Michael Jackson visited India in October 1996 as part of his HIStory World Tour, performing in Mumbai. The concert is considered one of the most significant international live music events ever held on Indian soil.
Why was Sonali Bendre chosen to welcome Michael Jackson?
Sonali Bendre was chosen because organisers wanted Marathi girls to represent Maharashtrian culture at Jackson's arrival in Mumbai. She wore a traditional nauvari saree as part of the welcoming ceremony.
What did Sonali Bendre say about wearing a nauvari saree to meet Michael Jackson?
Sonali said she was more excited about wearing the nauvari saree than meeting Jackson, citing a lifelong fascination with the garment inspired by her grandmother. She described the nauvari as 'the most graceful saree ever.'
Did Sonali Bendre become a Michael Jackson fan after his Mumbai concert?
Yes. Sonali Bendre admitted she was not a big fan before the event, but watching Jackson perform live changed her mind. She said his stamina and singing were 'amazing' and she became a fan after the concert.
What is Kon Honar Crorepati on Sony Marathi?
Kon Honar Crorepati is Sony Marathi's Marathi-language adaptation of the popular quiz format Kaun Banega Crorepati. Madhuri Dixit hosts the show, and Sonali Bendre appeared as a special guest on its grand premiere episode.
