Hema Malini upset with misrepresentation of sari

Hema Malini thinks the sari isn't being accorded the respect it deserves at international events. The epitome of grace and beauty as always had her sari ready for the Bangkok International Film Festival, which had a retrospective on her.

"And it was worn with the dignity that the apparel deserves," Hema told IANS.

"I see it being worn in strange ways at these events where our representatives are being watched by millions. The pallu is awry and the girls end up looking undignified. Just because you want to show off your curves it doesn't mean you can wear the sari like that."

Her younger daughter Ahana accompanied her to the festival that started Thursday.

Incidentally, there was a story in Hema's heydays about how she never repeated her saris.

"Yes that's true," Ahana said. "My mother would buy so many Kanjeevarams. Nowadays it's even tougher to repeat the sari since the media catches the repetition and highlights it."

Hema's first retrospective was shown at the festival.

"I took personal interest in selecting the films. Initially, I didn't realise the importance of this honour. We finally selected five of my films - 'Lal Patthar', 'Sholay', 'Baghban', 'Dillagi' and 'Khushboo'," said Hema who was very keen on including the 1974 starrer "Prem Nagar".

"But that film has already been much-seen in that part of the world. In Thailand they're crazy about seeing me and Rajesh Khanna together."

Hema is in Bangkok till July 21.

Indo-Asian News Service