Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Hema Malini looking out for male dancers

Special Correspondent

MP to table Bill in Rajya Sabha on welfare of artistes in distress

IN THE LIMELIGHT: Actress Hema Malini performing a classical dance recital in Hyderabad on Sunday. — Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

HYDERABAD: Film actress and MP Hema Malini proposes to introduce a private Bill in the Rajya Sabha for the welfare of artistes in distress.

This would be her bit as a performer of different forms of art, the former `Dreamgirl' who is here to present dance ballet `Draupadi,' organised by Delhi-based Telugu Velugu, said. Its proceeds are to be used for the benefit of the poor, aged and sick, she told a press conference on Sunday.

Hema asserted that she attended the Rajya Sabha regularly. "Others (artistes) might have problems in doing so, but I don't have any."

The actress-dancer recalled that during the recent budget session she had pleaded for a special allocation for the elderly.

In response to a question, she stated that her Mumbai-based organisation, Natya Vihar Kalakendra, was looking for male dancers. "I have difficulty in locating them. You please help me," Hema requested the large gathering of presspersons.

Promoting youth

She planned to include youngsters in her dance performances/ballets next year, including one on environment. "I am looking for youngsters as part of the scheme launched two years ago to promote youth. The kendra was started in the memory of her late mother, "Who was a great a lover of art." Referring to the ballet, Hema quipped "Draupadi had faced terrible domestic violence. She was projecting two versions of the Pandavas' wife." Would she take up direction again? "No, I will not touch it. Now I have too many roles to play. These dance performances keep me going." Hema who had acted in a Telugu film several decades ago ruled out doing so again as "Nobody has offered me a role. It is too late now."

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