Bhopal, December 16: Handloom weavers in Chanderi town of Ashoknagar district in Madhya Pradesh were in for a surprise when Bollywood actors Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor visited their place yesterday.
”Handloom weavers work for 8-9 hours every day in a village where there is no electricity. However, they are paid a meager amount for their hard labour although the saree is sold at a high price in market,” Kareena told a press conference here to highlight the plight of weavers in the era of modern textiles.
Sporting black-and-gold ‘Chanderi’ silk saree, the glamour-queen said Aamir — her co-star in upcoming flick ‘3 idiots’ — wanted her to promote ‘Chanderi’ silk saree as she was a fashion icon of sorts.
”I love wearing sarees. I wear them on functions and other places,” she said, quickly adding that one cannot avoid modern dresses.
Four weavers — Hukum Singh Kohli, Randhir Kohli, Kamlesh and Dayaram — from Chanderi accompanied Kareena for the press conference.
”Weavers get paid only labour charges for their hard work. There is urgent need for providing direct market to weavers so they can get paid adequately,” Hukum said, pointing out that the government was providing money for weavers but very little amount actually reached them.
”Aamir and Kareena purchased had 12-13 sarees worth around Rs 55,000. The saree she is wearing costs Rs 4,500,” he said.
Hukum said Aamir worked on handloom with them and printed his and Kareena’s name on the border of the saree.
”The saree will be completed in a few days. We have been called to Mumbai on December 23 before the release of the film,” he said, adding that Aamir had promised to provide them sale proceeds of the saree.
Aamir later had dinner at the house of another weaver, Kamlesh. On working with all the ‘Khans’ in the industry, she said it was different experience working with all of them. Speaking about the message of ‘3 idiots’, she said the film had a strong message that when one runs after excellence success follows.
So, one should focus on excellence. She said her beau and actor Saif Ali Khan, who had spent a part of his childhood here, had sent regards to everyone. She said she could probably visit Bhopal along with him on the next occasion.
The actress also provided clue for the next stop of Aamir where he could be traced as follows Seedhe log, Sadha bhes, Kahin pe pyar, Kahin pe dhwesh, Aap sabko mera sandesh, Mein to chala apne dada ke desh.
–Agencies