Noted actress-politician Hema Malini has expressed her desire to open dance academies in Mumbai and Mathura.
"I have an aim to open a dance academy here in Mumbai by the end of this year. I would also like to open a dance academy in Mathura...People over there have interest in classical dance forms. We will have trained teachers working under my guidance," Malini told PTI.
"We would like to have academy in Mumbai and Mathura. People in Mathura have an interest in dancing. There will be workshops and more," she said.
The 67-year-old "Seeta Aur Geeta" actress feels there is some interest in young people to learn classical dancing.
"Today, lot of young people are interested in classical dancing, but they also want to learn Bollywood dance. I feel other artists should also come ahead and do such kind of programme for classical dancing," she said.
Hema feels Bollywood actresses should take up teaching classical dance.
"Actresses like Madhuri Dixit are known to be classical dancers. But they do not promote classical dancing... They should promote by performing it at shows," she said.
Hema wants to promote talented dancers through Jaya-Smriti, a programme in the memory of her mother.
"I am grateful to my parents for nurturing my talent. She (mother) wanted me to dance...She instilled it in me. I am trying to do things on her behalf. She was a great art lover and she made me what I am today. Without dance, I would have never been Hema Malini," the veteran actress said.
Jaya Smriti is an event organised by Malini where she encourages young talent.
"Every year we do this programme, but since two years we couldn't do it. It is to encourage young talented people to learn classical dance forms," she added.
