Hema Malini suggests revival of kotha culture of Avadh

LUCKNOW: Thanking Akhilesh Yadav for quick action on proposals pertaining to her constituency, Hindi film star and BJP MP Hema Malini suggested that the UP chief minister should support revival of ‘kotha’ (courtesan’s hub) culture of Oudh to restore traditional songs and dance, while ensuring that women performers were not exploited.
“Like Devdasi culture of the South, music and the dance in Oudh’s kotha’s were also dedicated to God,” said Hema, speaking to TOI on Sunday.She added, “They were centres for learning of music, dance, song, culture and etiquettes. With passage of time, art and culture was replaced with exploitation of women. I request the chief minister to restore the kotha culture as in the past without any ills plaguing them.” Hema said lots of Hindi films and TV series depict kothas but artists have only books and stories to learn about that culture from.
Appreciating development schemes in the state and efforts to restore lost heritage of Vrindavan in Mathura, Agra and Lucknow, Hema said it would benefit generations to come. But she added that bureaucrats of the state need to be as sensitive and committed as the chief minister to promote the cause of heritage.
Hema said she spends at least 10 days a month in her constituency despite her professional engagements. She claimed to have completed development work including road building to the tune of Rs 50 crore with the assistance of the central and state governments, while Rs 120 crore was to be invested in her constituency for projects including a theme park on the life and times of Lord Krishna. “I want to build a world class auditorium in Vrindavan as world class artistes want to perform for Lord Krishna there. The chief minister has agreed to fulfil my demand,” she said.
On the ban on Pakistani artists in India, Hema said, “Unless terror attacks on India from the Pakistani side cease, the ban must continue as security of the nation comes first and foremost.”
“Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif is a very good friend of Dharemendra ji (film star, her husband) and keeps enquiring about my well being from him. India and Pakistan are like sisters so the Ma (India) and Mausi (Pakistan) should share a cordial and harmonious relationship for peace and progress of the two countries.
When asked if is was in the race for becoming BJP’s UP chief minister face, she denied firmly and said she would campaign extensively for the party in the forthcoming elections.