It may appear to be incredible, but interestingly Gauri Tonk, who has always come on the screen draped in the traditional Indian saree, is now always being seen in latest western outfits in ‘Jhoome Jiya Re' being aired on Zee Next.

While this is nothing new as actors dress up according to demands of the character they portray, what seems unusual is that the lady vehemently refused to appear in a saree for a scene in the serial!

It took nearly two hours to convince Gauri to drape herself in a saree for the scene and that too, the actress relented only after intervention of the creative head of the show Mrinal Tripathy!

When we contacted Gauri to ascertain the truth regarding the incident, the actress rebuffed the story as fictitious and baseless.

Substantiating her view, Gauri said, "Believe me, when I heard about this nonsense I was shell shocked. Everyone is aware that I am fond of wearing sarees. So how is it possible that I will decline any offer to wear a saree for any scene in a serial?"

So what is the truth? Well, Gauri gives us an explanation.

"Look, three days before the shot was to be taken, I personally went to the shop and selected a saree. I also went to the tailor and gave him the measurements for the blouse.

I gave him special instructions regarding the fitting and style. However, when the saree and the blouse arrived, I found that the blouse was too small for my size and it was impossible for me to squeeze into it."

Gauri goes on to add, "There was another problem. I was supposed to do a salsa item wearing a saree and I detested the idea. I was apprehensive that my performance would be affected owing to the saree. Dance is not a mere fun for me, but my puja. So how can I ever compromise with it?"

"Finally, I suggested that if the tailor fitted an additional cloth strip, the matter could be resolved.

Since I have been looking after my dresses for most performances, I know how to manage things. Even in this case the matter was resolved after the tailor followed my instructions.

Nevertheless, I feel hurt and humiliated over the entire incident. It is really unfortunate that even after cooperating so much, people are blaming me without knowing the truth," Gauri clarified.

Performing salsa in a saree is a weird task. So when we asked Gauri how she managed the scene, the actress said, "Well, everyone is aware that it is one of the difficult most tasks. However, I tried my best to ensure that the scene does not appear to be awkward to the audience.

Apart from the saree, the shoes I was wearing were another problem. However, I am happy that at the end of the day, people congratulated me for my performance. Many even wished me luck."

When we contacted the show's creative head Mrinal Tripathy for her version of the story, she supported Gauri's statement and said that there was no issue at all.

"Gauri is very cooperative and has never denied wearing a saree for any shoot. Alll this is the creation of a few unscrupulous elements who are seeking cheap publicity at some one else's cost," Mrinal reiterated. -Rajnee Gupta