Bharatiya Janata Party's former MP and veteran actress Hema Malini believes a candidate from a non-political background should be given preference during the country's upcoming presidential election.

"I think the president should be from a non-political background. He should be a very highly-qualified person and only a very knowledgeable person should become the president," the 63-year-old said here on the sidelines of an event Sunday.

"It's such a high position that to handle it, a non-political person should be preferred. He'll understand everything and will not be (in favour) for any political party," Hema Malini added.

Asked if she has any special tips for actress Rekha, who has recently become a member of the Rajya Sabha, Hema said: "Everyone learns themselves. Even when I went... no one teaches you. Everyone has to learn on their own. Life is a long process to keep on learning every minute. So, she will also learn it on her own."