Suneeta Rao Revisits 1997 Magazine Cover, Reflects on Women Finding New Voices
Mumbai — Singer Suneeta Rao has revisited her May 1997 cover for “New Woman,” a magazine launched by veteran Bollywood actress Hema Malini, recalling a period when women were finding new voices and becoming more visible across different spheres of life.
Rao shared the magazine cover on Instagram, featuring a younger image of herself from the 1997 issue.
“Cover Story #5! It was May 1997. I featured on the cover of a new magazine by the Bollywood Dreamgirl herself, Hema Malini, called ‘New Woman’,” she wrote.
Rao said the image she presented at the time combined the innocence and sensuality associated with “Paree” with the inner strength of “Dehka Dehka.”
“This time I presented an image which was a delicate blend of the innocence and sensuality of ‘Paree’, and the inner strength of ‘Dehka Dehka’. Women were finding new voices and and making their presence felt in all spheres of life,” Rao wrote.
She also reflected on the broader social changes taking place at the time.
“That year the Vishaka guidelines were issued and women were demanding accountability and preventive measures against sexual harassment in the workplace. A new woman was emerging and there was no looking back!” she added.
Rao began her career with the song “Suneeta Senorita” in 1989 and later gained widespread popularity with “Paree Hoon Main.”
She released the Hindi pop album “Dhuan” in 1991 with Gramophone Company India. The album, featuring music by Lesle Lewis, sold more than 75,000 copies. The song and music video for “Paree” helped make Rao a household name and earned her the nickname “Paree of the Masses.”
Her early collaboration with A.R. Rahman included “Adi Paru Mangatha” from the 1994 Tamil film “May Madham.”
Rao later released videos for “Dehka Dehka” and “Kesariya,” two upbeat folk-influenced tracks that helped return her to the charts.
She also released the single and music video “Chhoti Chhoti Baatein” as part of the Magnasound album “A Reason To Smile,” issued to mark 50 years of Indian independence. Rao also appeared in the group song “Wajah Muskurane Ki” from the album. (Source: IANS)
