Witnessing a renewed interest among youngsters in the country for Indian classical dance and music, actress turned politician Hema Malini says it emphasises the need for greater promotion of such art forms in the country.

"Classical music is getting popular among the next generation. The need is to promote classical dance and music in the appropriate way," says the 'Dream Girl' of Bollywood, who was here to perform at the closing ceremony of the three-day-long Gwalior heritage festival.

The actress along with her younger daughter Ahana also put up a performance at the festival.

Asked whether she would continue doing films, she said, "I love working. I would act in the films provided I like the scripts."

Pointing out that the country has all that is required to appear as a tourists paradise on the world map, she said "We need to explore places to promote tourism in the country, so that people can understand the great Indian culture."

The festival at Gwalior had a number of classical and fusion performances including that of Amjad Ali Khan, noted Hindustani vocalists Pandit Laxman Krishna Rao, Mita Pandit and Begum Parveen Sultana. Renowned sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan along with his sons Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan mesmerised the audience during the second day while the tone of the last day was set by iconic Ustad Rashid Khan, doyen of Hindustani vocal music. More

He was accompanied by famous talents of Dagar Gharana Mehmood Dholpuri on harmonium, Subhankar Banerjee on Tabla, Murad Ali, son and disciple of Ustad Gulam Sabir Khan from Moradabad Gharana on Sarangi, Ustad Rashid Khan's younger brother Nadeem Khan and Neel Madhav on Taanpura.

It was followed by Ahana Deol started with an Odissi recital of 'Ganesh Stuti' followed by Hema Malini's performance. The programme came to an end with a joint performance by Hema and Ahana displaying the power and characteristics of Goddess Durga.

An electrifying laser show based on the theme of A R Rehman's composition Ma Tujhe Salam was the attraction of the evening. Organised by the Gwalior Heritage Foundation, the festival was held to promote natural, cultural and architectural heritage of the city.