The weaver family in Pranpur village of Chanderi district, comprising Hukum Koli, his wife Kamlesh and brothers, were taken by surprise when Aamir and Kareena arrived at their house on Monday evening. In a heart warming gesture, the stars spent several hours with the family, sharing home-cooked food and enquiring about their well-being. They also wove a sari, aided by tips from the weaver and his wife. During his stay with the family, Aamir gave Kamlesh and her brother-in-law a special ring and also invited them to the premiere of '3 Idiots' in Mumbai on December 23.

He told the family that he wants to spread awareness among the youth for greater use of handloom.

''We will wear handloom clothes in our films,'' he said.

Trade sources said Aamir was impelled to visit the weavers out of his concern for their plight and the dying art of Chanderi sari making.

''The saris are sold for thousands in cities, but the weavers get only a small fraction of that,'' the actor told the family.

He suggested them to sell their saris under his brand name so that more people would come forward to buy them. Aamir also offered to set up a shop for the weavers in Mumbai where they could sell their produce.

A town of historical importance surrounded by hills, lakes and forests, Chanderi is known for its handloom.

Aamir's visit to the weaver's family, seen as a promotional stunt, also evoked comparisons with Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi, who had earlier taken British Foreign Secretary David Miliband to a village in his Amethi constituency.

Rahul had spent the entire night at Dalit Shiv Kumari's house, while Miliband went to Dalit woman Karma's place and slept on her cot. Both had dinner with the hosts.

Directed by Raju Hirani, '3 Idiots', also starring South Indian star Madhavan and Bollywood actor Sharan Joshi, is among the most-awaited films of the year.

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