Today on my birthday, 28th of July i.e. exactly a month before Michael's on 28th of August, I would like to inform the whole world that MJ isn't dead and never will be as he will live in our hearts forever as the 'King of Pop'. I don't know about others but when I heard the news about MJ's death on 25th June, I passed it as a rumour/media gimmick. How could have I believed something so insane and uncalled for. I couldn't have let him go without seeing him in real as that's what I wanted to do since I was a toddler. I grew up looking at his posters and listening to his music. I clearly remember it was 1989 and I was 3 years old when my parents started taking me to school's in Delhi for admissions, they took me to the best of school's in Delhi including D.P.S. , St.Columba's, Modern, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Army Public School and a few others. I got through all of them except Sardar Patel Vidyalaya as I didn't want go to the same school where my brother used to go. Out of the 10 most prestigious school's in Delhi I chose St.Michael's as I always thought that it was founded by Michael Jackson thus I'll get to meet my idol. Little did I know that it was not named after MJ but instead Saint Michael( the only archangel named in the Bible as recognized by both Jews and Christians.
Years passed and as I grew up, I got to know that Saint Michael's is where I study and MJ is never be coming to our school to meet us. I felt sad but still never gave up on my hero as I know there will be a day when I'll get to see him performing. Soon the day came when I got to know that MJ is coming to perform in India it was 1992 and I was 7 years old. I was thrilled to hear the news, according to the tour Itinerary he was supposed to perform in Bombay(Mumbai) so I convinced my parents to take me their for his show. When the day was finally approaching, I was left heart broken yet again as the tour got cancelled due to security issue/drugs scandal. After this day,I really lost hope that Michael would like to come to India again. But that day came and he did visit India in 1996 and here is the complete account of it :
The King of Pop himself Michael Jackson came to India as a part of History Tour in the year 1996. This was his first and the only visit to India.
Michael was supposed to come for a concert as a part of World Tour much before 1996 but it got cancelled due to some unknown reasons. MJ (Michael Jackson) made a 2 day visit to Mumbai, India
Arrival
Nevertheless, the day was 30th October, 1996. MJ arrived at Sahar Airport (now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport), Mumbai wearing his usual Red Jacket, Black shades and the Hat. He was welcomed in an Traditional Indian Ceremony by Bollywood Actress Sonali Bendre by performing 'Aarti puja' and applying 'Tilak' on his forehead. Sonali Bendre was wearing the iconic 9 yards long Orange coloured Maharashtrian Saree.
Along with Sonali was Politician Raj Thackeray and her daughter. At that time Shiv Sena- BJP alliance was at an all time high. Shiv Udyog Sena (former part of Shiv Sena) claimed the responsibility for the whole tour. From his security, accommodation upto his concert. It was known Shiv Sena was forcibly making them leaders of this event.
Michael was overwhelmed with the reception according to the onlookers present at the airport.
Michael's first words
"I am very happy to be here in India ... in support of charity"
Dancing with Roadside dancers
MJ was then escorted out under heavy security, there were 20 cars in front and behind taking him to his next destination. While on his way, Michael was amused by roadside fans that had lined up along the highway. MJ asked to stop the car, he got out from his Toyota and putting his security aside interacted with lezim dancers (Lezim is a popular folk dance form of Maharashtra. Lezim is performed using wooden mallets with dancers in colorful costumes)
MJ even danced few steps along with them. Michael was seen picking few children up in his arms hugging and kissing them.
Met Bal Thackeray ?
Michael then proceeded his way to residence of Shiv Sena head, Bal Thackeray at Matushree in Bandra East. Bal Thackeray himself gifted MJ the traditional Indian Musical instruments the 'silver tabla' and 'tanpura'.
MJ signed his autograph on the wall in bathroom he used at Bal Thackeray's residence. Mr. Bal Thackeray have kept that signature intact and shows it to everyone. He is very proud of it.
Stay at Oberoi Hotel
Jackson was accommodated at The Oberoi Hotel. There was already a huge rush present at the hotel. Jackson was seen freely mingling with fans. Hotel staff claimed that he was very friendly, blowing kisses to his fans and shook hands with everyone he met with a smile on his face.
The Oberoi Hotel staff made sure everything and anything that MJ liked was given to him. MJ loved the Indian festivities, The Kohinoor Suite he was staying at was decorated with confetti, flowers, balloons and lights.
Jackson asked for a Poolside Party
Michael Jackson himself requested a poolside party at Oberoi Hotel for kids. Children from local Orphanages were invited. MJ played with the kids and offered gifts and chocolates to them which he had brought with him.
Bash held for MJ
Later that evening, Bharat Shah (Hindi Film financier) held a special event to exclusively welcome MJ to India. The event was attended by all famous Bollywood celebrities and Royal Families from various parts of India.
Michael only made a 3 minute appearance before heading to his room for some rest. Everyone in the bash was left high and dry as they could not meet him personally. But 2 individuals did had a lucky night.
Anupam Kher jumped on the stage brushing aside tight security and grabbed Michael Jackson's hand to shake it, uttering ‘Yeah Woo, woo’.
Second lucky person was acclaimed writer Shobha De. Later on Shobha De told the media that “Shaking hands with him was like an orgasm!”.
Soon after Bharat Shah presented MJ with the silver replica of Taj Mahal.
Next Day another party for kids
On the day of concert, Michael invited 50 kids to his room. He ordered burgers and cakes for all. Kids were seen sitting on his lap and playing with him. Jackson specially arranged a photo session with kids. The sofas and the surrounding were draped with Indian Saree's to give it an Indian touch.
The Concert
On November 1, The Concert, the Show, the phenomenon happened at Andheri Sports Complex.
Jackson's own Special teams were called for setting up the stage. All the equipment was imported by 3 Russian Antanov cargo planes. There were an 3 teams - assembling team for setting up the stage, a dismantling team for bringing down the whole structure and a standby team for further assistance.
Preparation had started few days before only. It took 24 hours for the team to build the stage and less then 6 hours for dismantling.
The Stage was 210 feet long and 60 feet deep. The green room as usual was made beneath the stage. The area had a meditation room, rest room, photography room and a VIP guest room. Although no one was allowed inside except the security and his staff.
Every room was decorated in Traditional Indian appearance. His whole visit was televised on Sony Entertainment Channel.
The show had spectacular fireworks, Dazzling light effects and a sold out arena.
Event was anchored by Mahru Shaikh and Javed Jaffery.
A special route was planned for MJ from his hotel to the Stadium. He reached the venue at 8:30PM.
Michael appeared in a Space shuttle dressed in a silver suit. He performed 20 of his popular songs. Danced, jumped, moved all around the stage in his trademark performance.
Michael Jackson's love interest with Indian food
MJ tried several Indian dishes during his stay. He had a 'masala dosa' for breakfast and the next morning he ate 'Allu Paranthas with Makkhan'. All his meals included Indian dishes such as butter chicken with butter naans, tandoori chicken and spicy Indian Veg curries.
On the day he left, he ordered lots of naans, tandoori chicken, paranthas and other dishes to accompany him on his flight out of India.
Jackson left a message to India on a pillow and a frame
Michael wrote a message on a pillow he slept on to all his Indian Fans.
The Note said
“India, all my life I have longed to see your face. I met you and your people and fell in love with you. Now my heart is filled with sorrow and despair for I have to leave, but I promise I shall return to love you and caress you again. Your kindness has overwhelmed me, your spiritual awareness has moved me, and your children have truly touched my heart. They are the face of God. I truly love and adore you India. Forever, continue to love, heal and educate the children, the future shines on them. You are my special love, India. Forever, may God always bless you .
— Michael Jackson.”
Later on the pillow was held for auction at an charity event which Bharat Shah bought it for himself for a large sum of money.
MJ wrote another small message on a frame i quote "God Bless India, My special Love - Michael Jackson"
Video Footage of Michael Jackson performing in Mumbai, India
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4OBn2M1fRE
Video Coverage of Michael Jackson's tour to India
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG4-HqK0r3Y
Pictures of Michael Jackson's visit to India
http://movies.ndtv.com/gallerydetails.aspx?category=Movies&id=4220&picno=1§ion=Bollywood%20&ShowID=173#BD
PS: There are lot more memories of MJ to be shared so my next post will also be dedicated to 'The King of POP' . The Life of MJ(1958-2009)
Quote of the Day:
“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.”
- Michael Jackson
