Jacko was the world: Anthem composer

Who is healing the world,in all the ways he can

When city-based Nikhil Gangavane penned these words in defence of his idol Michael Jackson as the singing sensation was mired in controversies,it was just a way of showing his unflinching belief in the ‘moonwalker’. Soon,the lyrics went on to make the Michael Jackson Anthem,composed and sung by Gangavane and released in 2003.

Since then the number has been played at every programme organised the world over in support of Jackson. Of late it recorded one million downloads,making it the highest downloaded celebrity-support song ever.

Even as the news of Jackson’s sudden death came in,Gangavane was busy making arrangements to attend the August 28 London concert,part of Jackson’s This Is It comeback concerts that were to kick off from July 13. “The news came as a huge blow to me,” said the 30-year old,also the president of the pop singer’s official Indian fan club — Michael Jackson Fan Club. “I was looking forward to meeting Jackson as the representative of MJFC and wishing him personally on his birthday that falls on August 29.”

On the Anthem,he said,“In 2003,Jackson was facing molestation charges. As a fan,it was really frustrating to see him getting embroiled in one controversy after another. I thought the best way to support him would be through a song. I was not expecting such a great response from the fans though.”

In 2002,Gangavane was contacted by MJJSource and informed about the peace concert,which the team was planning to spread the message of peace after the 9/11 attack. “They wanted one million children to perform and sing on the same day,for the same cause,all over the world.”

The concert,Heal The World,took place at Vidya Niketan School,Bibvewadi,on May 1,2002. Jatin Chadha,one of the former students of Vidya Niketan School and an ardent fan of Jackson,who had performed at the concert,was also planning to attend the This Is It concert in January 2010.

The Michael Jackson Fan Club,which has around 14,000 members,is planning to pay a tribute to the versatile singer through a concert in November in Pune. “We want it to be a great show — just like the singer,” Gangavane said.