Journalism of Courage
On Michael Jackson's 62nd birth anniversary, we look back at the time when MJ visited India and left his fans spellbound. Jackson visited India on November 1, 1996. Here are a few photos from that tour. (Photo: Express Archive)
Michael Jackson visiting India was a grand affair. Everybody wanted a glimpse of the American singing sensation. "I remember him alighting from his private jet and his entourage came in four other planes. The airport came to a standstill for an hour with officers, aircraft crew and passengers coming to greet him," Sabbas Joseph, director, Wizcraft, had said at the time.
Here Jackson is seen with SP Hinduja (left) and Gauri Khan (right). (Photo: Express Archive)
However, it was not just the fans who made a big deal out of the pop star. MJ himself took an extra step to make sure that his visit would be remembered for times to come. "He asked for a free-standing, full-length mirror in the room and he signed it at the time of his departure. He also signed a pillow slip from his room," the Wizcraft director had told The Indian Express.
Here he is seen with Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. (Photo: Express Archive)
The 1996 concert of the ‘King of Pop’ was held at Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai. (Photo: Express Archive)
"His moonwalk, in a gold and black suit, had girls gasping," said actor Prashant Raj. "But it was his Thriller, a youth anthem then, that got everyone going," he added. (Photo: Express Archive)
The eighth child of the big Jackson family, MJ made his professional debut in 1964 as a member of Jackson 5. (Photo: Express Archive)
Michael Jackson is one of the best-selling artistes of all time, selling over 350 million records worldwide.
Here MJ is seen interacting with Anupam Kher (left) and Prabhudheva (right). (Photo: Express Archive)
Michael Jackson died of a cardiac arrest in California on June 25, 2009. He was 50 years old. (Photo: Express Archive)
