November 1996. Michael Jackson had come for a concert in Mumbai. I was an ardent fan, all of 10 years old. Cursed everything in sight for why wouldn't he do a concert where I was - Chennai. That's a big city, isn't it? No cable TV - so couldn't see the concert on TV either (did Doordarshan cover it?)
Well, next time. Somewhere, I'll attend his concert. I consoled myself.
I came to the US. Passing thought was - "I maybe a little closer to that elusive MJ concert". Then, MJ announces his London concerts. Aargh.... why not where I am?! But I hoped, that since he's starting concerts again, he might do one or two in the US. Alas, it was never meant to be....
One of the things I'm proud of about myself is I can dance pretty well. And Michael Jackson was my role model for my dancing. I copied his moves as a kid. (Also, Prabhu Deva - who also idolized MJ!) I grew up, moved onto other kinds of music but MJ was still the childhood fascination. Just last week, I was at a soiree and the DJ played "The way you make me feel". I felt myself moving to the dance floor spontaneously. The DJ played a few more MJ hits, "Thriller", "Billie Jean" and "Beat it" during the night and I danced to all of them. After years.... it was childish satisfaction.
November 2009. Thirteen years after. I read about "This is it". A film made with rehearsal footages. I watched it today. Watched MJ make the same moves as he did years ago. Listened to those childhood songs again performed "live". He truly was, King of Pop.
The closest I'll ever get to a Michael Jackson concert. This is it.
- An MJ fan.
