I heard Michael Jackson sing without a mike

It was a mid-morning in August 1996. I don’t recall the exact date. But I remember that the executive floor at the Oberoi went into a tizzy just as Sanjeev Malhotra, the then vice-president, made the announcement: The Oberoi was going to be the home for iconic pop star Michael Jackson and his entourage during their stay in Mumbai.

Many an inspection followed in the next few weeks, before the actual inking of the pact, by the singer’s special security squad. Some specific changes were carried out in the Kohinoor Suite on the 30th floor, which was blocked for the star.

I have seen many dignitaries, including Bill Gates, during my five-year tenure at the Oberoi. But the pre-visit preparations for Jackson surpassed everything. I never saw security checks more strenuous.

The D-Day arrived. On October 30, 1996, he came, a day before his concert. Mumbai, probably, has never seen a crowd like the one that had gathered outside the hotel. Brushing shoulders with street urchins and the common man stood high society people, Page 3 women and kids from very well-to-do families.

One incident that comes instantly to my mind is that we received a request from Michael Jackson’s office during his stay. It said that he wished to organise a party for underprivileged children, and sought the hotel’s help. We contacted some organisations. The party was held in the terrace garden of what was then known as the Oberoi Towers. Except for three to four of our hotel staff, the area was completely out of bounds.

Jackson sang, without a mike, did his trademark dance steps, intermingled and played with the children and of course, gave them gifts.
(The writer was a senior manager of the Oberoi during Michael Jackson’s visit)