Jackson 'readily agreed' to perform in India: Raj Thackeray

Raj Thackeray was the man instrumental in bringing pop star Michael Jackson for his only concert in India. He was in Shiv Sena then, heading Shiv Udyog Sena, the party’s entrepreneurship wing.

He organised the concert at Andheri Sports Complex, on October 31, 1996, to raise funds for the party. Now heading Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Raj recalled the event

Michael Jackson’s energy level was tremendous. He was a great singer and had a great fan following all over the world. He performed only once in India and that, in Mumbai.

Jackson was willing to visit India. We sent him an invitation, and he immediately accepted it. During his stay in Mumbai, he never flaunted his superstar image. He behaved like an ordinary person, mixing freely with his fans and the common man.

I went to receive Jackson at the airport, along with my wife, Sharmila, and son, Amit. We welcomed him in traditional Indian style, offering him a shawl and garlands. Amit shook hands with Jackson.

What was most striking about Jackson, was his style of connecting with his audience. He had never been to India before, but he bonded with them immediately. His death has created a vacuum, which would be hard to fill. He was a great singer. No one can take his place.