Long live the king!

A guitar being plugged into massive speakers…LOUD (turning the volume knob)… LOUDER... ARE YOU NUTS?!! Followed by a child actor's epic words, "Eat This!" and striking a power cord, which catapults his father right up in the sky, only to land in Africa between a hunters' dance party.

I was five and the above picturisation (of MJ's song Black or White) is one of my earliest memories of Michael Jackson. When approached to do this mini-tribute, my memories rushed back to all the MJ videos I used to watch as a kid. I would stop everything to watch MJ on television, probably just the way he did to watch James Brown.

MJ seemed to have it right with every single thing—the beats, catchy lyrics, the moves! And let's not forget his trademark fashion—jackets, ankle pants, white socks. He was driven by his hunger to learn, to constantly top himself and be the best. He was a shy, soft-spoken personality, but when he hit the stage he was a riot. He electrified his audience with signature dance moves—the robot, moonwalk, anti-gravity lean.

Apart from being a musical great, MJ was also a philanthropist and a humanitarian. He was dedicated to many causes, right from children to the environment and that is inspiring too.

Recently, I had the privilege to pay a tribute to MJ and it was one of my best experiences. It made me push myself beyond known boundaries. Firstly, I picked out the best songs. Then, I planned out the show just like Michael would have done it. Given another chance, I know that I would do it better, because just like MJ, I'm a perfectionist.

Even in the music I write, my arrangements work on the formula I've derived from all those years of following MJ's music. His This is It documentary has had the biggest impact on my life and I wish that the tour had really happened. His book Moonwalk remains close to my heart. Man in the Mirror is like an anthem to me.