To Michael Jackson

I grew up in a small village in Orissa where there was no electricity until 1996. I had no exposure to the modern world of music and entertainment. The only instrument of my childhood entertainment was a small radio that my father got as a part of his wedding gift from his parents-in-laws. I tried my best not to miss the bollywood music programme - Keo Karpin - telecasted in Vividh Bharti every Sunday at 12 or 12.30 noon. I love listening to music but very bad in remembering them, even till now.

Watching bollywood movies was also very rare. The news about free movie shows in nearby villages usually did not take much time to reach us. It is spread to others during our football practice in the evening. After the game is over, we used to gather to make the plans on where to meet and what time. Lest we might fall asleep during the movie show, we used carry sleep preventive mechanisms like sensors and Amrutanjan with us. Since free movie shows were very iregular and gave us rare opportunity to acquaint ourselves with bollywood, we could not afford to fall asleep.

That was the time when Amitabh Bachan and Mithun Chakrabarty were dominating the film industry. Mithun was the favourite for his dance in "I am a Disco Dancer". I loved his dance and also picked up few of his steps. I remember dancing infront of friends, and sometimes secretly by putting on my father's trouser and shirt. My passion for dance has always remained a secret affair. It has never found overt expression because of my shy individuality.

Last year while in Denmark, I went to a weekend party in Roskilde University with friends. We drank, danced, and enjoyed the music. Our group was the one which stayed till the end. One of the students who was the host of the party walked up to me and called me Michael Jackson. I was bit embarassed, but felt happy. As I told, my exposure was very limited. I hardly/never listened to Michael Jackson's musics or watched him dance. But last week, I don't know why but I spent one full day watching his videos and listening to his songs. I liked his "Thriller", "Smooth Criminal", "Dangerous", and several others.

Now Michael Jackson is dead. He is no longer there. Its very sad. Many of the bollywood actors have been influenced by his dance and music. Mithun Chakrabarty admitted that Michael Jackson was like a God to him. The few steps I learnt in my childhood were somhow indirectly influenced by Michael Jackson. I will remember him through my Denmark Experiecne. This is thus dedicated to Michael Jackson.