When Bombay Danced With The King Of Pop
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On a balmy evening in November 1996, the King of Pop performed in Mumbai (then known as Bombay) at the Andheri Sports Stadium. It was the first leg of the HIStory tour, which spanned 52 cities, 35 countries, and 5 continents, totaling 82 shows.
Upon arriving at Sahar Airport, Jackson was greeted by 5,000 fans and the actress Sonali Bendre, dressed in a traditional Maharashtrian nine-yard saree, performing an aarti.
Lejhims and dhol troupes played alongside his 30-car motorcade, which was set to drive non-stop from the airport to the Oberoi Hotel on Marine Drive.
Bollywood star Prabhu Deva waited for hours just to catch a glimpse of his idol; spending a whole day in the Oberoi's lobby.
On his way to the hotel, Jackson waved to fans from his car and got out to personally greet the residents of Dharavi, Asia's largest slum.
More than the concert, people remember the kindness he showed to ordinary Indians he met.
Whether it was the pool party he hosted at the Oberoi for children from an orphanage or his invitation for the Oberoi's staff to join him on his tour bus, he made sure to give back to the community.
Undoubtedly, his show was a massive success. According to one concertgoer, 'he was circling the stadium in a helicopter and then made an entry from a rocket,' and he even invited a 15-year-old fan to dance on stage with him.
Waving a tricolour flag in a show of solidarity, he poured his heart into his performance, making the crowd swoon with his musical and dancing skills.
He never returned to India after that, but a handwritten letter expressing his love for the country left on his pillow at the Oberoi shows just how much he enjoyed his experience.
India had been graced by pop royalty that year, and for some, it remains the best concert they have ever seen..
Read More: Michael Jackson - The Philanthropist
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