Michael Jackson was not just a name; he was a sensation, one of the greatest celebrities of all time, one who outlived the stage he stood on and every song that he sang.The world remembers Michael Jackson as the King of Pop. For millions of Indians, though, his legacy is about more than chart-topping hits and moonwalks. It is also tied to one unforgettable night in Mumbai in 1996, and to a heartfelt promise he made before leaving the country.He performed a concert, which was part of his HIStory World Tour and that single visit is still remembered by people even about decades later. According to Reuters, it was his first and only concert in the country, which took place on 1 November 1996 at Mumbai’s Andheri Sports Complex in front of 60,000 people.Jackson’s one-night-only concert is still remembered as one of the most iconic performances in Indian entertainment. The dazzling lights and the powerful setlist impressed the crowd, but what really won the country over was Jackson himself and the genuine love he showed for India.It wasn’t just his 20 songs or moonwalk that won the hearts of the Indians, but a heartfelt note that he left on his pillow, towel, and other belongings of the hotel he stayed in.
From Sonali Bendre, who welcomed him clad in a Marathi saree to his larger-than-life entry on the concert stage
Jackson landed on 30 October, and Actor Sonali Bendre, wearing a nauvari saree, welcomed him at the airport with a tilak and an aarti.His dramatic entry from a rocket-like capsule in a gold and black suit, drew fans who couldn’t get in to dance in the streets outside. It was a glittering, houseful event, with leaders from business, Bollywood and politics jostling to meet him. And recently, actor Anupam Kher also recalled in an Instagram post that he broke a barricade to meet Jackson at a gathering in the Oberoi hotel gardens, where an arrangement for the meet-and-greet was made for the selected few.
The heartfelt note on the pillow and a promise to come back
What truly cemented Jackson’s bond with India was not just the concert but a handwritten note he left behind. He scribbled it on the pillowcase in his hotel suite. According to ETvBharat, the pillowcase is now said to belong to film financier Bharat Shah, who reportedly bought it for $10,000 at a charity auction.According to the Statesman, Jackson wrote: “India, all my life I wanted to see your face. I knew you and your people and I fell in love with you. Now my heart is full of sadness and despair, for I have to leave, but I promise that I will come back to love you, I love you, and caress you again. Your goodness has completely dominated me, your spiritual consciousness has touched me, and your children have really touched my heart. These are the face of God. I really love and adore India. Always, continue to love, heal and educate the children, the future shines upon them. You are my special love, India. Always, may God always bless you.”He also left similar notes on the towel, mirror, tray cloth which were al actioned for charity later
