26th June, 2009 began on a sad note for me. The morning bulletin broke the news of Michael Jackson's death to the world. Unexpected and shocking as it was, this revelation was very sad as well. Having been someone as successful and as popular world over as MJ, such an end is very anti-climatic.
MJ's death surely has his fans in a chasm of depression and sadness. I'm not glorifying his rather controversial life, but he must be respected for the good work he has done, for which the world worshiped him at a point time (I'm sure a lot of people still do). He was an amazingly talented artiste and his music is testimony to that. As a child, I remember allusions being made to MJ's dances. One would lose count of the number of people who imitated his dance moves. His albums and singles have had record-breaking stats, and he was the proud winner of multiple Grammys. 'Shattering' is the word that describes this feeling when one hears of another tragic end of a legend.
Hours after his death, the investigating authorities in the USA seem to have detected foul play in the sudden and mysterious death of the Pop King. Is this what a star deserves? And all this happened just days before his comeback concerts kicked off. This is not the kind of farewell the world would have wanted to give to their favourite pop icon. At this point I recall the scene when MJ visited Mumbai. I was very young then but I remember the frenzy. People went berserk, scores of girls squealed till they collapsed. Such was the magic created by this Pop King.
I pray that MJ's soul rests in peace, as one of the world's most widely beloved entertainers of all times, leaves an indelible mark on pop music & culture... and in our hearts.
Bless your soul MJ, you will always be with us.
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