24 April,2026 01:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Anupam Kher and Michael Jackson
The Michael fever is back, with a biopic on the late King of Pop releasing in theatres worldwide today. Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson steps into his uncle's shoes to bring his life story to the big screen. As the film hits theatres today, veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher recalled meeting Michael Jackson during his visit to India in 1996 and said that while he shook hands with the late icon, the fanboy in him took over completely.
Sharing the memorable moment on Instagram, where Anupam is seen shaking his hands with Michael Jackson, Anupam wrote, "Dearest Michael Jackson, This photograph is not just a memory⦠it is a feeling frozen in time. I still remember the moment I shook your hand in Mumbai. For that brief second, the fanboy in me took over completely."
Tagging it as surreal and almost unbelievable, Anupam shared that it was "like touching a piece of magic. You were not just an artist. You were an experience."
"A phenomenon that the world may never witness again."
Anupam added, "There will truly be nobody like you for the next thousand years. Nobody. We are blessed⦠deeply blessed⦠that you walked this earth and touched millions of lives with your art, your innocence, and your genius. You were, and will always remain, the eighth wonder of the world."
He said, "And yes⦠somewhere it pains me that even today, there are people who choose to carry poison instead of celebrating purity. But greatness like yours rises far above noise and negativity. You were God's gift to mankind. Wherever you areâ¦may you be dancing, creating, and smiling. Jai Ho!"
The note comes on the day of the release of the late King Of Pops' eponymous biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua. It follows the life of the American singer Michael Jackson, covering his involvement in the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to the 1980s Bad tour.
Michael is directed by Antoine Fuqua and features an ensemble cast including Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and is scheduled for release in cinemas on 24 April.
The film follows the life of American singer Michael Jackson, covering the period from his involvement in the Jackson 5 in the 60s to his early solo career.
Michael Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most culturally significant figures of the 20th century. Over a four-decade career, his musical achievements broke American racial barriers and made him a dominant figure worldwide.
He popularized street dance moves such as the moonwalk, the robot, and the anti-gravity lean. It was in 2009, when Jackson died at age 50 from cardiac arrest, caused by a propofol and benzodiazepine overdose.
