Entertainment icon Michael Jackson had a special bond with India and Hinduism.
According to reports, he was reading India’s first Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s poems during the last days of his life.
When Oscar winner Indian musician A. R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) met him after the Oscars few months back in Los Angeles (USA), Michael reportedly asked him to compose a unity anthem for him. Rahman collaborated with Michael on a track titled *Ekam Satyam* in 1999. Michael was reportedly currently working with Adnan Sami, Bollywood musician, on an album, which included Indian musical instruments sarangi, tabla, and dholak. Halima, Michael’s brother Jermaine’s wife, reportedly lived in Chandigarh (India) for some time.
Michael reportedly learned how to meditate and he was vegetarian. When he was presented statues of Hindu deities Ganesha and Nataraja, Michael knew who they were, and explained their significance to the presenters. He was very anxious to meet Mother Teresa, who lived in India. India born author Deepak Chopra calls Michael a longtime friend.
When Michael flew to India in 1996 for a live show, he was welcomed at the Mumbai airport by an aarti (Hindu ceremony performed in adoration of a deity or any outstanding personage or guest by circular movement of a lighted lamp before his person) by Filmfare Award winner actress Sonali Bendre (Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai).
Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed has urged Government of India to honor Michael Jackson posthumously at least by issuing a postage stamp. Michael’s personal life might had been controversial, but he did provide “joy” to a large populace of the world through his music. Ancient Hindu scripture *Upanishads *talking about “joy” say, “From joy are born all creatures, by joy they grow, and to joy they return”, Zed, who is chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, added.
When Michael left India after the concert in 1996, he reportedly wrote on the pillow he slept in the hotel suite: “India, all my life I have longed to see your face. I met you and your people and fell in love with you. Now my heart is filled with sorrow and despair for I have to leave, but I promise I shall return to love you and caress you again. Your kindness has overwhelmed me, your spiritual awareness has moved me, and your children have truly touched my heart. They are the face of God. I truly love and adore you India. Forever, continue to love, heal and educate the children, the future shines on them. You are my special love, India. Forever, may God always bless you. – Michael Jackson.”