Desis made the King of Pop one of their own a long time ago, writes Huma Yusuf.
One of my best friends and I first started talking because of Michael Jackson. It was 1991, and satellite dishes were creeping into Pakistan. Weeks after my family splurged on a dish, the iconic music video of ‘Black or White’ hit the airwaves – one viewing of that, and we knew the cash doled out for the dish had been worth it. Our worlds – and minds – had been blown open, and nothing was ever going to be the same.
My father stationed himself in front of the television for nights on end, glued to Channel V, eagerly anticipating another screening of the world-turning, people-morphing, dance-inspiring video. For months, I was summoned out of bed, out of the shower, away from the dinner table, and even off the toilet to watch the last 30 seconds of a video that used special effects to defy bodies, space and race. It got to a point where I started wondering that my family was a bit weird, a tad too obsessed with the cinematic draw of Jackson and his video. And then my classmate, let’s call her Z, admitted to staying up nights in the hope of catching another screening of the video.
For weeks, Z and I analysed each and every frame of that video, the lyrics of the song, the poignant casting of Macaulay Culkin in the rap sequence (hey, it was 1991!), and more. We’re still firm friends. But even better, I realised that my understanding of the World Out There, friendship, family, music, dance, desire and film has forever been shaped by Michael Jackson.
Of course, Jackson had permeated my world years before the satellite dish came to rest on my roof. His music was everywhere in the 1980s, and after finding a pirated copy of the complete version of the ‘Thriller’ video on VHS, my elder brother ensured that my nightmares were populated with yellow eyes, animated corpses and jerky arm movements for many months. No doubt, the King of Pop as artist and celebrity was a familiar figure. But it took me a little longer to figure out that Michael Jackson as cultural phenomenon has always been a part of my everyday life.
What trip to Murree was complete without a walk down Mall Road, my protective cousins and parents cautioning me all the way to watch out for ‘yahoos’? These young men, lingering in clusters at the doorsteps of good karhai spots, defined my understanding of male sexuality. And they, in turn, were defined by Michael Jackson. Brightly coloured jackets with sleeves pushed up to the elbows, white socks with black shoes, awkward mullets, and a slouch that ensured that the hip and pelvis jutted out from the body in all manner of suggestive ways – these were the trademarks of the ‘yahoos’ who stalked my adolescence.
Even now, you can stroll through Zainab Market on a December evening and find an array of leather jackets with straps and sheens to make Wacko Jacko seem saner than most. Pakistani fashion – and a young Pakistani man’s sense of how he should be – are forever indebted to MJ.
Of course, Pakistanis are forgiven for internalising Michael Jackson because they were always getting a double dose of him. The original MJ cast his spell, mesmerising us through music videos and magical beats. But we really made him our own after Bollywood appropriated the best that Jackson had to offer and made it as desi as chai, samosa and arranged marriage.
In a tribute to Jackson, Richard Williams writes:
He loved the world of glitter and divas, of Judy Garland and Diana Ross. He was the pop star of the era of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, or ET and Star Wars, futuristic in style yet terminally sentimental in content.
Glitter, glam, special effects and sentiment – no surprise, then, that Bollywood and MJ were meant to be. And where Bollywood went, desi youngsters were bound to follow.
In my opinion, Jackson confirmed his status as the biggest super star ever when Amitabh Bachchan donned a silver glove, tried to moonwalk and warned the ladies, ‘dance dikhaon ga aisa, Michael Jackson ke jaisa’. In 1989, Sridevi took MJ’s ‘Bad’ and made it badder with ‘Main Hoon Bad Girl’. Meanwhile, ‘Thriller’ was never going to be the same after Tamil cinema turned to red leather and put a goli through the heart of what made Jacko the greatest of them all.
Through the 1980s, Bappi Lahiri and other composers used Jackson’s funk and pop style and Billie Jean beats to shake up South Asia. And by the early 1990s, India even had its very own Michael Jackson in the form of Prabhu Deva, and his face-paced dance movements had all of Pakistan (now well equipped with satellite dishes) hip swinging like the Jackson 5. Not one to be left out of the cultural zeitgeist, even Shah Rukh Khan put in a flash cameo as the King of Pop, reminding all of us that you can’t claim to be a star without channelling MJ himself.
And so it is that I take comfort in the fact that Michael Jackson may be gone, but he’ll never leave us. All I need to do to get a taste of Michael is go to a mehndi or walk down Murree’s Mall Road in June. We can miss the superstar that was, but we can just as easily find the Michael within.
Shares ways in which you think Michael Jackson influenced Pakistani culture with Dawn.com.
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September 24th, 2009 at 5:41
Nice post, I would like to read this blog through my RSS feed but i cant get it to work, any ideas?
September 21st, 2009 at 14:38
Hi There !!
Good article. His death is a very big loss for the music world. He might have dead but the legend is still alive in the heart of all us as music.
August 27th, 2009 at 15:41
King of pop may have died
but his music is still alive
and we will never forget the king of pop
August 27th, 2009 at 0:12
His Music Will Live Forever!!!
King will live forever!!!
July 9th, 2009 at 1:29
the loss of micheal can never be recovered. he was a true miracle of god.i think he was “the Most” loved person through out the world. even those people who might not understand even a sigle word of english. those people who might not know a single step of dance. but i am sure they would still know who is micheal jackson. me myself i could never understand a single complete line in his songs. even then i loved him and his songs.some of his songs are like anthem for the whole world. like heal the world and we are the world are equally famous everywhere.micheal jackson was not just a singer or dancer.he was a ray of hope for those who has no existence at all in our society. for all african-americans and everyone else who were denied of thier rights micheal stood for them.he was a messenger of peace to this world.he was the one who told us what humanity really meant.he told us the real meaning of global village.caring, loving, sharing, giving and making others happy is what he he always did, regardless of any religion, cast and color.
micheal i would not say i will miss you, because people like you never die.you will live in our hearts always forever.
July 6th, 2009 at 13:52
I think there is nothing special in propagating and glorifying MJ or his achievements. His live was filled with a to and from abuses. He was just a singer with a flare for ugly presentations. His dances were reveling and vulgar. Sorry I have no good words for him or his so called achievement.
AH
July 4th, 2009 at 8:48
Every soul will taste death. Death is one of realities that we all hope not to face. Those who have died have reached their destiny. Everyone else is on way. This is the destination known to everyone. And the provisions needed for this journey and destination are also known to everyone.
I wonder how many stock up well for it.
Death was never ment to be a time to glorify the dead, but an opportunity to realize one’s own end some day.
Wonder how many do that.
July 4th, 2009 at 2:03
mj was and is the king of pop.got to see his concert in 1992 in london.magically electrified.will miss u.
July 3rd, 2009 at 21:39
One of the Jackson brothers said that Michael Jackson never led a ‘normal’ life.
Well — this is why a ‘normal’ YOU — were NOT the King of the Pop — Michael was.
This is why I say that the ‘normal’ mediocre conformist America hounded the eccentric non conformist musical genius of the pop — to his ultimate premature death.
Now every run of the mill ‘NORMAL’ Tom Dick and Harry is shedding crocodile tears over this much maligned, much abused — one of the millennium’s most outstanding musical ‘phenomenon’ — AFTER his tragic.
July 2nd, 2009 at 17:49
I FEEL utterly and completely Privileged to have been born in the MJ ERA!
A KING DIED – AN ERA ENDED – but – THE LEGACY LIVES ON!
There was, there is and forever will be ONLY 1 MICHAEL JACKSON – The True King of POP! The MASTER of the Dance Floor!
You are not alone MJ!
June 30th, 2009 at 20:35
Atleast the children can have a sound Sleep!! From Neverland its going to be Dreamland!!
June 29th, 2009 at 22:40
Michael was a professional to the nth degree. Anyone who gives up their childhood for a better future should be paid, but Michael also gave up his childhood so he could eventually have a platform to change the world. He is surely in a better place.
June 29th, 2009 at 21:45
People love Michael Jackson because he was not afraid to be Michael Jackson. He was always true to himself, and that’s what made his work, fashion, and persona so intriguing. We all strive to be ourselves, but Mike was never scared, never cared what others thought of him. He was secure that he could move people, emotionally and on the dance floor.
June 29th, 2009 at 15:12
Michael Jackson is dead, long live Michael Jackson. His money, reputation, race, zealousy, media and everything became a villain to him and they thrown him into a black hole. His soul will rest in peace far away from this cruel, cruel world.
June 29th, 2009 at 13:23
I was really shocked watching his video’s from Jackson 5.He was perfectly Ok that time but from the same time he was fighting with inferior,complex through his entire life.
This is very sad.
He is a talented,legendary artist and no one like MJ will appear after him.
May God bless you and we will never forget you!!
June 29th, 2009 at 11:09
RIP MJ…. we wont forget you for the music you gave us , for the era you gifted to live in….
June 29th, 2009 at 2:08
wel what to say about the biggest super star and the biggest entertainer of all times,i remember when i was a college student when thriller was released and then legendary moon walk in billie jeans,the markets were flooded with cut shoes wjite socks ,leather jackets and institutes claiming to trin young man n women in the art of break dance,MJ just revolutionasied music,dance and fashion,artist like him doesnt come in centuries but mikes of him comes only ONCE.
June 29th, 2009 at 1:57
I got a text the following morning at early hours…first i thought it was some kind of sick joke by my friends, then i had some reputable sources send me the same news which convinced me to believe the fact that the king of pop had really diminished. He is a great loss to the pop industry and i am willing to bet that we will never see such an icon again.
It is prominent though that accusations nearly lead him into bankruptcy and he went into hiding soon after being declared as not guilty but that case deprived us of the many many good performances that could have been witnessed during that era.
Rest In Peace Micheal
June 29th, 2009 at 1:56
No matter how Michael Jackson remembered in the history, he was the only singer who dominated the world between 1980 and 1990. Michael Jackson was more popular in the East than in the West where he was born and raised. His performance was above expectations. No other singer was so popular equally among the youth and elderly people. It is unfortunate that he will never perform again.
June 28th, 2009 at 20:50
You people should get a grip and take a serious look at your selves. MJ was a top performer and artiste, don’t make him into a God.
June 28th, 2009 at 20:06
Yes, it is very disturbing to hear about MJ’s death – what can you say, just sad. I heard it on the radio just a few minutes after it was anounced and unfortunately i was driving in a no cell signal area – that was hard as I could talk with anyone and I was alone. Finally, when I got the signal, I started calling friends and family, everyone knew by then. The news went out like a blast. So many sad people. I think he was a great guy and had some thing in him, some thing different and he wanted to change this world – peace…
Huma
June 28th, 2009 at 18:20
Good to hear from people of my age. HE WAS JUST A PHENOMENON THAT COMES ONCE IN A MILLION YEARS. Is any person ever, including Beatles, Elvis Presley, rockers or even Muhamad ali. No one comes anywhere close as far as popularity goes. From sibera to antartic(even penguins might have tried moonwalk) and africa, europe and anybody who has heard music, heard radio or seen TV. I’M FORTUNE TO BE THERE TO SEE THE INCREDIBLE MJ IN 80′S & 90′S. The new generations will never know or ever see what we have known or seen.
June 28th, 2009 at 17:00
Songs of MJ will live forever!!! I believe he was the most popular wetsern singer in Asain Sub-continent. No other singer was close to him in the region.
Indeed his style was copied in most bollywood and lollywood movies. He was an icon, a legend!!!
MJ we will miss u…we love u…May God bless your soul!
June 28th, 2009 at 16:29
The man died a drug addict, a sad specimen of humanity, devoured by his own genius. What has happened to us Pakistanis that we have lost all sense of proportion, and so many of us are thoughtlessly aping the silliness that is being paraded in the western media following the death of MJ after a long period of self-abuse?
Yes, MJ had elements of greatness as a musician and as a dancer but, as a human being, he was a total failure. Can a nation like ours ruled by a self-hating, west-worshipping elite afford to indulge in MJ-mania of the type being exhibited here? Have we lost the capacity of discrimination and of the ability to think for ourselves independently of whatever rubbish the west is churning out.
June 28th, 2009 at 7:52
Michael Jackson was one of the all time greats like Harry Houdini, Fred Astaire, Jimmy Hendrix, or Miles Davis. He’s a master of the stage, and had a fantastic musical ability that can’t help but mesmerize.
June 28th, 2009 at 7:21
What Michael tried so hard to accomplish in his life, is being expressed in his death: The love of all people. (this is usually what happens whenever talented, creative people die). I feel fortunate to have experienced his music. It is such a pity that his gentle soul was so maligned and misunderstood. I’m glad I did not buy into the negative portrayal of him. God rest his soul.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:06
Words are not enough and tears I’ve already shed. Always wanted to meet him – but the ultimate plan was different. One thing that gives me solace is that Michael is in a better place now. I’m sure of that. It wasn’t a medical ailment that killed him in the end, it was an intrusive humanity and media circus converging on him like hawks, pouncing and shredding away any modicum of flesh they could get hold of. It’s only when we lose him that the world realizes the immense need we all had of his musical talent and ability to give music a real, tangible, ethereal importance in our lives.
The King’s physical existence is no more, his legend will live forever.
June 28th, 2009 at 2:33
Everyone has been shoked ,having read or watched the news of Micheal’s death, but here I must say;The name of Michael Jackson will remain stay in the world of music till the day of judgment.
June 28th, 2009 at 1:51
RIP MJ. I had the privilege of attending his concert in Mumbai in 1996 and seeing him in the flesh, even if on stage. I’ve attended scores of music concerts by all kinds of artists in the US and beyond, but attending MJ’was a privilege. I’ll always remember.
June 28th, 2009 at 1:13
RIP MJ
June 27th, 2009 at 23:27
It can no doubt be said that Michael Jackson was THE biggest celebrity on earth. Stars arent just confined to US and Europe any more, and truly you could go to any corner of the world and you would find michael jackson fans. Who else can claim such a feat, to be able to bring together people of every race, religion, culture he was untouchable. I disagree with you when you say he became the biggest star when bollywood actors or musicians tried to emulate him. HE became the biggest star on the planet because of his staggering talent, the biggest selling album of all time. besides indian, pakistani or any other emulators you can go to any corner of the world and you would find people trying to emulate him and his persona. The brightest star in our universe burned out. like your brother said May Allah be with you Michael Jackson, RIP…you were magnificent, and you will be with us…always!
June 27th, 2009 at 22:40
Huma Yusuf’s words has given words to my feelings!!
well written!
MJ,RIP!
June 27th, 2009 at 22:01
Good article, I am such a big fun, he’s a true legend. Going back to the memory lane, like others going to school at that era was all about listening to his music and watching his awesome videos in free time. Karachities always have a flare for western music and culture and MJ was a known name in our neighborhood. Me and my friends get scolded because of loud music and non stop dancing on ‘beat it’ and ‘Thriller’. We used to laugh it out. Black or white video and it’s keeps me thinking that how meaningful his songs were ….. very poetic and so true….(I was in my teen years at that point and much mature). I listen again and again all his songs ….specially “my childhood’ and it’s hidden truth was tormented me even now… MJ have a sad childhood and lonely adulthood and it shows in all of his songs.
His charity work was phenomenol, although hidden from public eyes,unfotunately media never seems to care besides some false accusations in 90’s and onwards. but, his fan based never diminished, millions of people recognized his innocence and true heart.
I will quote from one of his interviews where he said ‘ I love ET, cos’ it reminds me of me. Someone from another world coming down and you becoming friends with him sharing his wisdom’. To be honest for me he was a ET, somebody who was too good for this world ….may God rest him in peace.
June 27th, 2009 at 21:04
I second Munz’s words that MJ was the ‘Thriller’ who literally thrilled the world with his songs and dances. There never was a MJ before him, and there never will be one after him.
After all 30 years after Elvis passed away no one has ever been able to reclaimed his crown as the King of Rock’n’ Roll, hence, nobody will be able to do that to the King of Pop.
June 27th, 2009 at 20:42
I used to go with my older cousins to buy his cassettes from that tape shop in fortress – what was it called – UPBEAT! That was the 80s! Wow – every one trying to dress like him, every tried a little break dancing- wow – i have been transported into another time even for Pakistan. May we never stop appreciating great music and making some of our own. After all let us not pretend those of us in our late 20s and up- we were influenced by that man whether we like it or not…in the space of a week Pakistanis have joined together in victorious celebration for our cricket and mourning for a great artist. If our emotions can draw us together like this to rejoice and to grieve for things so disconnected with war and IDPs and the pain of people who are yet alive in some form or other- then how much more should our emotions for the suffering of our people bring us together? How much more is in store for our nation if we let these moments unite us for more than a few passing moments, unite us to make a difference – we have opportunities ahead of us to unite and come together to grieve also for our people and in our unity strive to make life joyful, victorious and celebratory for those who suffering most from the conflict and trials that our country is facing. Let us not be escapists, but let us use these times to reflect on the passing of life and on the value of our days, our breath and the strength God has given us for today – let us not disconnect events too much – it may be a form of escapism, but is that what pakistan needs ? So lets ‘ Beat it! ‘
June 27th, 2009 at 19:11
OK, Michael has left a legacy and no one can replace him. Whether a 50-year-old man is young or old? Practicing such speed dances and performing on the stage may cause many physical problems that too for a patient like Michael jackson. I do not understand how the organisers have planned 50 such shows scheduled during July.
June 27th, 2009 at 16:17
While his many fans and supporters have to deal with articles like this one, http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2009/jun/26/michael-jackson, it is refreshing to see a more personal piece written by someone. An article that many of us could relate to, read and say, ‘yeah, it happened to me too’.
Thank you for sharing. He is the only truly global star that transcended all boundaries, and I hope he is remembered more for his contribution to music, and his charity work, than his troubles.
June 27th, 2009 at 12:11
Correction! There was no Channel V back then! It was MTV Asia..
June 27th, 2009 at 11:52
I had always a dream to meet “Michale” but now this dream can’t be completed.it’s very shocking for me and for anyone who loves break dance
June 27th, 2009 at 11:15
This article so truly reflects all the memories that kept on coming as flasbacks the entire yesterday.
The red blinking breaking news strip on every news channel informing about Michael Jackson’s death seemed something that the eyes were seeing but the brain did not want to accept.
I remember being a typical teenager glued to Channel V, watching Thriller, Earth Song, Black or White, Crowd fainting on MJ’s concerts,searching for lyrics and his pictures on internet, available then at only one friend’s place (that too under parent’s supervision).
MJ did face multiple controversies during his life but the fame, global fan-following and theh aura this individual had, was something that is granted by God to very few handpicked people.
May his soul rest in peace and he is remembered by generations to come!
June 27th, 2009 at 10:27
It is shocked for me that a legend star has died and i have also heared his albums. I think no one can sing like a mega star Michael Jackson.
June 27th, 2009 at 9:33
Michael Jackson is in all of us? Gosh, I hope not.
June 27th, 2009 at 5:49
michael was the best bar none.
he will be sadly missed by millions of people who grew up listening to his music. r.i.p.
June 27th, 2009 at 4:56
At least he was not like those politicians who are world famous but build their popularity over many world crisis, he was indeed an honest true lover of mankind. a subject where the whole world was one together has died. May Allah bless his soul amin.
June 27th, 2009 at 3:26
I just can’t fogrt the day when my friend carried me on his bike to his home to show me Thriller Video. I was young and couldn’t believe my eyes and ears for witnessing such a mind boggling performance. Listening to thriller even today sends chills down my spine. Michael Jackson was a great artist, and he will be part of our memories as long as long as we live.
June 27th, 2009 at 2:35
We will miss MJ. Mj’s used to be seen everywhere in Karachi in mid 80’s, with Cut Shoes and White Socks, Gloves and Jackets, and offcourse the heart-pumping Break Dances and Poppings. It’s so sad that just couple of weeks back, I introduced my 6 year old daughter to MJ’s Thriller and she was excited, and then she went to U-Tube to watch him Moon-Walking and tried emulating it herself. We will miss you MJ. You were the Franks Sinatra, & Elvis of our generation.
June 27th, 2009 at 1:03
Huma,great piece of writing.
I remember those days as if it were yesterday and the fact that I thought of them quite often still, shows the impact the man made on me.
I was in love with his music since Thriller and it was definite when I watched him moonwalking on the motown video (on video cassette my cousin brought in from the states) when this guy became an absolute phenomenon to me.
God rest his soul.
June 26th, 2009 at 23:55
Michael Jackson death has taken away a mucsician an entertainer that may be very difficult to replace in future. In early eighties, 1983-84 onwards he took Karachi by storm. I was in school in those days and his music was all over. Pakistan had only one TV channel in those days i.e. Pakistan Television (PTV) and only one radio station, Radio Pakistan which use to Play English music for an hour or so each day. There was no dish, cable, internet or mobile phone. There was a very strict policy of not showing any kind of English music, dance music on PTV. The VCR was the only available option to watch any songs in the eighties , with British TOPS of POPs being the favorite of every one having interest in English music. The making of Thriller video became very popular here in Karachi and through this video we were able to see Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson MOON WALK was talk of the town in those days. His other songs like Billie Jean, Beat It, etc, were very popular too. Michael Jackson songs became very popular in Pakistan even though a large number of people could not understand English. Michael Jackson became a house hold name in Karachi. Michael Jackson dance was copied by youngsters and music was played everywhere in schools, colleges, etc. Michael Jackson inspired thousands of Pakistanis like me towards English music. Michael had a beautiful voice, his music was extraordinary and his dance was simply out of this world. All his hit songs are very good but my favorite are Billy Jean, Beat it, Thriller, Human Nature, Black or White,Rock with You and Heal the World. It’s sad he is no more in the world but those who saw him especially at the height of his career will never forget him.
June 26th, 2009 at 23:44
Michal Jackson was good dancer & a singer.once he comed in Bombay What dancceing he play truly he is a dancer & a singer No one can like that a man.
June 26th, 2009 at 23:44
it so sad!
June 26th, 2009 at 23:38
So young to have died!!! You were the thriller who thrilled the world!!! You’ll be missed…
June 26th, 2009 at 22:39
The passing away of Michael Jackson is a great tragedy indeed. He was a real legend of the music world and will remain so for ever.
I had the honor of meeting up with this great American icon and found him to be a simple and humble human being without any ‘ego’ whatsoever, as most of the Bollywood and Hollywood stars have got embedded in them and their false personality profiles.
Most of what is propagated in the biased US and the Western media about his personal life is nothing but false. For sure, many unscrupulous people tried to take undue advantage of his wealth and reputation and resorted to filing false claims against him, when they failed.
His legacy encompasses the maximum & the best possible utilization of “Equal Opportunity Environment” by a minority person in America, which eventually paved the way for Barack Obama to be the first ever black American President in the short 234 plus years US history.
His greatest legacy is the endless inspiration and confidence he provided to all global minorities in general and the black and other US minority groups including me, in particular.
May God Almighty bless his soul in peace and solace and provide his family, loved ones, friends. peers, colleagues, pals, associates and fans the fortitude and courage to bear this great irreparable loss. Aameen, Tsum Aameen.
June 26th, 2009 at 22:12
I was in tears yesterday. I am in New York City at the moment on business, and i went to a 311/Ziggy Marley concert in Central Park. They made an announcement about M.J’s legacy and how much he changed the face of music.
He may be gone, but his music will always be around; and it will still being playing as if it were still the latest hit.
M.J. had a very troubled life, but he was loyal to music and loyal to his fans.
God bless Michael Jackson.
Rest in Peace.
-Khurshid Turri
June 26th, 2009 at 22:02
i was completely saddened as my friend broke to me the news of michael jackson’s death. at first i was like you must be joking, but tv and internet have confirmed the sudden death of one of my music icon. in spite of all the bad media that surrounded his life, i always thought that the man deserved to be respected,,,maybe not for who he was but for his music. yes, could be he had issues – but hey who doesn’t? all i know is that he has helped in shaping the music industry in so many ways unimaginable and i will completely miss him for that reason….people can try but no one can replace michael jackson.
June 26th, 2009 at 21:50
Very good article. I too saw Black or White for the first time on Black and White Doordarshan. It was like a window opened to a new world. It is amazing what we all share. The sense of loss with the passing away of Michael jackson is that a part of our youth and what we grew up with has now passed away. A small correction in the article, the link Tamil Cinema is actually a Telugu movie while the Prabhu Deva dance is actually in Tamil.
June 26th, 2009 at 20:46
all i got is i am extremely shocked .. Micheal Jackson will always be in our hearts … i feel so sad for him now that hes gonna ppl are gonna realise how much he meant to all of us and to this world …. everyone has seen the bad side of MJ and talks about it all the time and thts what media even shows us but who appreciates the good deeds he did for this world ???? this stupid media never shows such immense charity work he used to do he was currently associated with 43 charity houses all over the world … its a sad sad day for all of us and i m surely gonna remember him all my life …. may you rest is peace Micheal Jackson our prayers are with you we love you alot and will always pray for you … may Allah grant you a place in heavens thats what u deserve at least …. R.I.P Michael
June 26th, 2009 at 20:17
This is definitely something that I would read in front of my teachers and amaze them. I think you portrayed michael in a good manner and for that I thhank you.
June 26th, 2009 at 20:11
It was 1983/1984 and I was in high school in Karachi. The trhiller album had Karachi and it took Karachi by storm with Billy Jean song being a hit. Break dancing became so popular and there were compeitiions of break dancing throughout Karachi. Boys wanted to copy Michael Jackson, by wearing his style of clothes, shoes and socks. I beleive Michael Jackson truly brought English pop to Pakistan. Now that I live in USA and look back at those years, I feel that a true international star passed away
June 26th, 2009 at 19:40
Word! So true