Jai Ho, MJ!

I am shocked at the untimely passing away of Michael Jackson, one of thegreatest musicians of our time.

MJ, for most of our generation was an icon who made uncompromising music. Hepushed the milestone of Pop music to unbelievable levels through the 80s and90s. I am yet to find an artist with that energy, perfection and vision.

I met him personally after the Oscars in Los Angeles and we vibed very well.He said that he loved India and the Indian people. He said he heard good thingsabout me and he was praising the chord progression of Jai Ho’s chorus.

He was bursting with energy and told me that every dance move he did, camefrom his soul and did a five second stunning example. It was like a lightningstrike :)

He was concerned about developmental issues such as Global Warming and aboutwars and its damages to the human community.

He asked me to compose a unity anthem on the likes of  "We are the World "for him. I nodded in awe …!

He introduced me to his three lovely bright kids. The kids told him "I loveyou dad" and he replied "I love you more" as a proud father. I wished himwell for his concerts and he said "God Bless you".

After hearing the shocking news I wished it was another rumour which wouldfade away soon. It took me time to believe that he is no more.

I remember, my late sound engineer Sridhar had brought me a video of thepremiere of  Remember the Time when I was recording Kadal Rojave formy first movie Roja. Seeing it inspired all of us that afternoon.

Now, there is no Sridhar and no Jackson anymore.

I hope all of us value people’s existence more and respect them when theyare alive.

Life is short! Artists and their art live for ever. Jai Ho, MJ! We loveyou for your music, regardless of all the controversies.