Gone too soon

“Do you remember the time – when we fell in love?
Do you remember the time – when we first met? “



I do Michael – I do.
It was a rainy day in Mumbai in the monsoon of 1993. Ushie and I had gone to see the first movie that we ever saw alone – without parental supervision. We had taken the train to churchgate and then walked to Regal where we saw “Free Willy”
I was 16. My whole life lay in front of me and I was so proud of being on my own that gray day.
I did not even care that my jeans were soaked in the rains and I was shivering in the cold dark movie hall.

It was a great movie but when the movie ended – and you stepped onto the screen larger than life itself and sang “Will you be there”…. That was when I fell in love with your music.

That’s not my favorite memory of the day though.

My favorite memory of the day is a walk on the promenade outside Gateway of India when Ushie looked at the sea and said to me that the waves are so tall, they are going to come right up and swallow us. And then the laughter. I can still hear it.
It was that day that I discovered the unparalleled joy of sharing the rains with someone I love so much.
Yes, it was just one of the initial defining moments in a friendship that has endured many changes and many years and in a way, it was only fitting that I first heard that song with her, because like the song …She has always been there for me.

I became a part of your fan club that day.My behavior was more worship oriented though.
Slowly, I started listening to your older songs and I loved them even more.

I have some wonderful memories about you MJ.

Kedar and me trying to moonwalk endlessly for days together.
Something that I can definitely attribute my strong calf muscles to. J
Your chimp learnt to moonwalk – I am still trying. But it will happen – one of these days…

The first Christmas in the US I was truly happy on … Christmas 2001. It had been the worst year of my life and it all culminated in me walking the cold grey cobbled pathways of University Avenue to knock on her door. Lisa.
The happiness and the love that the Keglers brought into my much lonely life that year.
We were playing Cranium. I had never played it before – but that year had been the year of a lot of never befores for me. And my winning streak started when I identified her Dad do an amazing impersonation of you. And that too was the start of one of the most cherished friendships in my life …Starting at a point where I could sink no lower and trust no lesser and that has lasted many crazy times and Christmases now..

The first PV I ran at Hewitt – I was at work – closer to midnight than not. Listening to “Dlaila” … the corniest cheesiest DJ on radio in the south…crooning cheesy love songs.. and I remember vividly – looking at my screen waiting for the PV job to complete and I realized I was looking at my reflection in the screen while you sang “Man in the mirror”. I had instant goose bumps and of course had to tell myself that it was a sign!

You made some amazing music. For me atleast.

Music that shook me. Wowed me. Inspired me. And amazed me.
Some of the truly iconic and prolific songs in the history of my life…Are yours.
And even though you lived in obviously troubled times – the legacy of your music will inspire and shake the hearts and minds of people like me for years to come.

And for that – inspite of my mixed feelings on many other aspects of your life – I am thankful.

RIP MJ.