Anupam Kher Recalls Meeting Michael Jackson in Mumbai: 'You Were Magic'
Synopsis
Bollywood veteran Anupam Kher shared a rare 1996 photograph shaking hands with Michael Jackson in Mumbai, calling the moment 'like touching a piece of magic.' His emotional tribute coincides with the global release of the Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua, starring the pop icon's nephew Jaafar Jackson.
Key Takeaways
Anupam Kher shared a rare photograph on Instagram on April 24, 2025 , showing him shaking hands with Michael Jackson in Mumbai in 1996 .
Kher described the meeting as "like touching a piece of magic" , calling Jackson "the eighth wonder of the world" and "God's gift to mankind." The tribute coincides with the global release of the Michael Jackson biopic Michael , directed by Antoine Fuqua .
Jaafar Jackson , Michael's nephew, stars as the adult Michael Jackson in his feature film debut, alongside supporting cast including Miles Teller, Mike Myers , and Colman Domingo .
The biopic covers Jackson's life from the 1960s Jackson 5 era to the 1980s Bad World Tour .
Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009 , at age 50 , leaving behind a legacy of over 400 million records sold and 13 Grammy Awards .
Veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher has penned a heartfelt tribute to the late King of Pop Michael Jackson, recalling a memorable encounter during Jackson's 1996 visit to Mumbai. Sharing a rare photograph of the two shaking hands on Instagram on April 24, Kher described the moment as feeling frozen in time — a sentiment that resonated deeply with fans across India and the world.
A Frozen Moment in Mumbai
Anupam Kher wrote in his emotional Instagram post: "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."
The veteran actor described the handshake as "like touching a piece of magic", adding that Michael Jackson was not merely an artist but "an experience" and "a phenomenon that the world may never witness again."
This rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into Jackson's 1996 India visit — part of his legendary HIStory World Tour — underscores how deeply the pop icon's presence impacted even the most celebrated names in Indian cinema.
Kher's Tribute: Words That Echo Across Generations
Anupam Kher further wrote: "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."
The Padma Bhushan-winning actor also addressed the controversies that have long shadowed Jackson's legacy, stating: "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."
Kher concluded with an emotional farewell: "You were God's gift to mankind. Wherever you are… may you be dancing, creating, and smiling. Jai Ho!" — a uniquely Indian send-off to a global icon.
The Timing: Michael Jackson Biopic Releases Worldwide
Kher's tribute was timed with the global release of the Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled Michael, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Antoine Fuqua. The film chronicles Jackson's extraordinary life — from his early days with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to his iconic Bad World Tour in the 1980s.
Jaafar Jackson, the pop legend's own nephew, portrays the adult Michael Jackson in his feature film debut, while Juliano Krue Valdi plays the young Jackson — also marking his first film role. The supporting cast includes Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula, Mike Myers, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo.
The biopic has already generated massive global anticipation, with debates reigniting around Jackson's artistic genius, his complicated personal legacy, and the ethics of biographical storytelling about controversial figures.
Michael Jackson's 1996 India Visit: A Historic Cultural Moment
Michael Jackson's visit to India in 1996 as part of his HIStory World Tour was a watershed cultural moment for the country. The tour, which ran from 1996 to 1997, was one of the highest-grossing concert tours in history at the time, spanning 82 shows across 58 cities worldwide.
India, still in the early years of economic liberalisation and global cultural integration, was electrified by Jackson's presence in Mumbai. His visit symbolised the arrival of global pop culture at India's doorstep — a moment that an entire generation of Indians, including Bollywood celebrities, still recall with vivid emotion.
Anupam Kher's post reflects a broader truth: Michael Jackson transcended geography, language, and culture to become a universal touchstone of artistic greatness — one whose influence continues to shape music, dance, and entertainment globally, including in India's own entertainment industry.
Legacy Under Scrutiny — But Genius Remains Undeniable
The release of the Michael Jackson biopic arrives at a complex moment. Jackson's legacy has been fiercely debated since the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland renewed allegations against him. Yet, his cultural footprint — 13 Grammy Awards, over 400 million records sold, and the creation of iconic works like Thriller, Bad, and Billie Jean — remains unparalleled in music history.
Kher's tribute, while deeply personal, implicitly takes a position in this ongoing cultural debate — choosing to celebrate the art and the man's humanity over the controversy. It is a perspective shared by millions of fans globally who continue to mourn and celebrate Jackson, who passed away on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50.
As the biopic opens to audiences worldwide, the conversation around Michael Jackson's life, art, and complicated legacy is set to intensify — making Anupam Kher's heartfelt tribute a timely and deeply resonant contribution to that global dialogue.
Point of View
' Kher positions himself in the ongoing global debate over Jackson's legacy, choosing artistry and humanity over controversy. This is significant: Indian celebrities rarely wade into the complex moral debates surrounding Western icons. More broadly, the timing of this tribute — aligned with the biopic's release — reflects how India's entertainment industry is increasingly engaging with global pop culture conversations, not merely consuming them. The real story here is India's evolving cultural confidence.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Anupam Kher meet Michael Jackson in India?
Anupam Kher met Michael Jackson in Mumbai in 1996 during Jackson's HIStory World Tour. Kher shared a photograph of the handshake on Instagram on April 24, 2025, describing it as 'like touching a piece of magic.'
What is the Michael Jackson biopic about and who stars in it?
The Michael Jackson biopic, titled Michael, is directed by Antoine Fuqua and covers Jackson's life from his time with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to his Bad World Tour in the 1980s. Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson plays the adult Michael, with Juliano Krue Valdi portraying him as a child.
Why did Anupam Kher write a tribute to Michael Jackson?
Anupam Kher wrote the tribute on the day of the global release of the Michael Jackson biopic, sharing a personal memory of meeting Jackson in Mumbai in 1996. He called Jackson 'the eighth wonder of the world' and 'God's gift to mankind.'
Did Michael Jackson visit India and when?
Yes, Michael Jackson visited India in 1996 as part of his HIStory World Tour, which ran from 1996 to 1997 across 58 cities globally. His Mumbai visit was a landmark cultural moment for India's entertainment world.
Who is Jaafar Jackson and what is his connection to Michael Jackson?
Jaafar Jackson is the son of Jermaine Jackson and the nephew of Michael Jackson. He makes his feature film debut portraying the adult Michael Jackson in the 2025 biopic Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua.
