The biopic 'Michael', based on the life of global pop icon Michael Jackson, has been generating strong buzz among audiences and performing well at the box office. Amid the renewed excitement surrounding the King of Pop, several old stories and fan moments connected to the legendary singer have once again started circulating online.
One such memorable throwback involves actor-choreographer Prabhu Deva, often lovingly called the “Indian Michael Jackson” by fans for his extraordinary dancing skills. Over the years, Prabhu Deva has openly spoken about how deeply Michael Jackson inspired him, and one particular encounter with the global superstar still remains one of the biggest highlights of his life.
When Prabhu Deva finally met his idol - Michael Jackson
Back in 1999, when Michael Jackson visited Mumbai, Prabhu Deva rushed from Chennai to be part of the celebrations organised in honour of the singer. The actor later recalled how excited he was just to be in the same city as his idol. Initially, however, things did not go as planned, and he believed he would miss the opportunity to meet Michael Jackson in person.
Sharing the memory with Deccan Chronicle, Prabhu Deva said, “In 1999, when Michael Jackson came to Mumbai, I was called from Chennai and I immediately took the first flight there. I was invited to take part at the big bash thrown in his honour. Much to my disappointment, I could not meet him then.”
When a hug from Michael Jackson left Prabhu Deva speechless
Just when he thought the chance was gone, Prabhu Deva received an unexpected message from Michael Jackson’s organisers asking him to visit the singer’s hotel room. Recalling the emotional meeting, he shared, “However, to my pleasant surprise, his organisers asked me to go to his hotel room. It was one of the biggest moments of my life. I was speechless when I finally met my inspiration.”
He further added, “There was high security around him, but they were nice enough to tell him about me. I went to shake his hand and he in turn, hugged me. I was stunned and speechless.”
Performing At ‘Michael Jackson and Friends’
Prabhu Deva also once opened up about another cherished memory linked to the King of Pop, performing at the concert ‘Michael Jackson and Friends’ in Munich. The grand event featured performers from across the globe, and Prabhu Deva shared the stage with his brother Raju Sundaram, music composer A. R. Rahman and actress-dancer Shobana.
Speaking about the experience, he said, “People from all over the world were performing at the concert titled ‘Michael Jackson and Friends’ held at Munich, Germany. My brother Raju Sundaram, AR Rahman sir, Shobana madam and I performed together on stage.” Although the team was expected to share the stage with Michael Jackson himself, things did not unfold exactly as planned.
Prabhu Deva admitted he was disappointed that the dream collaboration never happened, but the experience still remained magical for him. “Our slot was the last one before MJ came on and we were supposed to share the stage with him. Unfortunately it did not happen. But I still remember that day clearly. I watched his entire performance and was spellbound,” he recalled.
Michael Jackson’s influence still lives on
For Prabhu Deva, Michael Jackson was never just a performer but a lifelong inspiration who shaped his understanding of dance and stagecraft. Summing up his admiration for the singer, he said, “He was my biggest inspiration and continues to be so. He still lives on in our hearts.”
Even decades after his passing, Michael Jackson’s legacy continues to inspire artists across the world, and stories like Prabhu Deva’s remind fans just how deeply the King of Pop influenced generations of performers in India and beyond.
