The groundbreaking 1991 music video by Michael Jackson, featuring a memorable performance by an Indian classical dancer, remains a landmark in pop culture. The video, shot on the bustling streets of Los Angeles, was widely celebrated for its unique concept and ambitious production, incorporating global cultural elements. Interestingly, the dancer who performed the Odissi-inspired sequence was not directly from India but was Dr. Yamuna Sangarasivam, a Sri Lankan-American dancer. Her brief yet striking 20-second performance alongside Jackson turned her into an overnight sensation.
Yamuna Sangarasivam's Audition Story
In an interview shared by India Wants To Know, Dr. Sangarasivam recalled how unexpectedly she landed the role. She said, 'There was a call for a Michael Jackson video audition, and they told me, You should come with us. I was unsure — I thought, since my background is in very traditional classical dance, I didn't know if it would fit into a Michael Jackson video. That evening, I spoke to my parents and said, Daddy, I don't know whether I should do it. But Amma said, Chella, darling, you should absolutely go for this audition.' She laughed, adding that this encouragement led her to audition. Selected from over 3,000 performers, Dr. Sangarasivam brought an Indian classical influence to a global stage, appearing in the final segment filmed on a Los Angeles highway. Reports also suggest that Michael Jackson took special care during rehearsals and worked closely with her to perfect their duet.
'Michael 2' Coming Up Next
The recently released movie 'Michael' is a grand autobiographical drama that traces the life and rise of Michael Jackson, focusing on his journey. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael's real-life nephew, marking his acting debut as MJ. The film has opened to massive box office numbers, earning around $97 million in the U.S. opening weekend and crossing approximately $217–219 million worldwide within its first few days, making it one of the biggest musical biopic openings ever. Interestingly, the makers have also announced the part 2 of the movie by confirming 'Michael 2'.
