Prabhu Deva is like Ekalavya to Michael Jackson (Dronacharya)—except this time, no one had to lose a finger.
Just like countless others, Prabhu Deva is a diehard fan of Michael Jackson. But for him, it's much more than just admiration—it is devotion. He has totally absorbed Jackson's moves and made them his own. And that's why many see a reflection of the pop icon in him, earning him the title "the Michael Jackson of India". His footwork, his fluidity, and even the way he expresses himself through dance—it all carries shades of Jackson’s magic.
Just like Ekalavya, who learned archery by watching Dronacharya from a distance, Prabhu Deva perfected his craft by studying the King of Pop. It's raw passion and relentless hard work that made him what he is today. And when he finally met his idol in 1999, it was a fan-boy moment like no other. He got to express what millions feel: a fan’s gratitude to a legend who, although unknowingly, shaped his journey.
(Credit: talentverse_hq)
One of India's most accomplished dancers and dance choreographers, Prabhu Deva turns 52 today. On this occasion, let's travel down memory lane and revisit when he met Michael Jackson.
Deva’s meeting with Jackson was made possible by actor Anupam Kher, who invited him to Mumbai for the occasion. He called him and said, "You want to meet him, right? Then come over." Without wasting a second, Deva flew from Chennai to Mumbai, filled with excitement. However, even with the invitation, it wasn’t a given that he would get to meet the legend up close. The moment came when film financier Bharat Shah, recognizing Deva’s deep admiration for Jackson, gave him priority over his own son to meet the pop icon.
On this date in 1996, Michael brought the HIStory Tour to Mumbai, India. Bollywood star Hard Kaur on his impact on the nation: “Go to any village, any corner in India and you’ll find everyone is familiar with the name Michael Jackson. There is no musician who can replace MJ.” pic.twitter.com/y2SoaM53FE
— Michael Jackson (@michaeljackson) November 1, 2022
(Credit: Michael Jackson)
When the moment finally arrived, Prabhu Deva could hardly believe it. Standing face-to-face with the man he had idolized for years, he was completely starstruck. "When I finally met him, I shook his hand, we hugged... I remember him saying something, but my fanboy moment was so intense that I couldn’t even process what he was saying!" he recalled in an interview. The energy, the aura, and the sheer presence of Michael Jackson left him speechless.
(Credit: O2india)
The connection between the two didn’t end there. Later, Deva had another surreal experience—performing at the "Michael Jackson and Friends" concert in Munich, Germany. Sharing the same platform as his idol, even if not at the same time, was beyond a dream come true. "People from all over the world were performing at the concert. My brother Raju Sundaram, AR Rahman sir, Shobana madam, and I performed together on stage. 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 was my biggest inspiration and continues to be so. He still lives on in our hearts," he said.
(Credit: O2india)
And though their meeting was brief, it was enough to leave a lasting mark on Prabhu Deva. After all, how often does one get to meet their hero and shake hands?
