Michael Jackson remains one of the most influential figures in global pop culture. Known as the “King of Pop,” he shaped music, dance, and fashion for decades. His career spanned over forty years and broke cultural barriers worldwide. Through his performances and visual storytelling, he changed how artists approached stage presence. Moves like the moonwalk and the robot became iconic. His influence extended beyond Hollywood and reached industries like Bollywood.
Tiger Shroff ’s dance tribute
Tiger Shroff has often paid tribute to Michael Jackson through his performances. In 2019, he shared a video on Instagram inspired by the legend’s dance style. The actor is known for openly expressing his admiration for MJ. His caption read, “Us MJ wannabes be like🚶🏻♀.#moonwalkingintotheweekend #throwback #mytributetotheking #mj.” In the video, Tiger recreated several of MJ’s signature steps with precision. The clip was taken from Sabbir Khan’s film Munna Michael. The movie featured multiple sequences where Tiger performed iconic moves like the moonwalk.
‘Anybody Can Dance’ and MJ’s legacy
Bollywood has often drawn inspiration from legendary performers. One notable example is Remo D’Souza’s Anybody Can Dance (ABCD). The film was heavily influenced by Michael Jackson’s style and energy. Choreographer Salman Khan spoke about this in an interview with PTI. He explained that MJ’s presence could be felt throughout the film. According to him, the makers kept the legend alive in every act. The film also featured Prabhu Deva, who performed a special tribute.
A. R. Rahman ’s musical inspiration
A. R. Rahman has long admired Michael Jackson. The composer has often acknowledged the pop icon’s influence on his work. Elements of MJ’s style can be seen in Rahman’s music videos. Rahman has also spoken about his fascination with the moonwalk. He was deeply affected by Jackson’s untimely passing. In an interview with The Hindu, he recalled meeting the icon after the Oscars in Los Angeles. He described the meeting as pleasant and memorable. According to him, Jackson expressed admiration for India and its people. Rahman has consistently credited MJ as a major inspiration.
Jaaved Jaaferi and dance influence
Jaaved Jaaferi is another artist influenced by Michael Jackson. Known for his versatility, he built a strong reputation as a dancer. His early performances reflected MJ’s style. Jaaferi also met Jackson in New York during the Bollywood Awards. This interaction further strengthened his admiration. Songs like “Bol Baby Bol Rock N Roll” and “Dekha Tujhe To Dil Gaane Laga” showcase this influence.Meanwhile, ‘Michael’ movie is out now and is getting mixed reviews.
