Michael Jackson, King of Pop, who passed away at the age of 50 earlier today exerted a huge influence on Bollywood and Indian film industry. It is difficult to ignore Jackson’s influence on Bollywood and Indian films. Just go back to the 1980s and watch the movies and you will clearly see Jackson’s influence. Not just the 1980s, but even recent ones have been influenced by Jackson. It is not surprising when you think about Jackson’s influence on Indian film industry since there was and is such a natural fit: the sequined clothes, those black shoes coupled with his white socks and that famous white glove. And of course there was Jackson’s music. Bollywood and Indian films repackaged and redistributed Jackson’s brand of music and fashion to India.

Whether they admit it or not, Indian film makers were heavily influenced by Jackson. Whether it was the dance steps, the music, fashion or the way the sets were created to reflect that look and feel of  Jackson’s music videos. It was in the use of light, the camera angle. Basically, the whole nine yards.People that were clearly influenced by Michael Jackson’s music, fashion and dancing style were: Govinda, Hrithik Roshan, Bappi Lahri, Mithun Chakraborthy (the original Disco Dancer) and Chiranjeevi. 

I think in in recent time if there was one person in Bollywood  that  re-introduced Michael Jackson’s style of dancing to  young movie goers it was Hrithik Roshan. Take a look at this Bollywood song with Hrithik Roshan and don’t tell me that you are not reminded of Michael Jackson?Still not satisfied? Then take a look at this video clip of Hrithik dancing and let me know if you see any Michael Jackson inspired moves here?

Perhaps the person who identified closely with Jackson’s style of dancing and fashion was the Bollywood actor Govinda, who popularized break dancing through his movies. In the early part of his career you can clearly see Jackson’s stamp on Govinda in the various song and dance sequences. The Govinda that  you saw in the late 1990s was a very different one when compared to his earlier avatar. Here is a video clip of Govinda and Neelam in Street Dancer.

Before Hrithik and Govinda there was Mithun Chakraborthy, also known as Mithun da, who popularized Jackson’s style of dancing.  In this video clip of Disco Dancer, you will clearly see how Jackson influenced the dance steps.  Besides Bollywood there were Telugu films that were heavily influenced by this cultural and pop icon.

A hallmark of  Telugu movies are their lavish song and dance sequences. An important ingredient for the success of Telugu films was the song and dance routine.  It was Chiranjeevi, a young successful star in the 1980s who popularized Michael Jackson’s style of dancing through his films.  Here is the Indian Thriller version. 

Finally, as if did not have enough exhibits to support Michael Jackson’s influence on India and the expat population that lives around the world…here is a final piece of evidence: Remember Madhu Singh and Suleimain Mirza  from Britain’s Got Talent? Don’t remember? Watch this video clip, which is a great piece that captures everything that I have been trying to paint with words. Enjoy. 

I wonder if Michael Jackson had any idea at all about the extent of his influence in India and the Indian film industry, especially Bollywood. Perhaps, he did have some inkling. But, we will never know. 

Rest in peace Michael Jackson.

PS: Thanks to Kittu Kolluri for reminding me that Prabhu Deva and Michael Jackson’s influence on this dancer/actor.