The Indian music market is made up of only 5% western music and the face of this is Michael Jackson. Not only is he popular with the english speaking provinces he also holds sway in rural provinces where he competes with the nations top “Bollywood” stars.
His signature dance moves have endeared him with a generation of music fans throughout this region dedicated to local offerings. "The moonwalk made Michael reach from the classes to the masses in India." Says Nikhil Gangavane, the founder of the official Indian Michael Jackson fan club, which boasts a membership of 13,000. British born hip-hop Hard Kaur, star spoke of the legacy Jackson has over the local industry. “Actors, established choreographers, aspiring composers, kids in dance shows, everybody borrowed ideas.”
Today at an international cricket match their were numerous placards devoted to Jackson. Signage space would usually be reserved for idols such as Sachin Tendulkar, but today their country lamented the loss of a true international pop icon.