Michael Jackson’s arrival in Mumbai on October 30, 1996, as part of his HIStory World Tour, marked a defining chapter in India’s pop culture history. He received an overwhelming welcome at Sahar Airport and went on to perform for more than 35,000 fans at the Andheri Sports Complex on November 1. During his stay, Jackson also met political leader Bal Thackeray and attended a high-profile charity event, where he was honoured with a humanitarian award. At the ceremony, he delivered one of his longest and most memorable public speeches.
It was at this event that Shah Rukh Khan’s gesture unfolded. Shortly after Jackson concluded his address and stepped away from the stage, Khan was invited to the dais. In a moment that has since become symbolic of admiration transcending celebrity status, the actor paused, pointed to the exact spot where Jackson had stood moments earlier, and kissed the dais. Addressing the audience with a light remark, he said, “Wait a second, let me kiss this dais where Michael was standing, marvellous.” The act reflected an unfiltered display of reverence from one global icon to another.
The moment later found a place in a tribute video produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s banner, titled Make It Large: A Tribute to Michael Jackson, released on the singer’s 51st birth anniversary. In the video, Khan paid homage to Jackson’s enduring influence, stating, “We have lost a part of our history. Some of us have lost a part of our growing up. Some people teach by their words; others, by their lives. Thanks for being with us forever.”
Renewed interest in Jackson’s life and legacy has been fueled by the recent release of the biographical film Michael on April 24, 2026. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film chronicles Jackson’s journey from his early years to his rise as a global music phenomenon. The lead role is portrayed by Jaafar Jackson, marking his acting debut.
The film has opened to a strong box office response, reportedly crossing Rs 25 crore gross by its fifth day. According to industry reports, it collected Rs 2.40 crore net on Tuesday across 2,783 shows, registering a 6.7 percent increase from Monday’s earnings of Rs 2.25 crore.
The resurfacing of Shah Rukh Khan’s gesture underscores the profound impact Michael Jackson had not only on fans worldwide but also on fellow global superstars. Decades after his visit, the King of Pop continues to inspire reverence, reaffirming his place as an enduring cultural icon.
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