Jackson was reading Tagore, planned to work with Rahman

Jackson was reading Tagore, planned to work with Rahman
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 10:07 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
Pop legend Michael Jackson, who died Saturday, was reading poetry by Indian Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore during the last days of his life, and had commissioned Oscar-winning music maestro A.R. Rahman to create a unity anthem for his new album.

Rahman got the job after his Academy Award success courtesy Danny Boyle's multiple Oscar winning underdog drama "Slumdog Millionaire" early this year.

Jackson's last brushes with Tagore suggest he was developing a special bond with India, reports contactmusic.com.

"A.R. Rahman met Michael Jackson after the Oscars in Los Angeles and Michael asked him to compose a unity anthem for him...Michael's planned new album would have had a huge Indian feel to it...Michael was reportedly working with Adnan Sami, which was to include Indian musical instruments like the sarangi, tabla, and dholak, " said an insider close to Rahman.

The unity anthem wasn't the first time the pair would have worked together, as they collaborated earlier on a track titled "Ekam satyam".

A source suggested Jackson's brother Jermaine encouraged the King of Pop to explore Indian music, as "Jermaine's wife Halima reportedly lived in Chandigarh in India for some time".

Jackson was secretly also studying Hinduism in the last years.

"Michael reportedly learned how to meditate and he was a vegetarian. When he was presented statues of Hindu deities Ganesha and Nataraja, Michael knew who they were. He was also very anxious to meet Mother Teresa before her death. He had a great interest in all things India for some time, " said Rajan Zed, the president of the Universal Society of Hinduism.
Sanjay Dutt calls The Bhootnii a perfect horror-comedy blend and reveals what made him come on board for the film!

Renowned for his intense performances and larger-than-life screen presence, Sanjay Dutt is set to

Friday, April 04, 2025
Sara Ali Khan Embraces Spirituality at Karnataka's Chandramauleshwara Temple!

Actress Sara Ali Khan, known for her elegance and grounded nature, once again showcased her deep spiritual

Friday, April 04, 2025
Tanya Maniktala reveals what makes her latest series Loot Kaand a compelling watch on Amazon MX Player!

Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free streaming service, turned up the heat with its latest series, Loot Kaand, a

Friday, April 04, 2025
Shilpa Shetty emphasises perseverance as the key to success at Femina Circle's empowering debut in Pune!

Femina Circle, is an exclusive membership club designed for women to connect, foster meaningful

Friday, April 04, 2025
Badshah Gets Emotional Remembering Sidhu Moose Wala During 'Indian Idol 15' Finale!

The grand finale of ‘Indian Idol Season 15’ turned emotional as rapper and music sensation Badshah

Friday, April 04, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT