When it came to music and dance, there was none quite like Michael Jackson. Bollywood’s veteran choreographer, Saroj Khan, says: “There is no denying the fact that Michael Jackson played a major role in shaping the way we dance today. We owe much to him-he invented the moonwalk and breakdance.”

For choreographer Ganesh Hegde, what was most inspirational was the fact that like him, Jackson too started out at the lowest rung. “I needed a reason to believe that someone like me who was from a poor family could make it big... Thriller was the reason I became a dancer.” Dance director Ganesh Acharya said: “I have been dancing since I was a child, but I was introduced to the western style by Michael Jackson. In fact, my choreography for Hrithik Roshan in Krazzy 4 was inspired by him.”

Jackson was no less an influence for musicians. Sajid, of music director duo Sajid-Wajid, says that when he first listened to Thriller, he was hooked for life. “He had a unique sense of music. There’s no denying that he definitely influenced our music. In fact, one of our songs for upcoming movie Wanted, uses beats similar to Jackson’s They Don’t Really Care About Us.”

Also paying tribute is long-time fan and choreographer Shiamak Davar. “At all my dance centres today, we will only play his songs as a tribute. His death is a loss to all his fans and for all like me who just went crazy watching him perform.”