Mumbai girl talks about her dance with Michael Jackson

Mumbai: Many Michael Jackson fans across the world are sad at having lost that one opportunity to see the superstar in person, but a lucky girl in Mumbai not only got to see him but also hugged and danced with him. Thirteen-years ago, when Piya Thakkar stood in line to watch the historic Michael Jackson concert in Mumbai, little did she know that she’d come out a mini-celebrity herself. It was an act Michael Jackson performed in every city during his History tour - dancing with a girl to his hit song You Are Not Alone and in Mumbai Piya was the lucky girl. “Suddenly I was known as the girl who danced with Michael Jackson and I lost all other identity. I hugged him and he was trying to slow dance with me and then he just went down on his knees and I was so shocked,“ says Piya Thakkar. Some fans had to be pulled away by security, others cried, and still more sat down on the stage in disbelief. Piya showed her loyalty by refusing to bathe or change clothes she’d worn at the concert for days. “I didn’t bathe for just about one-and-a-half days, but the number of days was exaggerated a little in reports, but then I realised I couldn’t go on like this so I got over it after two days,“ says she. It’s no wonder then that when the news of Jackson’s death flashed on TV screens across the world, Piya felt an almost personal loss. “I’m not that much of a cry baby but for the past two-three days it’s been consuming me. I just wish he’d died with all the legacy he deserved,“ says she. And in making that wish for the late King of Pop, Piya is certainly not alone in the world.