Almost sixteen years ago, my earliest memories of actor Robin Williams date back to my sixth grade, perhaps in school, when I watched the movie "Jumanji". Juvenile as I was, little did I decipher the deeper meaning behind that fantasy movie where Robin could go into a fantasy world full of strange animals and unrealistic places, just by rolling some dice on a magical board, which could take him to a different time altogether. This movie showed his finesse in being able to make one laugh and forget the world and go into an imaginative, adventure-filled world and enjoy life like a child.
Almost a year ago, I watched his movie "Dead Poets' Society " which demonstrated his depth in being able to inspire with the gravity of a philosopher and poet, fighting to instill that spirit in juvenile students who were waiting for that "captain" to direct their sinking ship. And I, a student of poetry and philosophy, apart from other things, could connect with his finesse once again. Watch the scene at the link below:
And today, as I read about his sad demise, the poet and the child in me are both sad, but they speak to me something else too. Perhaps, for a soul like Robin, the child in him wanted to try something new and adventurous and in that attempt, transported himself to another world, away from the travails and troublesome realities of this world by the roll of dice, though the dice was rolled by destiny this time. To put in the worlds of Shakespeare, the philosopher in him realized that " Life is a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing" In the words of Walt Whitman, He did indeed "sound his barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world". I can hear it now, can you? May his soul fly to uncharted galaxies in the other world and continue to shine beacon of humor and inspiration...
As I write this blog, which happens to be my maiden blog, I feel heaviness in my heart; a looming gloom hanging all over. The King of Pop, Michael Jackson (MJ) is dead. The whole world seems to be paying tribute to the legendary star and mourning his sudden demise at a young age (50).
I have never met Jackson, but being in India, I have consistently seen how much impact he had on Indians who were crazy about the Jacko’s unique magical dancing style.
I remember watching the very popular dance show –boogie woogie and dancers participating in it imitating Michael’s characteristic style in dancing. The hat with a curl of hair dangling near the face, that unmistakable crotch–grabbing style, almost electrifying body movements and all...that was MJ..!!
I think I was somewhere in seventh grade in school, when I heard of MJ’s visit to India. I remember having watched some videos on television picturing the hotel where MJ had stayed and his scribbling on the hotel’s mirror, with the words:”Indian experience overwhelmed me”. Well, that was something which I further knew about the pop star’s persona.
He truly united all races. The songs which he composed seem to exude a hidden meaning for generations to come.
I'd Rather Hear Both Sides
Of The Tale
See, It's Not About Races
Just Places
Faces
Where Your Blood
Comes From
Is Where Your Space Is
I've Seen The Bright
Get Duller
I'm Not Going To Spend
My Life Being A Color
---------taken from song “black or white” by MJ
He was actively involved in charity and in helping the Blacks also.
Its rather strange that as the color of his skin transformed from black (his native color) to white, mostly due to several surgical operations after he got singed in a Pepsi commercial in 1984, his music career, turned from white to black; his reputation being tarnished by several allegations and accusations of child molestations.
His song ‘we are the world” and “heal the world” are simply sublime. A true artist and a true human being can compose such great songs for the world.
In fact, I thought that Jackson was purely a pop star with all impossible looking dance movements and the typical pop ting. His some very initial songs had a great mix of beats in it. But when I heard two of his songs “You are not alone” and “I just can't stop loving you” when I started to experience first pangs of love in my life, I realized his delicate and consummate skills at looking at the thing called Love. The lyrics are very soothing, calm as if coming directly from his soul. His versatility in music is clearly ostensible. At one time Michael is very charged and violent in his music and dance, and at other time he is very calm and subtle with his music.
Though Shelter come and rescue me out of this storm
And out of this cold
I need someone
Oh why oh why why, why
If you see her
tell her this from me
All I need is
One more chance at love
One more chance at love
---------taken from song “one more chance” by MJ
I think his art, talent, dexterity, altruism all surpasses any negative traits which were alleged on him. I do not know the truth behind them, but I think MJ was acquitted of all the accusations in 2005. And after that he was planning a comeback for his fans. Such was his capability to keep the show going on...!!
But the years of trials and all left him gutted at the core and he had taken to drinking and drugs overdose. Perhaps, speculations are that his demise was brought by narcotic abuse. Whatever be the truth, but one thing was certain, MJ wanted to have peace within himself, just as he desired it for the world (which is clearly expressed in his songs)
Tell me what has become of my life
I have a wife and two children who love me
I am the victim of police brutality, now
I am tired of being the
of hate, you’re rapin
me of my pride
Oh for God’s sake
i look to heaven to fulfil its prophecy...
Set me free
---------taken from song “They don’t care about us” by MJ
His music and the words of wisdom carried in it will inspire for eons. At the end, I wish MJ finds true freedom and peace in the other world and would say that
Though you’re far apart, you’re always in my heart...
You are not alone; I am here with you......
---------taken from song “you are not alone” by MJ
