MUMBAI: Michael Jackson attended the very first Bollywood Awards in the US in 1999 and wore an Indian kurta pyjama designed by Manish Malhotra especially for the occasion. This remained the only Indian mega event held in the US which Jackson attended.

Jackson received the award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Music and Entertainment... at the first Bollywood awards ceremony in 1999.

Kamal Dandona, Chairman of the Bollywood Group of Companies, said he is totally �devastated at the heartbreaking and totally shocking news of the tragic demise of Michael Jackson.

â€?When I later met him and his children for dinner, my feelings were reinforced that this was a good man who was incredibly misunderstood by the public. Michael Jackson  fans, who witnessed him in flesh and blood at the Bollywood Awards, will fondly remember him for years and years to come."

In his speech at the Bollywood Awards, Michael Jackson spoke of his admiration of Mahatma Gandhi, non-violence and later mentioned his interest in Hindi films.

The packed audience – that included Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Shilpa Shetty, Javed Jaffrey, and Arshad Warsi - broke into raptures the moment MJ walked to the stage. �I distinctly remember introducing Farah Khan to Michael Jackson as India's number 1 Choreographer. He was thoroughly impressed by her. He was truly a fan of Indian culture and tradition,... added Dandona in an e-mailed message.

Dandona said Jackson's unsurpassed creativity and immensely loved music brought happiness to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege and honor for me to have met him and known him as one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We shall all miss him greatly."