BANGALORE: A busy sunny day. The road is bustling with traffic and the cacophony from the vehicles is tearing your ear drums apart. Suddenly you turn across the street and you are awestruck by rustic murals of a legend, who has been one of the most profound and influential pop artistes of all time.Right opposite to the Devegowda petrol pump in Padmanabhanagar, against a blue-grey background, the walls stand tall depicting the life history of none other than the King of Pop — Michael Jackson.Two years ago, the BBMP had taken an initiative to clean up the city’s walls and public places defaced by film posters and graffiti.With the mantra of 'Beautiful Bangalore' certain areas in the city were targeted and the walls were painted by many artists and citizens — young and old.However, the area of Padmanabanagar has a special place and attracts many because of a facade of paintings depicting MJ's life — his dance moves, drug addiction and also some designs from his album covers.Says Reema, a resident of the area, “It's not like we come here everyday and take a look these paintings. But it is a nice feeling. It gives the entire block a colourful and a vibrant feel. As long as the paintings are not hideous, it's all good. I am a huge fan myself and grew up listening to him.” Commemorating MJ's second death anniversary last week, many musicians and artists paid homage to the legend by organising live gigs and other dedicated nights in the city.So when we asked the the Deputy Mayor S Harish as to why the walls have MJ's painting and whether it is a way the BBMP is paying a tribute to the legend he said, “One of his fans might have requested the artists to paint them. It could be an indirect way to pay tribute to him. I don't have enough details to support the fact though. However, it was last year along with many other paintings that were done across the city during the anti- defacement programme, that the MJ paintings were painted. I think it was the artist who was largely inspired by MJ. Primarily, the aim was to promote the tourist destinations and highlight the state's rich and vibrant culture.” “Nobody really would pay that much attention on an everyday basis to these paintings. But if you are walking around the streets or you come to the market, it's a nice feeling to have these painted walls around.They are colourful, they are bright, they light up the area around — what else can you ask for?” asks Riya, a Mount Carmel student.Another resident, Ashok Nadkarni says, “It's not just about Micheal Jackson.There are so many indirect messages to decipher from these paintings. Most importantly, nobody litters around these walls. People might think it is useless and there is not really a need for these paintings, but I think they serve a larger purpose to the public.”
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